10 Biggest Screenwriting Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)After reviewing thousands of screenplays over the past 17 years and working with writers around the world, I've noticed the same mistakes appear again and again in early drafts. The good news is that almost all of them can be fixed.
Whether you're writing your first screenplay or polishing your latest draft, avoiding these common mistakes will dramatically improve your writing and increase your chances of keeping readers engaged.
Let's look at the biggest mistakes I see and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Your Screenplay Isn't Fun to ReadOne of the biggest reasons producers stop reading a screenplay is simple: they're bored.
Every screenplay should deliver on the promise of its genre. If you're writing a comedy, readers should be laughing throughout the script. If you're writing a horror movie, the characters should feel suspense and dread. If you're writing a drama, the emotional moments should feel authentic and compelling.
Many producers and production companies decide within the first ten pages whether they'll continue reading. That's why your screenplay needs to grab attention immediately and maintain that momentum from beginning to end.
Need help making your screenplay more engaging?Whether you're writing your first screenplay or rewriting your tenth, personalized coaching can help you strengthen your story, improve your scenes, and keep readers turning pages.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #2: Letting AI Write Your ScreenplayArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool, but it shouldn't replace your creativity as a writer. Readers can often recognize AI-generated writing because it feels generic, overwritten, and lacking a unique voice. Great screenplays come from personal experiences, original ideas, and authentic characters.
If you want a career as a screenwriter, your screenplay should sound like you, not a computer.
Mistake #3: Writing in Past TenseScreenplays are written in the present tense.
Instead of writing:
"Sarah was walking toward the door."
Write:
"Sarah walks toward the door."
Present tense helps actors, directors, producers, and readers experience the story as it's happening.
One simple trick is to watch for words ending in "-ing." They're often a sign that your action lines need revision.
Mistake #4: Too Much Action DescriptionOne of the fastest ways to slow down your screenplay is by writing paragraphs of action.
Action description should be lean, visual, and easy to read.
Whenever possible:
• Keep action to one to three sentences.
• Remove unnecessary details.
• Let actors interpret emotions instead of directing every facial expression.
A screenplay should read quickly. If it takes hours longer than expected to finish, readers are far less likely to recommend it.
Want personalized feedback on your screenplay?During coaching, we'll identify areas where your writing can become tighter, more visual, and easier to read.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #5: On-the-Nose DialogueReal people rarely say exactly what they're feeling.
Instead of having a character announce they're angry, show that anger through their actions, word choices, and behavior.
Great dialogue allows the audience to discover emotions instead of being told what to think.
Mistake #6: Weak ExpositionExposition is necessary, but it shouldn't feel like exposition.
Whenever possible:
Reveal information naturally.
Use conflict.
Use humor.
Show important moments instead of simply talking about them.
Readers remember scenes far more than explanations.
Mistake #7: Telling Instead of ShowingFilm is a visual medium.
If something important happened in your character's past, consider showing it instead of explaining it through dialogue.
One memorable scene is often worth pages of exposition.
Mistake #8: Characters Have Similar NamesAvoid giving several characters names that begin with the same letter or sound alike.
Readers process dozens of characters while reading a screenplay. Distinct names make it easier to follow your story and keep every character memorable.
Not sure if your screenplay is working?One-on-one coaching gives you personalized guidance on story, structure, dialogue, pacing, and character development so you know exactly what to improve next.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #9: Incorrect Use of Fade In and Fade OutMany beginning screenwriters overuse transitions.
For most feature screenplays:
Fade In appears once at the beginning.
Fade Out appears once at the end.
Using these transitions repeatedly often makes a screenplay feel amateurish.
Mistake #10: Your First 10 Pages Don't Hook the ReaderThe first ten pages may be the most important pages you'll ever write.
Readers should immediately understand:
Your genre
Your tone
Your protagonist
Why they should keep reading
If your opening pages are entertaining and engaging, readers are far more likely to continue with the rest of your screenplay.
Final ThoughtsEvery great screenplay starts as a rough first draft.
The difference between amateur and professional writers isn't perfection. It's rewriting, learning, and continually improving your craft.
If you can avoid these ten common mistakes, you'll immediately separate yourself from many beginning screenwriters and dramatically improve the reading experience for producers, managers, contests, and screenplay readers.
Ready to Take Your Screenplay to the Next Level?Whether you're outlining your first screenplay or polishing your final draft, personalized coaching can help you write a stronger story, create memorable characters, and finish your screenplay with confidence.
BOOK HERE
Whether you're writing your first screenplay or polishing your latest draft, avoiding these common mistakes will dramatically improve your writing and increase your chances of keeping readers engaged.
Let's look at the biggest mistakes I see and, more importantly, how to fix them.
Mistake #1: Your Screenplay Isn't Fun to ReadOne of the biggest reasons producers stop reading a screenplay is simple: they're bored.
Every screenplay should deliver on the promise of its genre. If you're writing a comedy, readers should be laughing throughout the script. If you're writing a horror movie, the characters should feel suspense and dread. If you're writing a drama, the emotional moments should feel authentic and compelling.
Many producers and production companies decide within the first ten pages whether they'll continue reading. That's why your screenplay needs to grab attention immediately and maintain that momentum from beginning to end.
Need help making your screenplay more engaging?Whether you're writing your first screenplay or rewriting your tenth, personalized coaching can help you strengthen your story, improve your scenes, and keep readers turning pages.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #2: Letting AI Write Your ScreenplayArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool, but it shouldn't replace your creativity as a writer. Readers can often recognize AI-generated writing because it feels generic, overwritten, and lacking a unique voice. Great screenplays come from personal experiences, original ideas, and authentic characters.
If you want a career as a screenwriter, your screenplay should sound like you, not a computer.
Mistake #3: Writing in Past TenseScreenplays are written in the present tense.
Instead of writing:
"Sarah was walking toward the door."
Write:
"Sarah walks toward the door."
Present tense helps actors, directors, producers, and readers experience the story as it's happening.
One simple trick is to watch for words ending in "-ing." They're often a sign that your action lines need revision.
Mistake #4: Too Much Action DescriptionOne of the fastest ways to slow down your screenplay is by writing paragraphs of action.
Action description should be lean, visual, and easy to read.
Whenever possible:
• Keep action to one to three sentences.
• Remove unnecessary details.
• Let actors interpret emotions instead of directing every facial expression.
A screenplay should read quickly. If it takes hours longer than expected to finish, readers are far less likely to recommend it.
Want personalized feedback on your screenplay?During coaching, we'll identify areas where your writing can become tighter, more visual, and easier to read.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #5: On-the-Nose DialogueReal people rarely say exactly what they're feeling.
Instead of having a character announce they're angry, show that anger through their actions, word choices, and behavior.
Great dialogue allows the audience to discover emotions instead of being told what to think.
Mistake #6: Weak ExpositionExposition is necessary, but it shouldn't feel like exposition.
Whenever possible:
Reveal information naturally.
Use conflict.
Use humor.
Show important moments instead of simply talking about them.
Readers remember scenes far more than explanations.
Mistake #7: Telling Instead of ShowingFilm is a visual medium.
If something important happened in your character's past, consider showing it instead of explaining it through dialogue.
One memorable scene is often worth pages of exposition.
Mistake #8: Characters Have Similar NamesAvoid giving several characters names that begin with the same letter or sound alike.
Readers process dozens of characters while reading a screenplay. Distinct names make it easier to follow your story and keep every character memorable.
Not sure if your screenplay is working?One-on-one coaching gives you personalized guidance on story, structure, dialogue, pacing, and character development so you know exactly what to improve next.
BOOK HERE
Mistake #9: Incorrect Use of Fade In and Fade OutMany beginning screenwriters overuse transitions.
For most feature screenplays:
Fade In appears once at the beginning.
Fade Out appears once at the end.
Using these transitions repeatedly often makes a screenplay feel amateurish.
Mistake #10: Your First 10 Pages Don't Hook the ReaderThe first ten pages may be the most important pages you'll ever write.
Readers should immediately understand:
Your genre
Your tone
Your protagonist
Why they should keep reading
If your opening pages are entertaining and engaging, readers are far more likely to continue with the rest of your screenplay.
Final ThoughtsEvery great screenplay starts as a rough first draft.
The difference between amateur and professional writers isn't perfection. It's rewriting, learning, and continually improving your craft.
If you can avoid these ten common mistakes, you'll immediately separate yourself from many beginning screenwriters and dramatically improve the reading experience for producers, managers, contests, and screenplay readers.
Ready to Take Your Screenplay to the Next Level?Whether you're outlining your first screenplay or polishing your final draft, personalized coaching can help you write a stronger story, create memorable characters, and finish your screenplay with confidence.
BOOK HERE