One of my favorite screenwriting book is “Your Screenplay Sucks!” by William M. Akers.  In fact, I’m currently reading it for the third time.  Everytime I read pages 2-3, I think to myself:  “this is SO true”. 

On page 2-3 Aker talks about writing “actor bait”.

Sure a screenplay has to have a great plot, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their chair.   But, more than that, it’s got to have characters who will attract good actors!   Those characters must entice the actors to give up months, maybe years, of their life to be involved with your script.

As you write your script, ask yourself if  the characters are complex?  Do the characters have layers that  actors can use to turn their role into an Academy Award?   Does the character have interesting habits?   Is the character unique?

Producers and directors don’t want to make a film that will not attract top talent.    Every character in your screenplay should be written with this in mind.    Give the character life on the page and the actor will breath life into it on the silver screen!

Write more than a screenplay…  Write “actor bait!”