How to Start Writing a Screenplay: A Step-By-Step Guide

Introduction

Writing a screenplay is a challenging, yet rewarding experience. To write a successful screenplay, you must understand the structure of a script, the genre conventions that come with each type of story and the formatting rules that will make your script look professional. This guide will provide you with the steps needed to create a compelling screenplay from start to finish.

Research the Genre and Format of Screenplays

Before you begin writing your screenplay, it’s important to do some research about the genre and format of screenplays. Knowing the conventions of different genres will help you craft a story that fits into the genre and will be more appealing to audiences. There are also different formats for screenplays, such as the industry standard “Courier 12” font, which you should familiarize yourself with before starting to write.

Familiarize Yourself with Different Genres

If you want to write a successful screenplay, you must understand the conventions of the genre you’re writing in. Different genres come with their own set of expectations and tropes that you should be aware of. For example, if you’re writing a romantic comedy, you should know that the story should end happily and that the protagonists should have an unlikely but ultimately fulfilling relationship. Doing some research on the genre you’re writing in will help you craft a story that fits into the genre and will be more appealing to audiences.

Learn the Different Formats for Screenplays

In addition to understanding the conventions of different genres, it’s also important to learn the different formats for screenplays. The most common format is the industry standard “Courier 12” font, which is used for both feature films and television scripts. In addition, there are other formats for stage plays, web series, and even video games. Learning these different formats will ensure that your script looks professional and is ready to be sent out to agents and producers.

Create an Outline for Your Story

Once you’ve done your research, it’s time to start developing your story. Creating an outline is an essential step in the writing process, as it will help you organize your ideas and structure your plot. An outline will also make the actual writing process much smoother, as it will give you a roadmap to follow.

Brainstorm Ideas

The first step in creating an outline is to brainstorm ideas. Take some time to think about the characters, setting, and overall story you want to tell. Think about the beginning, middle, and end of the story and how the characters and plot points will develop over the course of the script. Brainstorming is a great way to get all your ideas out so you can start to put them together and create a cohesive narrative.

Structure Your Plot

Once you have your ideas down, it’s time to start structuring your plot. Think about how you want the story to progress and how each scene will fit together. Consider introducing conflicts early on and gradually increasing the stakes as the story progresses. Also, think about how you want to resolve the conflict and what kind of resolution would be satisfying for the audience.

Develop a Three-Act Structure

Most stories, including screenplays, follow a three-act structure. This structure is made up of the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution. The setup is where you introduce the characters, setting, and conflict. The confrontation is the middle part of the story where the characters must confront the conflict and attempt to solve it. The resolution is the end of the story where the conflict is resolved and the story comes to a close.

Develop Characters and Scenes

Now that you have a basic structure for your story, it’s time to start fleshing out the details. Developing interesting characters and writing engaging scenes are essential components of a successful screenplay.

Decide on Your Protagonist and Antagonist

Every story needs a protagonist and an antagonist. The protagonist is the main character who is trying to achieve a goal, while the antagonist is the force that is preventing the protagonist from achieving that goal. Decide on who your protagonist and antagonist will be and start to develop their personalities and motivations.

Create Character Profiles

Once you have your characters in place, it’s time to create character profiles. Character profiles are detailed descriptions of each character that include their physical appearance, personality traits, goals, and motivations. These profiles will help you keep track of your characters and make sure they are consistent throughout the story.

Write Out Your Scenes

Now that you know who your characters are, it’s time to start writing out your scenes. Each scene should have a purpose and move the story forward. Think about what information needs to be conveyed in each scene and how the characters will interact. Writing out your scenes will help you visualize the story and make sure it flows logically.

Write a Treatment or Step Outline

Once you have your scenes outlined, it’s time to start writing a treatment or step outline. A treatment is a summary of the story that outlines the plot, characters, and themes. A step outline is a more detailed version of the treatment that breaks down each scene and includes dialogue and action. Both treatments and step outlines will help you organize your thoughts and make sure your story is structured properly.

Compile Your Outline into a Treatment

The first step in writing a treatment is to compile all of your notes and ideas into one document. Include the premise, characters, settings, and major plot points. Make sure to include any themes or motifs you want to explore in the story. The treatment should be concise but still provide enough information to get a clear picture of the story.

Create a Step Outline

Once you have your treatment written, you can start writing a step outline. A step outline is a more detailed version of the treatment that includes specific scenes and dialogue. It should be organized by scene and should include a brief description of the action, the characters involved, and the dialogue. This will help you keep track of all the elements of the story and make sure everything fits together properly.

Draft the Screenplay

Now that you have an outline for your story, it’s time to start writing the screenplay. Writing the script is where the real work begins, as you have to bring your story to life with words and visuals. Following the screenplay format and incorporating dialogue and visuals will help you create a compelling script.

Follow the Screenplay Format

When writing a screenplay, it’s important to follow the correct format. This includes the use of slug lines, action lines, and character names. Slug lines indicate the location and time of day, action lines describe what is happening in the scene, and character names let the reader know who is speaking. Following the screenplay format will make your script look professional and easier to read.

Incorporate Dialogue

Dialogue is an important element of a screenplay, as it helps to move the story along and gives the characters a voice. When writing dialogue, make sure it sounds natural and true to the characters. Avoid using too much exposition and allow the dialogue to reveal character traits and motives.

Utilize Visuals

Screenplays aren’t just about dialogue, they’re also about visuals. Incorporate visuals into your script by describing what the audience sees on the screen. Describe the scenery, the characters’ movements, and any other details that will help bring the story to life. Utilizing visuals will help you create a more immersive and engaging experience for the reader.

Conclusion

Writing a screenplay can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and guidance it can be a rewarding experience. Researching the genre, creating an outline, developing characters and scenes, and writing a treatment or step outline will help you create a compelling story. Finally, following the screenplay format, incorporating dialogue, and utilizing visuals will help you bring your story to life. With these steps, you’ll be well on your way to writing a great screenplay.