So many times in this industry I find people that think they know movies. I don't confront them even though I'm thinking(in a Bronx accent), "You think you know movies, huh tough guy." When I ask them to tell me their experience with movies they say they know movies because they watch them all the time.
Ouch. It makes my ears hurt. I'll give credit to movie watchers. They are smarter than they know when it comes to movies, but that's why screenplay writers have to be better. The difference between a good script and a bad one is one can outwit the smart audience member while the other can't.
With that caveat, just because you know movies, and have seen every movie known to man, does not mean you know screenplays. Since many movies work along the same structure(don't confuse the word structure with formula) some writers or wannabe writers tell me they just have to plug in the formula.
They say, "My movie is going to be like [insert Blockbuster], except it will be a different genre." They say this like making the same plot, the same "formula" in a different setting will make it a unique piece of work. Let me reiterate that there is no formula.
That being said, one can not write screenplays by only watching movies. It does help and I do suggest watching movies, but the one thing screenwriters forget is "You must read screenplays!" You need to get down to the studio and get a job as a spec script reader. You will have to do this maybe even for free or dirt pay, but at least you are getting experience and you will start to see what screenplays are good and which ones suck.
It is the same as writing books. If you go to writing conventions, in the panels you will constantly hear, "To be a writer you must read". They will beat this in to you, and if you aren't living it then you need to choose another industy. It is the same with being a screenwriter.
Some of you may not be in Hollywood to do such a thing, but don't worry. You can still learn the art of the screenplay, and you can still get your hands on brilliant screenplays to study and learn from. Especially since Hollywood is becoming decentralized with the wave of the internet, now is an exciting time to get in this industry and learn the craft.
By purchasing screenplays with us(sorry shameless plug), or finding screenplays online to read, you will discover many things you never picked up by watching the movie. You will first find your work emulating the works you love, until finally the craft will become learned(although its never truly learned), and your work will become your own.
