Writing

Terry Rossio, the screenwriter behind Aladdin, The Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Shrek, worked as a reader for six different production companies in Hollywood for two years. This experience imparted some insight as to what makes a good screenplay. Out of an entire list of 60 points, my favorite words of wisdom are:

"If you're writing about a fantasy-come-true, turn it quickly into a nightmare-that-won't-end."

"What does the story have that the audience can't get from real life?"

"Start with a punch, end with a flurry."

"Does the screenplay create questions: will he find out the truth? Did she do it? Will they fall in love? Has a strong 'need to know' hook been built into the story?"

"Does the concept create the potential for the characters' lives to be changed?"

"Does the story transport the audience?"

"Once the parameters of the film's reality are established, they must not be violated. Limitations call for interesting solutions."

"Is there a decisive, inevitable, set-up ending that is nonetheless unexpected?"

"Is there heart at the center of the story? Avoid mean-spirited storylines."

The list contains a multitude of other points, but I think these are the most important to be mindful of when writing a screenplay.