Finding Your Voice: The Importance of Screenwriting

We all have our favorite movie scenes. You know there are some that will make you laugh out loud, then some will make you cry for hours, scream your lungs out, or just keep you on the edge. Whether it is the “an offer he can’t refuse” scene in The Godfather or the “you are gonna need a big boat” scene in Jaws, these scenes are etched in our memories. Before these iconic scenes came live on your screen, they were conceptualized on a piece of paper by none other than screenwriters. 

The Importance Of Screenwriting

Often, screenwriters are overshadowed by the big directors or your favorite movie stars, but it is them who craft the best stories. It is their screenplay on which the movie is based on. If you are still unsure of how it is important, let us explain it to you in detail now:

1. Brings Life To A Movie

A story becomes a movie when screenwriters add dialogue to them. There are so many iconic dialogues that we remember by heart even though it's been years since the movie was released. Think of famous lines from movies like “You had me at hello” from Jerry Maguire and “You can’t handle the truth” from A Few Good Men. Did they take you back to the first time you watched these movies? That’s the power of a screenwriter!

A skilled screenwriter knows how to elicit emotions in the audience through dialogue. They make them so relatable for the audience that they feel the emotions, whether it is sadness, heartbreak, or even regret. These dialogues create tension, build relationships, and take the narrative forward as well. At times, these dialogues not only define the character’s personality but also become a cultural lexicon.

2. Creates Iconic Characters

Think about some of the iconic characters like Batman, Hermione Granger, or Captain Jack Sparrow. Are there any other characters on your iconic list? No worries, go ahead and think about them! You see, all these characters have their unique personalities, voices, motivations, flaws, and story arcs.

A screenwriter’s job is to conceptualize all these things and make a character feel like a full-fledged human being. Whether it is the loved protagonist or a hated from the core of your heart villain, these emotions are only possible when you connect or disconnect with these characters. 

3. Makes A Scene Precise

Apart from exciting storylines and relatable characters, there is another important element in the movie that hooks the audience. It is none other than visuals. Have you ever seen a color theme being used in a movie or show to represent a particular emotion? Well, that is again the magic of screenwriting.

Screenwriters give detailed descriptions in the scripts about props, color themes, camera angles, lighting, and other elements that make the scene precise. Before writing all these details, they make up a mental image in their minds about how they want the scene. This is later translated on paper. See, what creative geniuses they are!

4. Provides The Structure

Just like the foundation of a building, the screenplay holds the movie together. While there is no fixed approach to the screenplay, most of the screenwriters follow a three-part structure. This includes setup, confrontation, and resolution. The setup is where the interest is generated among the audience. In this part, characters are introduced, the theme is made aware, and the setting is defined. 

The confrontation part is the meat of a movie where the conflict escalates and characters see development. They are put to the test and people are ready to choose their favorites. Finally, the resolution is the climax of the story. Because who likes cliffhangers anyway? The story gets a happy or sad ending (depending on the story) and the audience gets a closure! 

Screenwriting is important because it helps to layer these three elements together. The elements are built upon the previous one and provide momentum to the story. This ensures that the audience doesn’t get bored!

5. Creates Marketable Content

A film is only good when it is successful and brings profits, right? At least for the people associated with it! When screenwriters have strong characters, amazing storylines, and precise visuals, it is easier to attract some of the big names from the industry – be it directors, actors, producers, or even financers. 

Basically, a screenplay can be one of the reasons why some films get a green light while others get shelved. This is why good and well-structured screenwriting is important if you want your films to break the previous box office numbers.

Conclusion

Screenwriters have a great responsibility to make audiences laugh, cry, shout, or scream. They help you experience a full range of emotions from the start to the end of the film. This is because they have a great understanding of storytelling structure, character development, and audience expectations. So, the next time you watch a movie, read the screenwriter’s name in the end credits and appreciate their work.