How to make your screenplay writing style 100 times more suspenseful.
There’s one important factor that separates screenwriting styles in screenplays that sell from those that don’t: suspense. This doesn’t just apply to all thriller and horror writers.
If you want a producer or manager to absolutely fall in love with your script—no matter what type– It’s crucial to understand how to utilize suspense in your screenwriting style.
In this article we will show you how to do this. But we won’t be talking about how to create suspense through the usual channels of dialogue, plot, or character, but through your script writing style.
How to use suspense in scene descriptions.
If you have read this great book film narrative Written by: Jennifer Van Sijll, you may remember her analysis of the scene from Adrenaline pulp Fiction. (Affiliate link disclaimer: If you purchase through this link, we will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)
Not only does this technique create more suspense in a scene, it also creates a leaner, more focused script writing style. Who can argue with this?
Let’s take a look at how this works by comparing the writing styles of inexperienced screenwriters and professional screenwriters.
Version 1: Amateur script writing style.
Here’s how an amateur screenwriter might approach this scene:
Before we take a look at how Tarantino actually wrote this scene, you can also watch it here:
Version 2: Professional script writing style.
Now let’s take a look at how a professional screenwriter, namely Quentin Tarantino, writes the actual scene:
How to create suspense in a description by extending time.
The main difference between the two screenwriting styles is that amount of suspense generated. The first has very little content, but the second is full of tension. But how does Tarantino achieve this?
As Jennifer points out in her book film narrativeall to extend time.
The first amateur script-writing version was closer to instant. In real life, Vincent would take a moment to prepare himself, hold the needle above his head, wait for Lance to count down three seconds, and then insert.
In Tarantino’s version, however, everything is slowed downthereby increasing the suspense as we wait for Vincent to plunge the needle into Mia’s chest. He carefully through frequent use Sectional view and reaction shot other characters in the scene.
In contrast, the first version just told us what was going to happen, and then it happened. There is no suspense in this scene because the author gives us no opportunity to worry. The whole thing was long over.
Develop a writing style that uses one line per shot.
Each line description does not use camera angles, such as CLOSE UP, MEDIUM SHOT or WIDE, etc. mean Every single one of these shots.
For example, the sentences “Vincent’s eyes narrowed” and “The red spot on Mia’s chest” both increase our anxiety because we do stay and wait Make it happen.
This is a great way to create suspense for extended periods of time because you let the audience know this is an important moment in the movie.
Studio readers, executives, managers, and producers love this style of script writing because it utilizes suspense in such an effective way and lets them know they’re in the hands of a writer who knows what he’s doing.
If you haven’t done so already, pick up a copy of Jennifer’s book, film narrativefor more tips on how to create suspense in your screenwriting style. It’s designed with filmmakers in mind, but it also provides a wealth of useful information for screenwriters.
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What do you think of this technique of utilizing suspense in a screenwriting style? What technology do you use? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Like this article? Read more about how to develop a professional script writing style…
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