WRITE FOR WHAT YOU HAVE - Locations – where is available. - Props – vehicles etc - Wardrobe – what can you get, what can others provide.
LOCATIONS - Condense your locations. The more you have the more difficult it becomes.
ACTORS - Have in mind who you may want to play parts before writing. - Keep characters to a minimum. It allows you to focus on your narrative and expand the character arcs. - Shorten the characters timeframe. It is difficult to film somebody’s enre life (might need more than one actor for the same role if you do). - Avoid too many extras. They are difficult to source and can be a logistical nightmare.
CREW - There is an argument to keep this to a minimum as well for fluidity purposes. The more involved the more it becomes logistically difficult. - 5 people or fewer is suggested with the possibility of doubling up on jobs.
WEATHER - Don’t write scenes that take place in the rain or snow.
THINK BEFORE WRITING PERIOD PIECES - Is it possible to pull off the wardrobe. - Can you get period props (including vehicles).
EQUIPMENT - Ensure you can source what you may require for your scene before writing anything that is unachievable.
AVOID STUNTS - Think, ‘can the actors do this?’. - Insurance considerations.
AVOID SPECIAL EFFECTS - Are the effects required because of your writing doable & will they look realistic (flying in a spaceship for example).
KEEP IT SIMPLE - Go through all the above again and simplify further if you can down to the finest detail. - Simplify, the concept, conflicts, characters, story, plot, action, and locations. - The more you pare down the script the better the screenplay will be.
BREAK THE ABOVE RULES (well maybe one or two tops!) - You need to follow most of the above but sometimes you need to break the rules, because if you’re too disciplined it may harm the finished article
