A bad script can ruin a good movie. Conversely, a great script can’t rescue a terrible movie. So what exactly makes a bad script? There are many common mistakes that novice screenwriters make, but there is no one answer that applies to every situation. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the most common problems with screenplays, and offer tips on how to avoid them. Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines – every screenplay is different, and what works for one writer might not work for another. With that said, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common issues with scripts.
Underdeveloped Plot
A good script is the foundation of any good movie, TV show, or play. Without a strong, well-developed plot, even the best acting and directing can’t save a production. That’s why so many bad scripts are responsible for low-quality films and disappointing shows. Often, the problem is that the story is simply underdeveloped. The characters are not fully fleshed out, the conflict is not well-defined, and the ending feels rushed or unsatisfying. As a result, the audience is left feeling confused and dissatisfied. A truly great script, on the other hand, is carefully crafted and engaging from beginning to end. The characters are rich and complex, the conflict is believable and compelling, and the ending is satisfying and memorable. When everything comes together like this, it’s no wonder that audiences flock to see the finished product.
Underdeveloped Characters
A script is only as good as its characters. If the characters are one-dimensional or poorly developed, then the script is unlikely to engage readers or viewers. One of the most important elements of creating believable, compelling characters is giving them flaws and weaknesses. This makes them more relatable and human, and it gives them room to grow over the course of the story. Without well-developed characters, a script is likely to fall flat, regardless of its other merits. So if you’re hoping to write a great script, make sure you take the time to create complex, interesting characters that will keep audiences engaged from beginning to end.
Lack of Escalation
Essentially, a good story is all about building suspense and conflict until it eventually reaches a climax. Without escalation, there is no sense of tension or urgency, and the audience quickly loses interest. This is why many screenwriters choose to introduce new challenges and obstacles as the story progresses. Each scene should move the story forward and bring the characters one step closer to their goal. If the script lacks escalation, it will feel flat and uneventful. The key to writing a gripping story is to keep the audience guessing what will happen next. By gradually raising the stakes, you can keep them hooked until the very end.
Poor Structure
A screenplay is a complex document, containing many different elements that must work together in order to create a successful film. One of the most important aspects of a screenplay is its structure. A well-structured screenplay will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each scene contributing to the overall narrative arc. In contrast, a poorly-structured screenplay will feel disjointed and confusing, with scenes that feel like they could be swapped out without impacting the story. While there are many factors that can contribute to a bad script, poor structure is often what ultimately makes it fail.
Unnatural Dialogue
In order to create believable and compelling dialogue, writers must understand the basics of human conversation. This includes understanding how people speak in different situations, how they use body language to communicate, and how they react to what others say. Unfortunately, many writers attempt to force their characters to say things that sound good on paper but would never actually be said in real life. As a result, their dialogue comes across as stilted and unnatural. While there are times when a character might say something out of the ordinary, the vast majority of their dialogue should sound like something that could actually be said in conversation. Otherwise, the script will come across as forced and fake, turning off audiences and making it difficult to suspended disbelief.
Logic Gaps
A screenplay is a complex labyrinth of interconnected scenes and characters, all working towards a common goal. But what happens when one of those scenes or characters doesn’t quite fit? This is known as a logic gap, and it can quickly derail an otherwise well-crafted story. Logic gaps often occur when a writer tries to force a square peg into a round hole, introducing elements that don’t quite fit the story they’re trying to tell. In some cases, these gaps can be fixed with a simple rewrite. But in other cases, they may be indicative of a larger problem with the script. Either way, it’s important to identify and address them early on, before they have a chance to do any real damage.
Commercially Unviable
A bad script is one that is commercially unviable. In other words, it’s a script that would be very difficult to market and sell to a studio or production company. There are a number of factors that can make a script commercially unviable, including its genre, its length, and its subject matter. For example, a script that is overly long or deals with controversial topics is likely to be less marketable than a shorter, more straightforward screenplay. Similarly, a script that falls outside of the mainstream Hollywood genres is also likely to be less commercial. Ultimately, studios and production companies are looking for scripts that they believe will be successful at the box office, and anything that makes a script less marketable is likely to make it less commercial.
Derivative and Unoriginal
There’s nothing worse than watching a bad movie. The actors may be phoning it in, the plot may be full of holes, and the dialogue may make you cringe. But one of the most important aspects of a bad movie is the script. A bad script can sink even the most talented cast and crew. So what makes a bad script? In general, a bad script is derivative and unoriginal. It relies too heavily on formulas and tropes, and as a result, it feels familiar and safe. It’s the kind of movie that you’ve seen dozens of times before, and it offers nothing new or fresh. A bad script is also often contrived and unbelievable. The characters may make nonsensical decisions, and the plot may be riddled with coincidences. In short, a bad script is anything but entertaining. So if you’re looking for a good time at the movies, be sure to avoid anything with a bad script.
Not Cinematic
A bad script is often criticized for being “not cinematic.” However, this is not always the case. In fact, some of the best films ever made have been based on scripts that were not originally intended for the big screen. The key to a good film adaptation is not necessarily whether or not the source material is cinematic, but rather how well it is adapted to the medium of film. A good screenwriter can take a non-cinematic script and turn it into a work of art, while a bad screenwriter can do the same with a script that is highly cinematic. It all comes down to talent and execution.
Too Long
In the world of screenwriting, there are few things worse than a bad script. Not only is it a waste of time and effort, but it can also be incredibly frustrating to try to wade through pages and pages of terrible dialogue and lackluster characters. So how can you avoid writing a bad script? One of the most important things to remember is that brevity is key. A good script should be concise and to-the-point, without any unnecessary fluff or filler. This can be difficult to achieve, but it’s important to keep in mind that less is often more when it comes to screenwriting. In general, a good rule of thumb is to aim for around 90-120 pages, or about one minute per page. Any longer than that, and you risk losing your audience’s attention. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by your script, take a step back and ask yourself if there’s anything you can cut. Chances are, you’ll find that there is. And in the end, your script will be all the better for it.
Conclusion
What makes a bad script? There are many things that can make a screenplay unpalatable to producers and audiences, but the aforementioned talking points are some of the most common. Avoid these mistakes in your own writing, and you’ll be on your way to crafting a more compelling story.
Related:
Leave a Reply