Screenwriter, filmmaker, and movie enthusiast Michael Klug shares indispensable advice from his 20 years in the industry for aspirant screenwriters. Klug has spent his career honing sharp screenwriting techniques, creating best practices, and learning from his pitfalls. Here's a glimpse into his toolbox.
Klug's Golden Screenwriting Rules
Klug's unique approach to writing springs from dealing with common mistakes – mistakes he once made habitually. ‘She begins to' is one such example. The term unnecessarily complicates actions the character needs to perform. It's simple; if a character needs to do something, have them do it.
Similarly, obsessing about convenience for characters shouldn't involve pulling magic tricks out of the hat, such as introducing a weapon that miraculously appears at the climax. Klug emphasizes the importance of establishing such elements earlier in the plot.
However, Klug reflects that the most common mistake screenwriters make is over-describing situations. The valuable lesson he learned was not to infringe on the creativity of other professionals involved in the filmmaking process.
Art of Leaving Things Unsaid
As a screenwriter, it's crucial to know when to provide specific details and when not to. The role of the multitude of artisans involved in a film project is to bring their skills and creativity. Overly detailed descriptions can hamper their creativity. Klug gives examples to illustrate this concept clearer.
If a character in your screenplay gets into a brawl and ends up with a broken jaw that impacts the storyline, stating this explicitly is necessary. However, if the fight doesn't have a significant contribution to the plot, a simple description like ‘they fight' leaves the space open for the fight director.
The same applies to costume and production design. Unless a detail such as the color of a scarf or the state of a house significantly affects the plot or character, there's no need to include it in the script.
The Joy of Trimming
Trimming and cutting unnecessary parts from the script brings its own joy, according to Klug. He sees it as a game, trying to reduce as many words and pages as possible. Cutting the clutter enhances the script's readability and keeps it concise.
Klug's Stand on Camera Directions
Although exceptions exist, Klug advises screenwriters against including camera directions in their scripts. That should be the work of the director or cinematographer. However, some moments do require POV instructions. The key is to balance it out and avoid using it extensively.
Final Screenwriting Tip
Submitting an overly descriptive or unpolished script can potentially jeopardize the project. The key is to find the perfect balance. The devil lies in details- only when it's necessary.
For more about Michael Klug and more in-depth screenplay advice, visit KlugulaScreenplayConsulting.com.
Summing Up
Screenwriting has many nuances, and it's an art in itself. Craft your stories to make them stand out and make sure to provide the necessary details only, leaving the rest to the imagination. Your script is a canvas for other artists as well – respect their space. From fighting scenes to costume colors, less is more when it comes to descriptions. More importantly, keep refining your script because as Klug highlights, the joy of trimming is unmatchable. Follow these tips to write impactful screenplays.
