Write Fresh. Be original. Never Bore.

#Screenwriting is a business and an art form built on the foundation of #storytelling, where the currency is #originality without trying to "reinvent the wheel". At the end of the day... or actually, at all times of the day, your screenwriting needs to be undeniable. Don't give the exec or reader the chance to nitpick.

The ability to create something new, fresh, and exciting is what sets apart the few successful #screenwriters from the massive amount of those who never make it.

However, one of the primary reasons most spec #screenplays are passed on is because of a lack of originality in the actual #writing or storytelling, not so much format and style.

Originality in screenwriting can kinda be defined as the ability to create a story that is unique, fresh, and unpredictable... yet still a high quality (NOT HIGH CONCEPT NECESSARILY) complete and succinct #story. Do not write a uniquely styled shitty story and then blame the lack of success on the unique style. Originality is the ability, talent, and/or art to be able to take familiar concepts and give them a new spin, creating something that feels original and extremely excitingly enticing to the reader, without confusing them. The problem with many screenplays is that they lack any originality, and as a result, they fail to capture the attention of execs, #producers, reps, and #studios.

So, how can screenwriters be original and fresh with their screenwriting without trying to "reinvent the wheel"? I ain't the brightest knife in the crayon box but here are a few ways:

1. Embrace Your Own Experiences: One of the most powerful tools a #screenwriter has is their own experiences. By drawing from personal experiences, screenwriters can create #stories that are unique and authentic. These stories will have a level of emotional depth and complexity that aint possible to replicate. No one is you. No one has had the exact same life experience as you. Use that to your advantage. Explore small worlds that people don't know a lot about that you do. Don't be so unique and niche that no one gets it, but use your collection of memories I call the "memory pallet" to paint your stories.?
2. Combine Genres: Combining genres is a great way to create something new and fresh. By taking two seemingly unrelated genres and merging them together, screenwriters can create something that is both familiar and exciting. Pull from the tropes of both genres without being campy or formulaic.
3. Develop Unique Characters: #Characters are the heart of every story, and creating unique and interesting characters is essential for originality. By giving your characters distinctive personalities, motivations, and quirks, you can create something that feels fresh and exciting. I've spoken at length about this in a past article.
4. Find Unexplored Angles: Many stories have been told before, but there are always unexplored angles that can be mined for originality. By taking a well-known story and approaching it from a new angle, screenwriters can create something that feels fresh and exciting.
5. Focus on Execution: Finally, originality is not just about the story; it is also about how it is executed. By focusing on the execution of the story, screenwriters can create something that feels fresh and exciting, even if the basic concept is familiar. How many times have you heard writers and non-writers talk about how someone stole their idea or did a film they had the idea for? It's seldom the case. Everyone thinks they have the next best idea. But it is all in the execution.?

So what does all this shit mean?

Originality is a crucial element of successful screenwriting. Without it, screenplays are destined to be passed over. However, by embracing personal experiences, combining genres, developing unique characters, finding unexplored angles, and focusing on execution, screenwriters can create stories that are fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. So, to all the aspiring screenwriters out there, remember that originality is not necessarily the key to success in screenwriting, but it is definitely not a lock. See what I did there.