Thread by @sumank

Screenwriting is rooted in the principles of design. It is all about crafting 'an' experience. When you understand this, you will stop looking at screenwriting as a literary pursuit. #screenwriting

If a hundred people read a book, it means it has created a hundred experiences. With a visual medium, which is in your face, there is little that's left for imagination. #screenwriting

No, this is not about what is nobler or better, this is about why a screenwriter has a responsibility to be aware of the fact that screenplay is just the start.

As someone said beautifully, the screenplay is an invitation for other artists to perform.

I'd say, the screenplay is the dosa batter and not the dosa. Which is why it is important to *not* step on other artists' toes when you write a scene. I'll explain-

Example: "Srikant frowns as he ponders over the ramifications..." is shit.

You don't get to tell the actor how to emote. You can only hint at what the desired emotion is.

*Srikant is confused.*
*Beat.* (is probably better. )

You feel me?

As a writer, your only responsibility is to write in such a way that all artists/stakeholders get to interpret and elevate the scene with their respective talents. Directors, actors, DOPs, editors, composers... you get my point.

In an industry that values 'dialogue' writing more than screenwriting, I know these tweets will not sit well with some. And, all I want to tell them is this: people want conversations, not dialogues. Or 'punch' lines.

Let us sum it up, aspiring screenwriter. Stay TF away from 'smart' 'cool' 'quirky' etc. Find a character and stick to how he or she reacts in the situations that you have created. Be honest.

MOST IMPORTANT: your screenplay is not the end product. The film/series/sketch is. You are batter. Not the dosa. Fin.

(All this knowledge was possible because I continue to be a student of the @rajndk school of film-making.) Fin. For real.