Make your writing pop

If you’re working on a script you want to get made, it has to impress a lot of people. Your idea, plot, structure, characters, and dialogue have to be on point, AND your writing has to dazzle.

Instead of our usual Can You Fix This? section, we’re showing you examples of what professional writers could have written and what they wrote instead. 

IN A FEW GOOD MEN written by Aaron Sorkin, the script could read:

Instead, Sorkin writes:

In LA-LA-LAND written by Damian Chazelle, the script could read:

Instead, Chazelle writes:

In MOONLIGHT by Barry Jenkins, based on the book, In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney, the script could read…

Instead, Jenkins writes:

In ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND written by Charlie Kaufman, the script could read…

Instead, Kaufman writes:

In LADY BIRD written by Greta Gerwig, the script could read:

Instead, Gerwig writes:

It’s amazing the difference vivid writing makes. Keep in mind, however, your script should be less than 110 pages.* That means you have to be strategic about where and how you dive into detail in your scenes. Talented screenwriters balance being vivid, compelling, and concise. 

Most screenwriters never make it past the slush pile, not because their ideas aren’t good, but because their scripts aren’t ready. You don’t just need a finished script—you need a screenplay that gets read, gets noticed, and gets made. That’s what our self-paced online program Screenwriting Essentials prepares you to deliver. Sign up today and get started on your best script yet.

*Note: A few of these examples are from scripts that exceed 110 pages but they were written by established screenwriters, not people trying to break into the business. It should also be noted that several of these examples are under 100 pages, even with this beautiful writing. We highly recommend you keep your scripts to 110 pages or less.