Writing Engaging Scripts / High Stakes
A script about nothing ends up being SEINFELD. Entertainment comes from the extraordinary. By keeping stakes high we are creating a reason for a performance to be great. What great thing is there for a character to earn, lose or learn from.
Jokes That Land
If you are writing a comedy script keep in mind that the average sitcom gets 6-8 laughs per minute. You want every line to get a laugh or setup the next line for a laugh. Comedy is snappy. It is likely you will write more dialogue than a dramatic clip.
Real People Language
The average person speaks at a 7th grade level. Resist pulling out the dictionary words. Bad grammar, slang and regional colloquiums are found in every script because it sounds real and is accessible. Go to a Starbucks and eavesdrop with a notepad and see for.