SAI VIJENDHIRAN

Screenplay Auditing - Case Study 3: Why Most Short Films Fail Before They Even Begin

By Sai Vijendhiran – Inventor of the Screenplay Auditing Process

In recent times, I’ve been approached by students from various film institutes seeking feedback on their screenplays. They’re energetic, imaginative, and deeply passionate about cinema. But passion without structure is like a ship without a compass—it drifts.

And that’s exactly what I found in most of their screenplays.

🎓 The Common Mistake
Across different institutes and cities, one pattern kept emerging in the scripts I audited:

Some rush to tell the story, cramming too many scenes and skipping emotional beats.
Others elaborate endlessly, dragging the idea with excessive dialogue and redundant moments.
But most strikingly, they try to compress a feature-film-worthy idea into a short film runtime.

This creates an imbalance. The screenplay ends up going everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
It lacks clarity. It lacks purpose.
And most importantly—it lacks impact.

Screenplay Auditing - Case Study 2: When Ego Wins, Cinema Loses.

By Sai Vijendhiran – Creator of Screenplay Auditing
Every screenplay audit I take on teaches me something new—not just about writing, but about people, process, and perception. This case, in particular, revealed how ego can blind even the most creative minds from embracing necessary corrections.

🎭 The Request
A film director approached me with a clear objective: he wanted his screenplay audited before moving into production. He was confident about the story but open—at least initially—to suggestions that could strengthen the script.

🔍 The Findings
Once I completed the audit, I uncovered serious structural issues:

The characters’ behavior felt irregular, unnatural.
There were sudden, illogical plot turns that weren’t organically built.
Most importantly, it was clear that the characters and events were simply doing what the director wanted—not what the story required.
The writing was heavily influenced by what I call the “writer’s bend”—a situation where plot choices are dictated not by logic or emotion, but by forced authorial decisions.

Screenplay Auditing - Case Study 1: Ignored Warnings, Expensive Consequences

From the desk of Sai Vijendhiran – Creator of Screenplay Auditing.

🧩 Background
A film producer approached me to audit a screenplay he had selected for production. On paper, the script looked promising, and the team was gearing up for shooting.

🕵️‍♂️ Audit Outcome
After a detailed Screenplay Auditing, I identified several critical flaws, structural gaps, and narrative issues that could affect the film's emotional impact and clarity.

Traditional Script Consulting vs. Sai Vijendhiran's Screenplay Auditing

Traditional Script Consulting vs. 🔵 Sai Vijendhiran's Screenplay Auditing

🔶 Aspect	🟡 Traditional Script Consulting	🔵 Sai Vijendhiran’s Screenplay Auditing
Origin	Developed informally over time by various script doctors	✅ Created by Sai Vijendhiran as a formalized method
Terminology	Terms like "coverage", "notes", "feedback"	✅ Unique terms: Script Auditing, Narrative Gaps, Flaw Detection
Process Structure	Varies by consultant; mostly subjective	✅ Defined multi-stage Procedures, Evaluation Metrics, and Flow
Evaluation Method	Broad suggestions on structure, characters, plot	✅ In-depth Scene-by-Scene Analysis, Charted Flaw Identification
Visual Tools	Rarely visual; often just text feedback	✅ Visual Charts, Graphs, Flow Diagrams, Beat Maps
Report Type	Coverage reports, margin notes, general feedback	✅ Professional Audit Report with classifications and recommendations
Focus Areas	Plot holes, pacing, character arcs (general)	✅ Detailed audits of: Narrative Logic, Scene Purpose, Theme Clarity, etc.
Decision-Making Support	Depends on reader’s instincts	✅ Supports Creative Decisions with Evidence from structural breakdown
Repeatability	Process varies per consultant	✅ Repeatable, teachable system for consistent application
End Goal	Improve the script for pitching or development	✅ Ensure Structural Integrity, Thematic Depth, and Production Readiness
Client Experience	Often one-time or unstructured feedback	✅ Collaborative, educational experience; Writers learn during audit
Positioning	Script coverage as a service	✅ Intellectual Property and Creative Standard

Screenplay Evaluation Topics

Film Screenplay Auditing is the evaluation process of analyzing various parameters required in the Film Screenplay. It is conducted in an unbiased way and without prejudice. The auditing aims to identify the flaws, gaps, and issues that can occur with/without the knowledge of the writer. Film Script Auditing strengthens the storytelling process and helps the writer stick with the common goal of the script.

Do you find the rejection of your film scripts?
Do you feel that something is missing in your scripts?
Do you think that you are struck up with Writer's Block?
Script Auditing can help you to increase your chances of higher selection.

What do we Audit in your Film Screenplay?

Do your scripts convey the Primary Knot of the Story?
Have you chosen the right Genre, Plot, and Situation according to the Primary Knot?
Do your Characters have a complete Arc?
Are the logical points correct in your script?
Does your story have a diversion from the major goal?