Breaking into Hollywood as a screenwriter is tough, and the last thing you want is for your script to get labeled as “amateur.” Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned writer, certain mistakes can instantly raise red flags for agents, producers, and script readers. The good news? These mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
In this article, we’ll cover the top five screenwriting blunders that scream “amateur” and how to fix them, so your script has a shot at impressing the right people.
1. Overwriting Scene Descriptions
Why It Screams Amateur:
Too much detail in scene descriptions slows the pacing and makes your script a chore to read. Screenplays are blueprints for production, not novels—brevity is key.
How to Fix It:
- Focus on Essentials: Only describe what’s necessary for the scene. Trust the director and production team to fill in the rest.
- Use Active, Visual Language: Avoid flowery prose or internal monologues. Instead, focus on what the audience will see and hear.
Example:
❌ The room was filled with antique furniture, the kind you’d expect in a Victorian mansion, and the smell of lavender lingered in the air.
✅ A Victorian-style room. Faded furniture. Lavender-scented candles flicker in the corner.
Pro Tip: Aim for 2-4 lines of description per scene. If you’re writing paragraphs, you’re likely overdoing it.
2. Flat, Expository Dialogue
Why It Screams Amateur:
Dialogue that exists purely to explain the plot or backstory feels unnatural and takes the audience out of the story. Characters don’t talk like robots—they have personalities, goals, and subtext.
How to Fix It:
- Avoid On-the-Nose Lines: Instead of characters stating exactly how they feel, use subtext to imply emotions or motives.
- Match Dialogue to Character: A professor, a mechanic, and a teenager won’t use the same vocabulary or speech patterns.
Example:
❌ “As you know, I’m upset because you stole my inheritance and left me with nothing.”
✅ “It wasn’t enough to take the house, was it? You had to take everything else too.”
Pro Tip: Read your dialogue out loud. If it sounds unnatural, rewrite it.
3. Ignoring the “Show, Don’t Tell” Rule
Why It Screams Amateur:
Scripts are visual by nature. Telling the audience how a character feels instead of showing it through actions, expressions, or dialogue undermines the medium.
How to Fix It:
- Use Actions to Convey Emotion: Instead of writing “She’s angry,” show her slamming a door or breaking a glass.
- Let the Camera Do the Work: Describe what the audience will see, not how they should interpret it.
Example:
❌ John is nervous about the meeting.
✅ John fidgets with his tie, glances at his watch, and taps his foot against the floor.
Pro Tip: Ask yourself, “How would this emotion look on screen?” Then write that.
4. Pacing That Drags
Why It Screams Amateur:
Slow pacing—whether due to unnecessary scenes, long-winded dialogue, or too much exposition—kills momentum and loses the reader’s interest.
How to Fix It:
- Start Late, Leave Early: Jump into scenes at the moment something important happens and cut out as soon as the conflict is resolved.
- Cut Redundant Scenes: If a scene doesn’t move the plot forward or reveal something new about the characters, cut it.
Example:
❌ Opening Scene: A character wakes up, brushes their teeth, and gets ready for work.
✅ Opening Scene: The character sprints out the door, late for an important meeting, with mismatched shoes and coffee spilling down their shirt.
Pro Tip: Watch films in your genre and study how they maintain pacing. Emulate their techniques in your script.
5. Formatting Errors
Why It Screams Amateur:
Industry professionals expect scripts to follow strict formatting rules. Sloppy or inconsistent formatting immediately signals inexperience.
How to Fix It:
- Use Screenwriting Software: Programs like Final Draft, Fade In, or WriterDuet handle formatting for you.
- Stick to Industry Standards: Follow guidelines for font (Courier 12pt), margins, and spacing.
- Avoid Overusing Parentheticals: Use them sparingly to clarify tone or action, not as a crutch for directing the actor.
Example:
❌
scssCopy codeJANE
(sarcastically, annoyed)
“Well, that’s just great, isn’t it?”
✅
scssCopy codeJANE
“Well, that’s just great, isn’t it?”
(sarcastic)
Pro Tip: Download professional screenplays from sites like IMSDB or Script Slug to see how formatting is handled.
Bonus Tips to Avoid Looking Amateurish
- Don’t Write a Passive Protagonist: Your lead character should drive the story, not just react to events.
- Avoid Overusing Flashbacks: While useful, flashbacks can disrupt pacing if overdone.
- Proofread Your Script: Typos and grammatical errors can make your script look unprofessional.
FAQs About Screenwriting Mistakes
What’s the biggest mistake first-time screenwriters make?
Overwriting. Beginners often include unnecessary details or dialogue, making the script feel bloated and unfocused.
How do I know if my pacing is off?
Have someone read your script and note where they lose interest. A slow second act or repetitive scenes are common culprits.
Do I need to follow all formatting rules exactly?
Yes. Industry professionals expect clean, professional formatting. Anything less will likely result in your script being dismissed.
Resources to Help You Avoid Mistakes
- Final Draft: Industry-standard software for proper formatting.
- WeScreenplay: Affordable script coverage to identify problem areas.
- The Script Lab: Articles and resources on improving your craft.
- Coverfly: A platform to showcase polished scripts and connect with industry professionals.
Final Thoughts: Leave No Red Flags
Screenwriting is a highly competitive field, and even minor mistakes can hold you back. By avoiding these common pitfalls—overwriting, flat dialogue, poor pacing, and sloppy formatting—you’ll present yourself as a professional and increase your chances of success.
Remember, the best way to avoid amateur writing mistakes is to keep learning and improving. Read scripts, seek feedback, and revise until your screenplay shines. Your dedication will show on the page—and that’s what will make Hollywood take notice.
