Since the early days of filmmaking, screenwriting has developed into a sophisticated craft and competitive industry. The first silent films were simple and didn’t require elaborate scripts.
But as technology advanced and films became longer and more complex, the role of the screenwriter became critically important.
Let’s explore the major developments in the history of screenwriting and how the art of cinematic storytelling has evolved over the past century.
The Silent Film Era
In the late 1800s, motion picture cameras were invented, launching the silent film era. Films were initially just a few minutes long, focusing on simple scenes, stunts, or events. Screenwriting was unnecessary – directors or actors would come up with scene ideas on the spot.
As films grew more sophisticated by the early 1900s, the movies developed longer, more complex narratives. Screenwriters were needed to craft these stories, often adapted from plays, novels, or short stories. Intertitles (text on black screens between scenes) conveyed dialogue and narration.
Some popular early screenwriters included Anita Loos (The New York Hat) and Frances Marion (The Chorus Lady). They pioneered screenwriting techniques like using just key phrases instead of full sentences for intertitles.
The Rise of Feature Films Birth of Hollywood
In the 1910s, feature-length films over an hour became more prominent. Filmmakers started relocating from New York to the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. This warmer climate enabled easy and consistent filming.
D.W. Griffith was a pioneering director who pushed new boundaries in cinematic storytelling with films like The Birth of a Nation and Intolerance. This raised the level of quality and complexity expected of scripts.
Screenwriters were increasingly in demand in Hollywood. They were employed by film studios on a salaried contract basis as part of the rigid studio system.
The Golden Age of Hollywood
By the late 1920s, Hollywood entered its “Golden Age” with the rise of major studios like Paramount, MGM, Warner Brothers, and RKO. Sound films replaced silents, enabling dialogue and synchronized music/effects.
This was a boon for screenwriters who could now directly write dialogue and develop more layered characters. Writers like Frances Marion and Herman J. Mankiewicz became highly paid and respected.
Genres like musicals, gangster films, comedies, and westerns each had their own stylistic scripts, often developed formulaically. The Hollywood studio system machine churned out hundreds of movies annually.
Some legendary screenwriters rose to fame during this era including:
- Ben Hecht (Scarface, Notorious)
- Robert Riskin (It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town)
- Dudley Nichols (The Informer, Stagecoach)
The Studio System Decline
After WWII, the all-powerful studio system began declining due to antitrust laws and competition from television. This gave screenwriters more independence.
The downfall of the Hollywood blacklist in the 1960s ended the censorship of political progressives. Screenwriters now had more creative freedom to address contemporary issues in their scripts.
Stars like Marlon Brando also pushed for more naturalistic acting and dialogue, relying less on stylized genre conventions. Screenwriters adapted to craft scripts with more realism.
Screenwriting Becomes Legitimized
In the 1950/60s, film studies programs emerged to analyze screenwriting structure. Books like Syd Field’s Screenplay formally defined the three-act structure, character arcs, plot points, and other screenplay principles.
UCLA became a breeding ground for new screenwriting talents like Francis Ford Coppola, Billy Wilder, and Paddy Chayefsky. Films were now marketed based on their screenwriters like William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid).
This generation helped legitimize screenwriting as a sophisticated craft with unique tools like master scene script formatting. Screenwriters were finally regarded as artists comparable to great novelists or playwrights.
The Blockbuster Age
Starting in the mid-70s, high-concept blockbuster films like Jaws and Star Wars marked a shift towards screenplays deliberately crafted for mainstream appeal and big box office success.
Tycoon producers like Don Simpson/Jerry Bruckheimer and Joel Silver were the new power players, spending big budgets on scripts with popular genres, stars, and special effects. Screenwriting fame and fortune awaited writers of the next blockbuster hit.
Some examples of legendary blockbuster screenwriters:
- Lawrence Kasdan (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back)
- Mario Puzo (The Godfather)
- Steve Zaillian (Schindler’s List)
- Quentin Tarantino (Pulp Fiction)
The Modern Era Diverse Voices
Today, Hollywood is slowly evolving to reflect more diversity among protagonists as well as storytellers. Screenwriters from broader backgrounds are sharing their perspectives through indie films and some big studio projects.
Examples include Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), Lulu Wang (The Farewell), Alan Yang (Master of None), and Jordan Peele (Get Out). Female screenwriters are also gaining traction, like Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird).
While inequality persists, Hollywood is beginning to support more varied voices among screenwriters.
Streaming and TV Renaissance
In the 21st century, television and streaming series have experienced a golden age of compelling, cinematic-quality writing. Services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are funding original prestige shows and providing new opportunities.
Some top TV screenwriters like Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) and Donald Glover (Atlanta) even cross over to writing hit movies as well. Others stick primarily to TV like Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad) and Amy Sherman-Palladino (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel).
TV is now viewed as a valid, flourishing medium for screenwriters, versus just a stepping stone to features.
Tools of the Trade
While the fundamental principles of sharp narrative, compelling characters, and dialogue remain unchanged, screenwriters today have many more tools available.
Sophisticated screenwriting software helps with tasks like formatting, revision tracking, and collaboration. Some popular options are FinalDraft, WriterDuet, Fade In, and Scrivener.
The internet enables writers to research anything quickly, share work easily, and find new opportunities online. Crowdfunding like Kickstarter also opens new creative pathways.
Overall, while the core skills remain critical, technology empowers today’s screenwriters and the quality of films continues advancing.
Conclusion – The History of Screenwriting
Screenwriting has come a long way from the basic intertitles of the silent film era over a century ago. It is now a highly evolved and constantly improving art form.
Looking to the future, we can expect even more immersive cinematic stories as technology enables greater innovation. But no matter how advanced filmmaking gets, skilled screenwriters will remain essential to transforming words on pages into movies that captivate worldwide audiences. The writing will forever lay the creative foundation.
So keep perfecting your craft, and perhaps one day your name will be added to the cherished pantheon of legendary screenwriters across the decades who brought their imagination to life on the big screen. The future of film lives in your script.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get ideas for screenwriting?
- Observe interesting people, places, and stories in your everyday life
- Draw from your own experiences, memories, and emotions
- Find inspiration from books, articles, music, art, and movies
- Brainstorm fun “what if?” scenarios and imaginative concepts
- Tap into your dreams, fears, inner conflicts, and themes that resonate with you
What is a good idea for a script?
- A compelling protagonist on a quest with high-stakes
- An unusual world or premise that hooks viewers
- A fresh take or mashup of classic genres and tropes
- Topical stories reflecting current events and cultural trends
- Deep themes about human nature and real struggles people face
Which topic is best for scriptwriting?
- A topic you’re passionate about and connected to
- Universal themes like love, betrayal, fulfillment, racism, family
- Fun genres like sci-fi, horror, thriller, comedy, adventure
- Lesser-seen worlds like sports, medicine, teaching, law enforcement
Where do screenwriters get ideas?
- Mining your own experiences, hobbies, and interests
- Consuming all types of media, art, and content for inspiration
- Observing the people and world around you every day
- Exploring your thoughts, dreams, and imagination
- Flipping through newspapers, books, and magazines
Can you sell an idea for a movie?
Yes, you can sell just a movie idea to a production company, but it’s extremely difficult as an unknown writer. It’s best to develop your movie ideas into a strong treatment or spec script to showcase your writing abilities.
What are the odds of becoming a screenwriter?
The odds are very low, but success is possible through dedication to the craft, making connections, and perseverance. Out of thousands of aspiring screenwriters, only a small percentage sell a spec script or get hired for work.
What are the 3 C’s of writing a good script?
- Concept – A fresh, unique idea that hooks attention
- Characters – Complex, relatable protagonists that draw emotion
- Conflict – Obstacles and high stakes that build drama and suspense
What should I do with my first script?
- Seek trusted friends/colleagues for honest feedback
- Revise your script based on constructive criticism
- Research production companies to query with loglines
- Enter reputable screenwriting contests and fellowships
- Sign up for networking events to make industry connections
How do you write a unique script?
- Don’t copy other stories. Create an original concept.
- Craft multidimensional characters with fresh personality quirks.
- Use novel settings we rarely see in movies.
- Add imaginative twists to common genres and plot devices.
- Infuse your personal passions and perspectives. Write only stories you feel compelled to tell.
