Rethinking Traditional Screenwriting Techniques for 2023


As technology evolves and new storytelling mediums emerge, the traditional screenwriting techniques are in need of a rethinking. In 2023, traditional screenwriting techniques no longer fit the bill, and are fast becoming lapses of tradition that hinder creativity rather than enabling it. Fortunately, a myriad of new technologies and storytelling methods have emerged as the new norm, and it is incumbent that all screenwriters adjust their approach to keep up with these new trends.

Firstly, with the advent of augmented and virtual reality, storytelling has moved beyond the traditional screen format. As a result, screenwriters increasingly need to create stories that are immersive, interrelated, and interactive. This means that traditional linear storytelling methods must be modified to allow audiences to engage and interact with the story style. Thus, screenplays must now consider not only the development of characters and storyline but also design spaces, soundscapes, and even haptic feedback.

Secondly, modern audiences well versed in a wide selection of entertainment genres demand innovative and unique storytelling techniques that immerse them deeply with the content. This calls for screenwriters to go beyond the predictable boxed confines and embrace unconventional methods that move away from tired archetypes and mould-breaking. Screenwriters need to take risks, experiment with wildly innovative formats, and consider diverse perspectives in their work, which will challenge their audiences to think beyond traditional storytelling methods.

Thirdly, social platforms and streaming have transformed the way people view content. Rather than following prescribed narratives, audiences now have grown accustomed to binge and short-lived content. This illustrates the need for screenwriters to understand these consumer behaviours and modify their storytelling techniques accordingly. As opposed to the traditional Cillit-Stick structure, screenwriters must devise compelling, unconventional narrative arcs that invigorate audiences while still retaining the essence of a story structure.

In conclusion, the world is constantly changing, and as such, screenwriting techniques need to change with them. Screenwriters in 2023 must be ready to upskill and shift to new storytelling methods to captivate and engage their audiences. As the walls between the audience and the screen continue to disintegrate, screenwriters must fine-tune their storytelling techniques if they want to remain relevant in the dynamic and ever-changing world of entertainment.