Lie #4: All I have to do is follow a structural format closely and my screenplay will be great.

This is the opposite extreme of what I just covered.

While some writers sit in one camp believing they don’t need any structural formats, there’s another camp that believes ALL they need is the right structural beats.

Many writers think hitting the beats from Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat will help them write their marketable screenplay and sell it to Hollywood, but when they write the draft the script still feels bland and boring.

Why have there been so many memorable stories throughout history written by writers who never read a single book on story structure?

Because saying something meaningful and truthful is always more important than hitting the right structural beats.

That’s why some stories stand the test of time no matter how they’re structured. Because there’s a timeless theme at the core of the story that resonates with us.

Truth #4: A writer who writes about the truth without ever learning writing structure will be miles ahead of the writer who only studies structure and never explores a truthful theme. 

It's funny how many writers focus solely on selling their script. Even before they have something to say.

And before they've actually dedicated time to learn the craft of writing... 

Money is the only thing on their mind.

This is not the way to write an excellent screenplay.

You must find what it is you have to say.

Click the button to see the next lie.