HOW TO WRITE A SCREENPLAY (SCRIPT) PT. 12

HOW TO WRITE BETTER ACTION
In our "sub-series" of taking advice from a mentor, we follow JOHN AUGUST as he writes and talks us through improving an action scene.

The produced screenwriter behind the movie "Charlie's Angels", John turns this nondescript few lines of action into realistic action and results that are descriptive, captivating, and easy to visualize.

"WRITING BETTER ACTION" by JOHN AUGUST

It's a good lesson on:

*Capitalization
*Sound effects
*Scene description
*Action and results
*Dividing action lines
*Conflict
*Moving the story forward
*Creating environment / visualization
*Parallel action

Even if you are not writing an action film, it's important to apply these techniques to your screenplay so the reader will feel as if they are watching on the big screen.

Analyze a scene where your character is moving around. Is there an environment, or does it feel as if he is onstage? Are you being too descriptive, bogging down the flow? Are you creating "parallel action" with present tense, representing simultaneous or consecutive movements?

Have a good write!