In this episode of the Script Reader Pro Podcast, Desiree and Scott take a deep (and highly entertaining) dive into one of the most overused, misunderstood words in screenwriting: originality.
Rather than chasing “never-before-seen” ideas, this conversation reframes originality as something far more personal, and far more powerful.
At its core, originality isn’t about inventing something brand new. It’s about writing in a way that feels unmistakably you.
Through stories, examples, and very candid tangents, Scott breaks down why so many scripts feel forgettable, even when the concept is solid, and how writers can start creating characters, ideas, and moments that actually stick with the reader.
In this episode:
- What originality really means in film and television writing
- Why chasing trends and copying what’s “working” often kills your voice
- How unforgettable characters are built through specificity, quirks, and unexpected behavior
- Why originality lives in character choices more than high-concept ideas
- How to find your creative “lane,” and why staying in it strengthens your work
- The danger of letting notes, feedback, or outside opinions dilute your voice
- Why being safe, polite, or generic on the page is the fastest way to be ignored
Scott also introduces practical ways to generate original material, including his “rule of a dozen,” listening to real people, collecting small behavioral details, and paying attention to moments that feel odd, uncomfortable, funny, or surprising, because that’s where originality often hides.
