"Writing With Actors In Mind"

"Writing With Actors In Mind"

As screenwriters, we sometimes forget the pivotal role actors play in bringing our stories to life. Considering actors while writing and understanding their process can significantly enhance our screenplays. Remember, the right actor can open doors to meetings with executives, as they are often the main draw for moviegoers. We often get script requests on our?Script Search Board?looking for scripts with B or A list talent attached.

At?Screenwriting Staffing, we frequently encounter actor-producers searching for roles to showcase their talents. Whenever I inquire about their submission process and how they assess scripts, their approach to the material never ceases to fascinate me. That's why I'd like to share some insights with you.

Having also worked closely with actors for over a decade, I've noticed they pay attention to genre and setting when reading a script. These factors help them grasp the context and environment their character inhabits, which is essential for accurate portrayal and effective line delivery.

Actors prioritize a character's goals or objectives when evaluating a role. They concentrate on the hurdles the character faces in achieving those objectives, giving them a foundation for understanding and developing the character.

Regarding dialogue, actors emphasize the importance of remaining faithful to the writer's words, particularly in comedy. Many actors argue that unclear, verbose, or poorly executed dialogue often leads to a script's downfall.

Actors also warn against excessive parentheticals in screenplays, as they can be intrusive and superfluous, especially concerning emotional direction. At?Screenwriting Staffing, we encourage screenwriters to prioritize story, dialogue, and character development over fine-tuning a performance in writing.

In terms of marketing, screenwriters should focus on crafting a?compelling story. Additionally, target successful film festival directors with your script, as they may be more receptive to unknown screenwriters.

Here are three key takeaways for screenwriters aiming to write with actors in mind:

Eliminate superfluous characters: Ensure every character has a distinct purpose and contributes something interesting to the story. If a character doesn't add value, remove them from the script.

Concentrate on character objectives: Avoid fixating on your movie's visuals, as they're likely to change. Instead, focus on your character's goals, motives, and objectives within the story.

Provide characters with pertinent action: Unless your story unfolds in a fixed setting, assign your characters meaningful and relevant actions that further the plot and their development.

By embracing the acting process and integrating actors' viewpoints into our screenwriting, we can craft richer, more captivating stories that resonate with both audiences and actors.

Directors frequently enroll in acting classes to gain insight into the experiences of actors. Perhaps it would be beneficial for screenwriters to do the same?

--?From your friendly friends at?Screenwriting Staffing?(Jacob N. Stuart)