For some reason the powers that be closed the other thread, but I wanted to answer your question:
"DevExec - Do you find yourself underwhelmed by writers who are professional as well?"
Of course. I've been underwhelmed with a lot of unproduced scripts I've read, just as I've been underwhelmed by some produced efforts of those I consider the most talented writers, directors and actors around. But Charles Kaufman or the Coen Brothers or Scott Frank or David Koepp at their worst are still better than most writers at their best. And even when I'm underwhelmed by professional writers, for the most part the scripts have a certain level of competence, that many scripts written by amateur writers (including some contest winners) don't.
You need to to differentiate between what you like or don't like and what the quality of the writing is. If an agent takes on a client it means he believes in the money making potential of that client and the writing needs to be at a certain level to be commercially viable. I very rarely come across a script submitted by an agent - where I'll think "how did this guy get an agent?" no matter how unimpressed I am. But I've read a lot of stuff by non pros where I'll think "no agent will touch this writer he doesn't understand drama."
As for what makes a script great - it is quite simply as Robert McKee says - " a good story, well told." Perhaps not so simple - dramatic writing of any kind has to do so many things and work on so many levels - and screenplays have so many limitations when it comes to storytelling. But a well structured plot, a clear theme, strong conflict, and a protagonist you root for are all necessary for success. And just as important, it has to evoke emotion in the reader. I think that part doesn't always get the attention it should - because a story can't succeed if it doesn't make us feel something.
"DevExec - Do you find yourself underwhelmed by writers who are professional as well?"
Of course. I've been underwhelmed with a lot of unproduced scripts I've read, just as I've been underwhelmed by some produced efforts of those I consider the most talented writers, directors and actors around. But Charles Kaufman or the Coen Brothers or Scott Frank or David Koepp at their worst are still better than most writers at their best. And even when I'm underwhelmed by professional writers, for the most part the scripts have a certain level of competence, that many scripts written by amateur writers (including some contest winners) don't.
You need to to differentiate between what you like or don't like and what the quality of the writing is. If an agent takes on a client it means he believes in the money making potential of that client and the writing needs to be at a certain level to be commercially viable. I very rarely come across a script submitted by an agent - where I'll think "how did this guy get an agent?" no matter how unimpressed I am. But I've read a lot of stuff by non pros where I'll think "no agent will touch this writer he doesn't understand drama."
As for what makes a script great - it is quite simply as Robert McKee says - " a good story, well told." Perhaps not so simple - dramatic writing of any kind has to do so many things and work on so many levels - and screenplays have so many limitations when it comes to storytelling. But a well structured plot, a clear theme, strong conflict, and a protagonist you root for are all necessary for success. And just as important, it has to evoke emotion in the reader. I think that part doesn't always get the attention it should - because a story can't succeed if it doesn't make us feel something.
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