9 Game-Changing Screenwriting Lessons

Everything in life has a pattern. So does a screenplay.

Writing a screenplay (or a novel or anything else) can be a lot like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual - frustrating, a little chaotic, and filled with moments where you genuinely wonder your purpose in life (and let’s face it, those IKEA manuals aren’t much help anyway). But here’s the thing: screenwriting isn’t about rigid rules, but rather patterns that have been proven to work time and time again. And if you know these patterns - these numbers - you can save yourself a lot of headaches (and possibly a few meltdowns).

So, let’s break it down. Here are 9 game-changing lessons every screenwriter should know. 

Before we dive in, I’m going to do something a little crazy. I have never offered 50% off of my Story Farm Consulting and Coaching service. I’ve noticed, though, over the past two months, that we’re all…how do I say it...reticent, hesitant, frankly, freaking out about everything. Folks…writing is difficult enough, but if we allow the outside world (ahem, politics and world events) affect every aspect of our lives, including our creativity, we will never get anything done. I want to offer the chance to remove yourself from the mayhem going on around the U.S. and our world by getting you to focus on your writing. Lose yourself in your stories! Use these emotions to propel an incredible adventure, an emotional drama, a ridiculous Romantic Comedy (which are definitely coming back, by the way) or whatever wild fantasy adventure you have in mind.

So from now until March 15, you will be able to purchase any of my call packages at 50% off. I’ve adjusted my prices on my Story Farm website to reflect the discount. All you have to do is go there, choose a package, and we’ll get calls scheduled. How do I work with you? We’ll look at Concept, then Character Development, then Structure and outlining, and then use all of that work to dive into the pages. Every call, we’ll the pages you’ve finished for that week (or two weeks), and build your script little by little.

If you have questions, email me: max@thestoryfarm.org

If you have any intention of selling a script, working in this industry, and/or becoming a stronger writer, feedback and development support is required. Whether it’s with me or a writing group or anything else, you need it. You can’t do this alone. So email me. Take a look at my website. Let’s figure things out together.

1. The Rule of Three

Ever notice how things in movies tend to happen in threes? Setups, payoffs, character beats - it’s all about that magic number. A joke isn’t funny without three beats. A dramatic arc isn’t satisfying without a three-part shift. And that plot twist at the end? It won’t land unless it’s been subtly hinted at twice before.

2. The 12-Sequence Method

This is my personal bread and butter for structure. Forget thinking in acts - break your script into 12 smaller, manageable sequences instead. It makes structuring a screenplay way easier. Instead of freaking out about a 60-page second act wasteland, focus on crafting 10-minute chunks, or even “stories”. If we can look at each 10-page sequence as a story in and of itself, it helps us present to the audience excitement, drama, fun, and thrills every ten minutes (or so). It’s like slicing up a giant pizza so you don’t have to eat the whole thing in one bite (though I tend to do this because I love pizza).

3. The 10-Page Test

If a reader isn’t hooked by page 10, they’re probably moving on. Those first 10 pages have to set up the character (flaws, desires, wishes, problems), tone, the world and emotional tory while making us desperate to see what happens next. Think of it like online dating - if your opening line is dull, no one’s sticking around for the rest. Nevermind, don’t think about online dating. It’s awful.

4. Scenes Should Average 2 Pages

Unless you’re Tarantino (and let’s be real, most of us aren’t), your scenes should be short and snappy - about 2 pages on average. Long, meandering scenes kill momentum. Keep them moving, and always ask yourself: “Can I start later and end earlier?” “Can I get these characters up and moving around? Can I SHOW something instead of say it?” If the answer is yes, do it.

5. Every Scene Needs Conflict (or It’s Dead Weight)

If your characters are just chit-chatting with no tension, cut the scene. Every moment in your script should have some kind of conflict - a goal, an obstacle, and a reason we need to see this play out. Even two people ordering coffee should have an underlying power struggle. Otherwise, why are we watching? (This would actually be a really fun exercise - show me conflict in two people ordering coffee. I bet you all would come up with something different for something so simple.)

6. Save the Midpoint, Save the Script

The midpoint is where things shift. If your second act feels like a slog, it’s probably because the midpoint isn’t strong enough. It’s also probably because we haven’t set up enough empathy or understanding for the main character in the 1st Act, but I digress. The midpoint is where something major needs to happen - an event that turns the story on its head, thusly changing things emotionally for your character. Think of it as the “Oh, crap” moment that makes the audience sit a little more on the edge of their seat. It’s not just the plot that twists. It’s the character’s life and personal journey that also twists.

7. Every Character Must Want Something

Nobody walks into a room without a goal (even if it’s just to grab the last piece of pizza). In every scene, ask yourself: What does my character want, and what’s stopping them from getting it? If they don’t want anything, they don’t need to be in the scene.

8. Dialogue Should Be 50% Subtext

This is one of my personal favorites as far as screenwriting rules. Real people don’t say exactly what they mean, and neither should your characters. The best dialogue is layered with subtext - what’s not being said is often more important than what is. Instead of a character saying, “I’m angry with you,” they should say, “No, it’s fine. Really.” (Spoiler: It is not fine. It is very much not fine.)

9. The Last Image Should Echo the First - A Before and After Snapshot

A script should feel like a complete journey, and one of the best ways to do that is by tying the final image back to the first. It’s why The Godfather opens with Michael Corleone insisting he’s nothing like his family - and ends with him literally becoming the new Don. It’s a storytelling trick that makes everything feel intentional and satisfying. It also shows that you know what you’re trying to say and do with this story from a thematic standpoint.

What Do You Think?

At the end of the day, screenwriting isn’t about memorizing rules - it’s about understanding why these patterns work. If you can master these nine lessons, you’re already ahead of the game. So, go forth, write boldly, and remember: a well-structured script isn’t limiting - it’s the secret weapon that makes your story shine.

Did I forget any? Comment on this post and let me know! I’m sure there are more than nine, but 9 is my favorite number, so I went with it.