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These
are the most common weaknesses of the screenplays I am asked to critique,
and the most common reasons for scripts being rejected. Before submitting
any screenplay for either consideration or consultation, be sure the script
meets these essential criteria. (All of these principles are discussed in
detail in my seminars.) |
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Use a plain color, three
hole, card stock COVER.
Cover, brads, and three hole punch paper is not necessary when sending me a copy for consultation, a simple rubber band around the pages will do, since I take the script apart for making margin notes, etc. |
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The TITLE PAGE should
include only the title, your name, and your (or your agent’s) address
and phone number; no date, copyright or WGA registration information. |
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Follow the
SUBMISSION / PROPOSAL SCRIPT FORMAT outlined in either Writing
Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge or The Screenwriter’s
Bible by David Trottier. Or use a formatting software program such as
Scriptware, Movie Magic Screenwriter, or Final Draft. Omit all shooting script devices, such as scene
numbers, sound effects in capital letters, or “continued” at the
bottom of each page. Remember, as one of Michael Hauge's clients, you're entitled to purchase the latest edition of Final Draft for only $99. |
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PROOFREAD, correcting
all spelling, grammar and punctuation. |
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Introduce
the hero within the first ten pages and create immediate IDENTIFICATION
using sympathy, jeopardy, likeability, humor or power. |
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Give the
hero a compelling DESIRE, with a clear, visible goal for her to reach
by the end of the movie. |
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Provide
seemingly insurmountable OBSTACLES the hero must overcome to achieve
that goal. |
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Make
the story CREDIBLE: your characters must behave the way people with
their backgrounds would logically behave in whatever situation you’ve
created. |
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EMPLOY
SUBTEXT: avoid clichéd, on-the-nose, or “announcing”
dialogue, or speeches that duplicate the action. |
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Create
GROWTH for your hero by giving her an emotional fear to overcome
as she pursues her goal. |
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Give the
story a clear, satisfying ENDING. |
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Before
you show it to anybody, REGISTER your script with the WGA:
(323)951-4000 or www.wga.org. |
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Be sure to read the Client Information and Submission Page before sending your script to me for coaching.
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©2006 Michael Hauge |
