Writing scripts for a Hollywood blockbuster can be fun if you have an adventurous streak that is raring to go in you. There are different kinds of authors for different subjects and types of entertainment. What is a blockbuster? It is important to understand this before you decide that you could come up with a great script that will have movie producers towing the line!
Blockbusters are high concept adventure films with plenty of action thrown in to appeal to the masses. The budget for these movies is astronomical and they are generally released at peak times for maximum exposure and box-office sales. After all, the director has to be able to pay his bills! Audiences should be able to escape the real world during the couple of hours they spend watching the movie and feel happy enough to discuss it with others afterwards.
Here are a few ideas that can help decide if you can come up with a high-concept idea that will be the next blockbuster of the year!
1. Have a goal clearly chalked out.
If you are itching to come up with a great plot for a blockbuster, you may be a movie buff who has been to many movies. Read many books and see movies to get ideas on developing a plot. Divide the script into 3 acts. The first act should introduce the main character. In the second act, introduce the problem and get the main character involved in the plot. In the third act the hero obviously has to come out the victor though there is a lot of bloodshed, hurdles to cross and price to pay before he conquers and defeats. Initially concentrate on this before you start adding fill-ins.
2. Introduce the thrills once you have the story all mapped out in your head or on paper.
Audiences pay big money to get their adrenalin rush. They enjoy the twists and turns that the story takes provided the action is flowing and the thrills are high. If there is no roller coaster ride where they experience varying thrills, anxiety, fear and expectations, they are not going to be interested in your movie. It is important to introduce spice, good conversation, confusion, stumbling blocks and escape routes once the main plot is hatched. Some writers will introduce different dimensions during a chase or encounter and confuse the audience. This also adds to the spice and the plot will dawn on the audiences a few seconds later when they sit back and slap their seat or the person sitting next to them!
3. The villain of the piece should have a strong character
Every blockbuster has this cool villain who can face any challenge, experience any hurdle and overcome them. He proves a challenge to the hero who is a good guy and wants to make things right for everyone. You may have the villain dead by the time the move is about to end or you can let him live in prison or maimed for life. The choice is yours but make sure the excitement does not stop. Hollywood blockbusters also let the legends live on when they show evidences of the villain coming back through their offspring or strange happenings. Oh well! That would be the beginning of another Hollywood blockbuster Part II for you to work on!
4. Pay attention to the Scene setting
Blockbusters are either popular or not. A lot depends on the money pumped in by movie directors when they set up the stage for action. This requires a lot of planning as they should be unique and something that introduces the wow-factor in the movie. It cannot be copied and therefore has to be original. We are aware that the stranger the setting the more exciting the chase. Make sure to have at least two or three good set-pieces that will compliment the plot. To introduce lighter moments add a party scene where everyone is looking glamorous with beautiful lighting and great music. The story should dictate the background and you should make sure that the action is fast paced and everything is getting ready for the climax.
5. Introduce comedy in the script
Make sure there are some light moments when the “going gets tough”. Introduce a few characters who will add a third dimension to the story and get them involved in the chase or confuse matters by making bigger blunders. The story should be one that make the audiences laugh out loud, hold on to their seats and breathe deeply when the hero or villain gets out of a tough situation.
You will be able to sell your story when you have all the above points introduced at the right moments against best set-pieces. The audiences should stay riveted to their seats looking for more!
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