Screenwriting often tops lists of the most difficult writing disciplines. Even seasoned wordsmiths struggle with its demands.
This intricate craft requires intense creative vision, structural precision, and razor-sharp dialogue coupled with the ability to navigate a cutthroat industry.
It’s no wonder aspiring screenwriters often shelve stacks of unfinished manuscripts hampered by structural issues, flat characters, or compelling ideas that stalled mid-script.
Between the pregnancy pains of intense ideation, the convoluted process of transcribing those ideas to a script, and the heartache associated with this field, it’s easy to see why many consider screenwriting one of today’s hardest writing forms.
This piece covers why conceptualizing, structuring, formatting, writing, pitching, selling, rewriting, and optioning screenplay challenges even the most seasoned scribes.
The Obstacles Inherent in Screenwriting
While many productive writers thrive across genres, few attempt screenwriting more than once. The reason stems from layered structural, creative, and operational obstacles.
Conceptualizing an Original Storyline
Imagine an intricate storyline that sustains itself across 90 to 120 script pages using visuals alone. The precise art of cinematically conveying multi-dimensional situations, relationships, and exchanges without leaning on exposition or narration is infinitely harder than conventional prose.
Unlike fiction, scripts center around subtext. That requires building layered characters that connect with viewers through word, gesture, and action.
But even sterling character development stalls without an enticing storyline that unspools gradually via escalating stakes. Hitting that trifecta represents most spec scripts’ downfall.
Structuring a Screenplay
Screenwriters don’t enjoy novelists’ luxury of overwriting early drafts. Hollywood’s strict formatting standards explicitly outline scene parameters to maximize tension amid limited real estate.
So screenwriters must grapple with structure first before translating stories into scripts. The conventional three-act blueprint with inciting incidents, midpoints, and climaxes leading to denouements challenges writers disciplined in freer flowing prose.
You must strategically sculpt smartly-paced sequences that unspool the narrative within those conventions.
That requires understanding the standard screenplay format. Knowing where scene headers go, how transitions unfold, and the precise lingo around character introductions remains pivotal. New screenwriters stumble here frequently.
Dialogue Defines Characters
Nowhere does clumsy writing undermine suspension of disbelief faster than unrealistic dialogue. Yet weaving authentic, concise dialect into scripts frustrates scores of writers.
Communicating backstory, subtext, and conflicts through brief verbal exchanges without contrivance differs from fiction because of viewers’ direct access to body language and actor chemistry.
Most scripts fail from mundane exchanges or on-the-nose pronouncements that lack subtext. Writing dialogue that always propels the narrative forward makes scenes pop.
But that requires honing conversations until only the most hard-hitting prose remains. Distilling dialogue down to its pivotal essence without losing personality separates professionals from amateurs.
Nuance unveils itself through precise word choices and phrasing. Finding ways to convey more with less while giving actors a meaty runway requires finesse fiction rarely demands.
The Difficulty of Getting Produced
Even skillfully sculpted screenplays rarely get produced. Passion projects often become writing samples to showcase skills.
And even the best specimens depend on shrewd positioning and commercial savvy to attract producers.
Pitching Effectively to Studios and Productions Companies
Navigating Hollywood ’scythonian forest starts with distilling projects into coherent pitches targeting appropriate studios and producers. But brevity kills nuance.
How do you encapsulate intricate characters, compelling narrative momentum, unexpected plot twists, and visual intricacies in minutes full of interruptions?
Convincing busy executives your idea merits attention requires strategic positioning. But leave room for improvisation and thinking on your feet. Success hinges on conveying passion and knowledge while inviting probing questions.
The Constant Threat of Rejection
Nowhere do creatives face more rejection than selling scripts. Generationally adored projects like Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lion King got passed over countless times.
Fear of rejection causes many to avoid pitching screenplays entirely. But even securing meetings doesn’t guarantee traction.
Without a portfolio demonstrating ideation talent or celebrity backing, selling original ideas to studios fixated on existing intellectual property feels Sisyphean. But successful marketing happens one conversation at a time.
Securing Financing Presents Another Barrier
Earlier creative obstacles feel trivial compared to kicking Hollywood’s most firmly shut door– financing.
Converting well-received pitches into funded projects means navigating bloodthirsty waters filled with indifference and questionable players.
Independent producers often recognize great ideas but lack resources to develop them. Many absorb concepts then repurpose them because they own rights.
Established studios fixate on existing franchises featuring proven profitability. Original mid-budget dramas disappeared as production costs soared.
Now studios rely on international branding for billion-dollar returns. Small personal stories without merchandising upside get dismissed despite quality and consumer thirst.
Seeing a Completed Production is Exceedingly Rare
Even secured financing only represents phase one. Few spec scripts ever complete the gauntlet from commissioned writing to distribution.
Development hell devours countless projects due to budget overruns, rights issues, or executive changes. Productions dissolve without proven star power securing bank loans.
The Rewrites and Notes Process
Collaboration makes film production more rewarding. But accommodating extensive feedback from financers, directors, talent, and distributors grows overwhelming– especially conflicting suggestions pulling stories in opposite directions.
Successful screenwriters avoid rigid attachment to singular visions. Flexibility serves them. The best scripts undergo countless iterations.
Most Screenplays Require Extensive Rewrites
Studio notes focus on maximizing profit so feedback targets widest demographic appeal. But directors and actors concentrate on strengthening characters and clarifying motivations in service of story.
Balancing so many voices leads many promising scripts astray. Maintaining narrative essence while incorporating suggestions to improve flow, dialogue, and character requires seasoned collaborative skills.
Egos Get Bruises in Rewrites
Receiving abundant critical feedback about early drafts stings unseasoned screenwriters. Having pages surgically removed hurts.
But avoiding easy outs like montages to bridge narrative gaps or employing flashbacks as storytelling crutches represents Growing Pains 101. Leaning into discomfort separating writers from novelists turned dabbling screenwriters.
Young screenwriters refuse amendments that inhibit stylistic flair. But verbosity violates the cardinal rule of cinematic storytelling: show don’t tell. Adhering to industry standards and letting actors do the heavy lifting ultimately improves projects.
Other Noteworthy Challenges
Scene Descriptions Should Move Stories Forward
Beyond snappy dialogue, integrating narration that propels stories forward while fleshing out characters in evocative ways perplexes burgeoning film scribes.
Great scene descriptors avoid dry biographical factoids utilizing sensory details demonstrating environments’ impacts on characters.
Keeping Things Visually Interesting
Filmgoers expectations skyrocketed in today’s CGI-filled franchise landscape. Satisfying shorter attention spans demands increasingly sophisticated sequences balancing character development with visually arresting sequences.
Modern screenwriters must think cinematically acknowledging most readers never finished scripts. Impressing them directly correlates with integrating unforgettable visuals.
Tight Deadlines Add Fuel to Various Fires
Few molehills become more imposing than deadline Mountains. Spec scripts generally get written alone without imposed due dates.
But professional screenwriting revolves around tight timeframes that include extensive notes from myriad stakeholders.
Incorporating heavy feedback quickly without sacrificing story integrity keeps screenwriters up at night. Missing deadlines leads to missed opportunities in this fast-moving landscape. Knowing when to let go matters.
Why Persist Despite Screenwriting’s Hardships?
After digesting myriad structural, creative, operational, collaborative, and emotional obstacles successful screenwriters overcome, aspiring writers may shelve screenplay goals for safer writing ground.
But despite its ultra-competitive ecosystem littered with egos and explosions seeking that eureka cinematic moment propels many past piles rejection letters.
Feeding Creative Fire
Beyond fame or fortune, many write screenplays simply because well-executed scripts make personal creative fires roar.
Losing oneself in characters capable of dynamic dialogue and narratives practically writing themselves offers supreme satisfaction.
Writing visually impactful scenes that translate seamlessly to the screen provides intoxicating creative rushes.
While emotionally exhausting, pursuing great screenwriting continually surpasses complacency’s hangover.
Studying films that move you, grabbing producers’ attention, or hearing actors speak dialogue conceived alone late night sketches a thrill unmatched in other genres.
The Reward Potential
Beyond profound personal fulfillment, that one great script attracting Hollywood heat justifies the anguish.
Watching characters, scenes and exchanges dreamed up alone come alive on screen provides a rush beyond compare.
Even modest budgets find screens globally so opportunities to build fans multiplying. And established screenwriters enjoy compensation commensurate with their stakes. Landing just one script opens doors.
Launching a Screenwriting Career
Establishing careers as film and TV writers no longer requires relocating to Los Angeles. The streaming content explosion cultivated career paths for talented scribes able to develop their own voice and navigate tighter budgets outside the studio system.
Many leverage edgier platforms like Netflix and Amazon to launch livelihoods writing episodic series television building credibility translating into lucrative film assignments. Today opportunities exist domestically and abroad if writing chops meet moments.
But more than fame or remuneration, creative equilibrium justifies screenwriting’s torment for devoted creatives. That enduring joy sustains writers beyond capricious validation.
Why Screenwriting Remains a Worthy Endeavor
While clearly daunting, screenwriting is hardly impossible. Mindful preparation, commitment to the craft, relentless revision and thick skins provide basic foundations for success. Master the principles, embrace the protocols and remember cinema’s greatest stories.
Soon you too may hold that heavyweight title worn well by countless scribes typing through tears because this writing game gives far more than it takes. Just cut open veins and bleed patiently. These words become worth it, always.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it so hard to become a screenwriter?
Becoming a professional screenwriter is incredibly difficult because of the technical skills required, the subjective and competitive nature of the industry, and all the obstacles that exist in actually getting a film made. It can take years to master screenplay format, structure a compelling narrative, and write sharp dialogue before even facing rejection trying to get someone to invest in your script.
Why is writing scripts so hard?
Scripts are hard to write because they require conveying an entire storyline visually without relying heavily on exposition. Screenwriters have to show rather than tell. The specific screenplay structure and extreme brevity of the format also make it challenging for those used to writing prose.
Is screenwriting harder than writing?
Yes, most writers consider screenwriting more difficult than other writing like novels or short stories. The rigid formatting constraints, the need for immense storytelling economy, writing snappy dialogue, and creating an engaging narrative using primarily visuals and subtext make it a huge challenge.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
The number one rule is to remember that screenplays are meant to be made into films. Every scene, action line and piece of dialogue should aim to be visually evocative and cinematic on screen for the audience. The script should paint a compelling picture.
What age do most screenwriters start?
Many successful screenwriters get their start in their 20s and 30s as this is often when people have the combination of life experience to write more sophisticated stories as well as the time dedication needed for a new creative career venture before the responsibilities of older adulthood.
How old is the average screenwriter?
The average age of a working screenwriter is early-to-mid 40s. While some young phenoms break out sooner most people need years to master the craft, develop their voice, get a foot in the industry door, build connections, and have a screenplay go into serious production.
What is the hardest part of writing a screenplay?
For most the hardest parts of writing a screenplay are getting the initial concept right, locking into the precise screenplay structure and format early on, and completing a first draft knowing huge revisions are inevitable before anyone professional will take it seriously.
What is the most difficult part of scriptwriting?
Many find creating multi-dimensional characters as well as natural-sounding dialogue that serves to propel the story forward to be the most difficult scriptwriting hurdle. Unlike novels and short stories, scripts demand exactness with each piece of dialogue.
Why do screenwriters fail?
Most aspiring screenwriters fail to successfully sell scripts because of flawed formatting and structural issues stemming from a poor understanding of screenplay conventions. Others fail because their dialogue feels flat or their overall premise fails to both compel and seem commercially viable to studios focused on the bottom line. Lastly many fail simply because the industry is incredibly competitive. The great ideas and scripts often outnumber the available productions. Perseverance remains key along with taking notes and rewriting tirelessly.
