SCREENWRITING CRAFT TOOL: Hiding Exposition

by Jess Hinds

The following lines are terrible exposition. But common in screenplays. I hate reading crap like this...

BOB: Hey hope, we've been friends for what...14 years.
HOPE: Yes. We met at camp in fifth grade. 

Here is a quick tool for hiding exposition in a scene. 
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1. Identify the minimal exposition you need the audience to know - Bob and Hope have been friends for 14  years. 

2. Identify what Bob wants from Hope - He wants Hope to pretend to be his fiancee at his brother's wedding. 

3. Ask yourself "How could Bob use this information as a weapon to manipulate Hope?" - Gilt.

Now, rewrite the dialogue. 

BOB: What? You are telling me that after fourteen years of being your excuse to get out of whatever boring date or office party, or S.A.T. test that now you can't fib your way through a three-course meal? 

HOPE: Fine! Alright.  But no kissing. 

Much better. Now your reader won't want to burn your script. =D

Want more? Check out SCREENWRITING CRAFT: The Mind of The Reader
How To Draft Your Script So a Reader Has The Emotional Experience of Watching Your Film