It's a weird habit I have in my own screenwriting.  While I don't see it in everyone else's scripts (only occasionally) -- it's something I'll always call out to be fixed.  And again -- when I see it in my own scripts, it drives me crazy bonkers!

While it still shows up every once in a while, I've broken my own habit to about the 95% mark.

And of course, there are times when it is absolutely appropriate.

Let's examine an example:

"Susan begins to walk up the street."

What's wrong w/ that, you say?  Well, why can't Susan just do it?  Why does she need to "begin to walk"?  If indeed, there is an abrupt interruption of her walk ahead -- then "begin to" makes sense (always an exception).  But what if Susan is going to walk the entire distance, unobstructed?  So perhaps this would be better:

"Susan walks up the street."  Nifty.

And as is always the case in my own scripts, as well as those I edit -- trimming is key.  Imagine that you removed -- let's say -- FIFTEEN of these "begins to" instances in your script.  That could mean the trimming of a good three lines or so of total description. 

Well, that's not much!  It could mean cutting the end of your script to move onto the previous page -- going from 101 pages to 100.  And with all of the other trims you'll do in the course of your editing, these cuts begin to (haha!) add up, right? 

Another tip (i.e. personal pet peeve) from Klugula Screenplay Consulting!

​Now let's get to work!

After working through the screenwriting process for more than 15 years, and developing my own set of tricks and shortcuts and must-haves -- I've found that less is more.  We're not writing a novel, so description/action sequences should be minimal.  Get your point across, but don't overdo it.  I once had a development exec. tell me, "Don't do the work of the other craftsmen."  In other words, describe what you need to, if it's integral to the plot/character.  But there's no need to talk of the intricate details in the home or surroundings of your main character (unless there's something like Tippi Hedren's aversion to the color red in Hitchcock's Marnie -- as an example).  Let the production designer and artisans have their creative say.

​And one of the favorites I've moved into regular rotation in my own descriptions -- as an example -- if there's a fight on-screen, simply say, "There is a struggle."  Unless someone needs to break an arm, or get a bruise (important later in the script), there's no need to overdo it.  The fight choreographer has to earn his/her paycheck too.  "There is a struggle."  And leave it at that.

And beyond all of that, smaller descriptions will keep your page count down, which is always a giant plus!

​Less is more.

Thrilled to announce that my 10th feature spec script, "Mom Died" has been named an "Official Selection" for the 6th Annual FilmQuest!

Different from the initial services offered (which are still available), you can now do a "One-Take" package on your feature or short screenplays! 

Take a look at these new products!

ONE TAKE Feature Consult (51-120 Pages)
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ONE TAKE Short Consult (1-50 Pages)

Isn't it a general practice, that when opening a new business, you are to frame your first dollar for all to see?  Well, we're an online store, so here's a virtual version of this joyful tradition.  We've got our first official gig here at Klugula Screenplay Consulting, and so it's a moment to celebrate and look forward to great things!  

Yes indeed!  KSC now has an Instagram account!  It's what all of the cool kids are doing now!  :)  Please feel free to follow us at www.instagram.com/klugulascreenplayconsulting/.  Looking forward to assisting in all of your feature and short screenwriting needs!