#good script

The Resort (2022)

William Jackson Harper and Cristin Milioti a married couple are on vacation at a holiday resort for their 10th anniversary, where they are drawn into a mystery that took place fifteen years before.

This is a totally unexpected, original, quirky show and I absolutely loved it. It's unlike any other show out there! It's a mystery, a little scary (not too much) and funny. I highly recommend it especially if you want to check out something different and original.

Hey @lost-in-965!

This is actually a more complicated question than you probably intended.

A “good” script can mean a few things: A script an individual enjoys/believes to have merit, a script that sells, and a script that wins awards (like the Oscars). The first is essentially a matter of taste (don’t get me started on film theory), the second is very formulaic (A concept that appeals to a wide audience, with dynamic characters and a plot that follows three-act-structure), and the third is largely influenced by the politics of the time and of the film industry itself.

Defining a “good” script/film is a debate that has continued since the formation of the industry and I’m not going to solve it in a tumblr post, but here are a few things I think nearly all scripts need to have to be “good” scripts (excluding very experimental films):

Dynamic Characters. One thing that constantly draws me to a story is the characters. If the characters aren’t interesting, relatable, or sympathetic, I won’t like the movie. Period. A majority of the movie-going public won’t like it either. The protagonist’s inner journey and conflict should drive the external plot. If there isn’t a compelling inner conflict, there isn’t a compelling story. The Babadook’s external conflict might be frightening, but it’s ultimately the mother’s inner conflict with her depression that makes the story come to life.

Writer’s Voice. This is, for me, what makes a good story great. A writer’s style, tone, and stories they chose to tell all contribute to their unique voice and perspective. It’s what makes a script stand out among the rest. Recently, I read and watched Tully, and while it didn’t make much money (i.e. not a selling script), it was an extremely well done movie and Diablo Cody has one of the strongest, most unique writing styles in the industry right now.

Unique Concept. Don’t follow trends, start them. Write a story only you can tell, and write something you are passionate about. Even if an idea has been done before (which it most likely has), tell it from your perspective. The Shape of Water is very similar to Beauty and the Beast, but no one could’ve told that story except Guillermo del Toro.

Three-act structure. If you’re anti-Hollywood or want to write experimental films, that’s great. but there is no denying that three act structure sells. If you want to make a film that will appeal to a large audience, or even most niche audiences (Oscar films included), you need to master three-act structure. One needs only to look at the massive success of Pixar films to see how mastery of three-act structure leads to good and successful films.

If you want to write good scripts, you need to 1) read good scripts, 2) write a lot of scripts, and 3) rewrite even more. If you want a place to start reading scripts, the resource drive has 100+ film and tv scripts available to read. And here you can find a list of what the WGA considers to be the best scripts of all time.

Best,

Here are 3 key areas which you must remember to take into account when writing a script.

Firaqq (2008)

Chronicles the devastating impact on vulnerable Muslims in Gujarat after riots.

Another gem of a film I discovered in the ‘International’ section of Netflix. I think India has some incredible writers, actors and filmmakers. This film is set right after the Gujrat Riots of 2002. It’s intense and a thought provoking story. It really makes you see what hate can do to a person. Hate really leads to more hate and nothing else. Do check it out. It’s not an easy watch, but it is a very good film.