“A lot of this book, you’re welcome to take with a grain of salt. Disagree with me if you like. Cast aspersions on my character if I say something you think is moronic. But, whatever you do, don’t be boring. That’s the only inviolable rule. If a scene, or your idea, or the main character is ever boring, stop writing until you figure out a way to un-boring it.
This is tough, especially if your tale is autobiographical.”
– William M. Akers, Your Screenplay Sucks: 100 Ways to Make It Great
I read the book, not bad. But then why is it all the scripts that get sold reads like a dry fish and very boring
I AM getting tired of this.
The trick is do what spike lee and Tarantino did long time ago.
Forget the books, just write and direct.
Sorry, but last Christmas, I threW all my script books,textbooks out.
I write AND learn by reading scripts written by pro writers and visionary directors like James Cameron. sORRY FOLKS.
Hi Sally. Your comments actually support what Akers has to say, so I’m a bit confused. Tarantino and Cameron are known for their exciting scenes, characters and concepts.
Many novice writers forget that every scene needs to be compelling. Akers and many other “gurus” provide these helpful reminders or shortcuts for writers starting out, who may not yet have read dozens of scripts, or who may not have the deep intuitive understanding of film craft and structure that Tarantino and Cameron do.
Akers’ advice is especially important when it comes to autobiographical scripts. I’ve seen too many that are boring for everyone but the author.
I’m curious, which sold scripts did you read that were boring?