So, you want to write a movie script? The best way to start is by focusing on identifying the core concept that drives your story. Understand your protagonist, their central conflict, and the world they inhabit before even typing “FADE IN.”
Laying the Foundation: Idea to Outline
Writing a screenplay can feel daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the process much more approachable. It all begins with an idea, but transforming that spark into a viable script requires planning and structure.
1. Find Your “What If?”
Every great movie starts with a compelling “What if?” This is the seed of your story. What if a detective could enter people’s dreams? (Inception). What if a shark terrorized a beach town? (Jaws). Your “What if?” should be unique, intriguing, and have the potential for compelling conflict and character development.
2. Develop Your Logline
A logline is a concise, one- or two-sentence summary of your movie’s plot. It outlines the protagonist, their goal, the antagonist, and the stakes. A strong logline acts as a north star, guiding your writing and helping you stay focused on the core narrative. For example: “A wisecracking mercenary must protect a young boy with extraordinary powers from a cyborg assassin sent from the future.” (Terminator 2: Judgment Day).
3. Craft Your Character
Your protagonist is the heart of your story. They need to be believable, relatable (even if flawed), and someone the audience can root for. Consider their motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and how they change throughout the story arc. Spend time developing your antagonist too. A compelling antagonist isn’t just a “bad guy”; they have their own motivations, beliefs, and a reason for opposing the protagonist.
4. World-Building is Key
Whether your story is set in a fantastical realm or a familiar city, world-building is crucial. Define the rules, culture, and atmosphere of your setting. Consider how the environment impacts your characters and plot. The richer and more detailed your world, the more immersive and believable your story will be.
5. Outline, Outline, Outline!
Resist the urge to jump straight into writing scenes. A detailed outline is your roadmap to a successful script. Break down your story into three acts:
- Act I: Setup: Introduce your characters, setting, and the central conflict. The inciting incident kicks off the story.
- Act II: Confrontation: The protagonist faces obstacles and challenges as they pursue their goal. The stakes escalate, and the conflict intensifies.
- Act III: Resolution: The climax of the story where the protagonist confronts the antagonist. The conflict is resolved, and the protagonist undergoes a transformation.
Within each act, break down the major plot points into scenes. Each scene should have a clear purpose and contribute to the overall narrative.
From Outline to First Draft: The Writing Process
With a solid outline in place, you’re ready to start writing your first draft. This is where your story comes to life.
1. Embrace Imperfection
Don’t strive for perfection in your first draft. The goal is to get the story down on paper (or screen). Don’t get bogged down in details or worry about grammar and formatting. Focus on telling the story from beginning to end.
2. Scene Description: Show, Don’t Tell
Use vivid language to describe the setting, characters, and action. Avoid lengthy paragraphs of exposition. Show the audience what’s happening, rather than telling them. For example, instead of writing “John was angry,” write “John slammed his fist on the table, his face red with fury.”
3. Dialogue That Pops
Dialogue should be believable, engaging, and reveal character. Each character should have a distinct voice. Avoid generic dialogue that sounds the same coming from any character’s mouth.
4. Formatting Matters
While not crucial in the first draft, become familiar with standard screenplay formatting. Use software like Final Draft or Celtx to ensure your script adheres to industry standards. This includes scene headings, action lines, character names, and dialogue blocks. Proper formatting makes your script easier to read and more professional.
5. Consistency is Key
Set realistic writing goals and stick to them. Whether it’s writing a certain number of pages per day or spending a specific amount of time writing, consistency is crucial to completing your script.
Revision and Refinement: Polishing Your Diamond
Once you’ve completed your first draft, the real work begins. Rewriting and revising are essential to transforming your raw draft into a polished screenplay.
1. Step Away and Re-Read
After finishing your first draft, take some time away from it. This will allow you to approach your script with fresh eyes and identify areas that need improvement.
2. Seek Feedback
Share your script with trusted friends, family members, or fellow writers. Be open to constructive criticism and listen to their feedback. Consider joining a writing group or hiring a script consultant for professional advice.
3. Focus on the Big Picture
In the early stages of revision, focus on the overall structure of your story. Does the plot flow logically? Are the characters believable and engaging? Are there any plot holes or inconsistencies?
4. Fine-Tune the Details
Once you’re satisfied with the overall structure, focus on the finer details. Polish your dialogue, refine your scene descriptions, and ensure your script is free of grammatical errors and typos.
5. Iterate and Repeat
Rewriting is an iterative process. You’ll likely need to go through multiple drafts before your script is ready to be submitted. Don’t be afraid to make significant changes and experiment with different approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about starting a movie script, designed to provide further clarity and practical advice.
1. How do I protect my script idea from being stolen?
While legally protecting an idea is difficult, registering your script with the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) or the U.S. Copyright Office provides evidence of authorship and can be helpful in case of disputes. Remember, execution is key; ideas are common, but a well-written script is valuable. Always use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when sharing your script with industry professionals.
2. What’s the ideal length for a screenplay?
Generally, a feature-length screenplay should be between 90 and 120 pages. One page of script typically translates to about one minute of screen time. Stick to this range to avoid overwhelming readers.
3. What’s the difference between a treatment and an outline?
A treatment is a prose summary of your entire screenplay, typically ranging from 5 to 15 pages. It includes a brief description of each scene and summarizes the key plot points. An outline is a more structured breakdown of your story, often using bullet points or numbered scenes to outline the sequence of events. An outline provides a scene-by-scene roadmap for writing the script.
4. What software is best for writing screenplays?
Industry-standard software includes Final Draft, Celtx, and Fade In Pro. These programs automatically format your script according to industry guidelines, saving you time and effort. There are also free options like WriterDuet that offer collaborative features.
5. How important is it to follow the “Three-Act Structure?”
The Three-Act Structure is a fundamental framework for storytelling, but it’s not a rigid rule. While it provides a solid foundation, feel free to experiment and adapt it to suit your story. Ultimately, the most important thing is to tell a compelling story that resonates with the audience.
6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a screenplay?
Common mistakes include: telling instead of showing, having weak or underdeveloped characters, writing predictable dialogue, creating plot holes, and neglecting to revise your script.
7. How do I write compelling action scenes?
Action scenes should be visually dynamic and easy to follow. Use concise language, focus on the key actions and movements, and build suspense. Avoid overly detailed descriptions that slow down the pace.
8. How do I write believable dialogue?
Listen to how people talk in real life. Pay attention to their word choices, rhythms, and slang. Dialogue should reveal character, advance the plot, and be tailored to each character’s unique voice.
9. How do I overcome writer’s block?
Writer’s block is a common challenge. Try brainstorming, freewriting, or taking a break from your script to clear your head. Try writing a different scene, outlining further, or even just going for a walk.
10. How can I improve my writing skills?
Read widely, watch movies critically, and practice writing regularly. Take writing courses, join a writing group, and seek feedback on your work. The more you write, the better you’ll become.
11. Is it necessary to live in Los Angeles to succeed as a screenwriter?
While living in Los Angeles can provide networking opportunities, it’s not essential. Thanks to the internet, it’s possible to connect with industry professionals and submit your scripts from anywhere in the world.
12. How do I get my screenplay read by producers or agents?
Start by entering screenwriting competitions and festivals. This can help you gain exposure and recognition. Network with industry professionals at film events and conferences. Consider hiring a script consultant to help you polish your script and provide advice on submitting it to agents and producers. Be prepared for rejection and persistence is key.
By focusing on these fundamentals, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a compelling and successful screenplay. Remember to keep writing, keep learning, and never give up on your dream of becoming a screenwriter.