Have you ever had a brilliant story idea that you’ve been dying to turn into a screenplay, but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you’re a seasoned writer struggling to finish that script you’ve been tinkering with for years.
Whatever your situation, learning how to write a screenplay in just 10 weeks is an attainable goal that can set you on the path to success in the world of screenwriting.
Writing a screenplay doesn’t have to be an agonizing, never-ending process. With the right plan and mindset, you can bring your cinematic vision to life on the page. This comprehensive, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding screenplay fundamentals to polishing your work and seeking potential buyers.
By the end of these 10 weeks, you’ll not only have a completed screenplay ready to submit, but you’ll also gain invaluable skills and experience that will serve you for every future script you write. So grab that laptop, fire up your favorite writing software, and get ready to embark on a journey that could change the course of your creative career forever.
Week 1: Understand Screenplay Fundamentals
Before you can craft a compelling screenplay, you need to understand the core elements and structure that define this unique storytelling medium. In week one, we’ll dive deep into the fundamentals, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon.
First, you’ll learn the proper screenplay format and structure, including how to correctly lay out scenes, descriptions, and dialogue on the page. Adhering to industry-standard formatting from the start will save you significant time and effort during the rewriting and submission process.
Next, we’ll explore the three-act structure, which has become the backbone of most successful Hollywood films. Understanding how to effectively set up your story, develop the central conflict, and build toward a satisfying resolution will give your screenplay a solid, engaging framework.
Finally, you’ll familiarize yourself with common screenplay genres, from action and drama to comedy and horror. Studying the tropes and conventions of various genres will help you tell your story in a way that resonates with audiences while still allowing for creative freedom and originality.
Week 2: Develop a Compelling Premise
With a firm grasp of the basics, week two is all about developing the core idea that will drive your entire screenplay. A captivating premise is essential for not only hooking readers and viewers from the start but also for sustaining their interest and investment throughout the story.
We’ll begin by brainstorming techniques to uncover unique, attention-grabbing premises that haven’t been done to death on the big screen. You’ll learn how to take a familiar concept and put an original spin on it, creating a fresh take that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
From there, you’ll dive into crafting multi-dimensional, memorable characters that audiences will care about and relate to. Great characters are the heart of any successful story, so we’ll cover strategies for developing rich backstories, flaws, strengths, and arcs that evolve over the course of the narrative.
Lastly, you’ll determine the central conflict or driving force that will propel your characters into action and shape the overarching plot. Whether it’s an emotional struggle, a physical threat, or an external force of antagonism, defining a clear, high-stakes conflict is crucial for maintaining dramatic tension.
Week 3: Create a Detailed Outline
With your premise and key story elements in place, week three is dedicated to extensive outlining and planning to serve as the roadmap for your entire screenplay. Don’t be tempted to skip this vital step – a thorough, scene-by-scene outline will save you innumerable headaches and rewrites down the line.
You’ll learn various techniques for outlining your plot, character arcs, and story threads in a logical, coherent manner. From the basic three-act structure to more complex non-linear approaches, we’ll cover multiple outlining methods to find the one that works best for your specific story.
Once you’ve nailed down the broad strokes, you’ll take your outline even further by mapping out each individual scene, including the setting, character motivations, key dramatic moments, and how it advances the overall plot. Crafting a detailed, scene-by-scene outline may seem tedious, but it will prove invaluable when you begin writing pages.
To round out the week, you’ll use beat sheets and plot point summaries to identify and reinforce the major dramatic pivot points and tonal shifts throughout your story’s trajectory. This will ensure your pacing remains tight while hitting all the essential narrative beats along the way.
Week 4: Write the First Draft
It’s finally time to trade outlines for actual script pages! Week four is devoted to writing that all-important first draft of your screenplay from start to finish. To tackle this intensive phase, you’ll need to employ specific strategies and establish sustainable writing habits.
First, we’ll explore various tips and exercises for overcoming writer’s block and silencing your inner critic. From freewriting to changing up your writing environment, you’ll have an arsenal of techniques to stay motivated and keep those words flowing onto the page.
You’ll also learn how to write crisp, naturalistic dialogue that breathes life into your characters and advances the story in an engaging way. We’ll dissect examples of great dialogue from produced screenplays and practice exercises to hone this essential skill.
Finally, we’ll help you develop a productive, sustainable writing routine tailored to your schedule, lifestyle, and creative rhythms. Whether you thrive writing in the early morning quiet or burning the midnight oil, consistency is key. This week’s goal is to build lasting writing habits that will serve you long after this 10-week plan ends.
Week 5: Take a Break and Get Feedback
Congratulations – you made it through that crucial first draft! Before you dive into revisions, it’s important to gain some perspective. Week five is dedicated to stepping away from your script and getting much-needed outside feedback.
We’ll discuss strategies for taking a mental break from your material to clear your head and prepare for the rewriting process with fresh eyes. You’ll learn how to objectively assess what’s working, and what isn’t, and identify areas that need further development.
From there, you’ll seek feedback from credible, experienced sources who can provide valuable insights on dialogue, pacing, character development, and other key areas. We’ll cover best practices for finding reliable script consultants, joining a writing group, attending readings, and getting notes from industry insiders.
Using this external feedback, you’ll then analyze your current draft for weaknesses, plot holes, and opportunities to elevate your narrative and characters. Having this clear understanding of what needs improvement will allow you to rewrite with a defined focus during the upcoming weeks.
Week 6: Rewrite and Refine
With copious notes and fresh perspective in hand, week six marks the start of major renovations to transform your first draft into a tighter, more impactful screenplay. This intensive rewriting phase will address core narrative issues and character deficiencies.
You’ll employ various rewriting techniques to resolve any logical inconsistencies, missed opportunities, or dead-end plot threads that undermine the story’s coherence and momentum. We’ll explore tricks for effectively restructuring scenes, condensing storylines, deepening emotional arcs, and maximizing dramatic tension.
A major focus will be improving character arcs and development to create a richer, more resonant experience for audiences. You’ll learn methods of adding nuanced layers and idiosyncrasies to your characters, refining their motivations, and ensuring their actions and transformations feel authentic to who they are.
Finally, you’ll practice line editing and punching up dialogue to make every line crackle with subtext and voice. We’ll cover tricks for cutting extraneous exposition, streamlining description, and making judicious word choices to tighten and elevate your writing across every page.
Week 7: Edit and Polish
As you approach the final stretch, week seven is dedicated to the crucial editing and polishing phase to ready your script for industry eyes. You worked hard developing your characters and shaping a compelling narrative – now it’s time to make it shine with meticulous editing and attention to detail.
We’ll go over essential editing strategies for clear, concise, and active writing that hooks readers and sustains their interest throughout the script. You’ll practice trimming excess flab while retaining all the necessary descriptive elements to vividly capture each moment on the page.
In addition, you’ll ensure your screenplay adheres to current formatting standards, from margins and spacing to sluglines and transitions. These technical details may seem trivial, but conforming to the industry’s expectations demonstrates your professionalism and allows the story to flow seamlessly.
To make your script as polished as possible, you’ll carefully comb through every page to eliminate typos, inconsistencies in spelling/grammar, and any other distracting errors. Flawless execution and smooth readability are key to ensuring your voice and vision aren’t obscured by preventable mistakes.
Week 8: Write Loglines and Synopses
While most of the writing work is behind you, week eight is about creating concise, attention-grabbing pitch materials that will pique interest in your script. From query letters to competitions, these loglines and synopses will be your first point of contact – so you need to craft them masterfully.
You’ll learn techniques for writing an effective logline, that irresistible one-sentence hook that captures the essence of your story’s premise and primary conflict. Nailing an intriguing logline is crucial for cutting through the clutter and making an immediate impression.
From there, you’ll expand on the logline to write a compelling one-page synopsis that summarizes the entirety of your script’s narrative arc, character journeys, and central dramatic question. This overview will offer the right glimpses to pique reader interest without giving away too much.
Finally, you’ll prepare additional pitch materials like a script treatment, query letter, and your professional biography. Having these components polished and ready alongside your screenplay will streamline the submission process down the road.
Week 9: Get It Ready for Submission
Now that you have a completed, finely tuned script and supporting pitch materials, week nine is about taking those vital final steps to get your work primed for submission to agents, managers, competitions, fellowships, and other industry avenues.
First, you’ll research screenplay contests, fellowships, and other opportunities to determine which are the ideal targets for your particular script and career goals. From prestigious competitions with high stakes to genre-specific or demographic niches, you’ll identify the most relevant programs to maximize your script’s chance of standing out.
Once you’ve made your selections, we’ll walk through the intricate querying and submission process for each respective opportunity. You’ll learn how to navigate procedures, adhere to all guidelines and formats, and ensure your materials are packaged flawlessly.
For traditional screenplay submissions to agents, managers, and production companies, you’ll finalize the proper format to print out industry-standard “script bundles” that make the ideal first impression. These little details will signal your professionalism and readiness to anyone reading your work.
Week 10: Marketing and Next Steps
Congratulations – you’ve reached the finish line! Week ten celebrates your incredible screenwriting achievement while also preparing you to build lasting career momentum from this 10-week process.
In today’s digital age, writers need an active online presence and self-marketing skills. You’ll learn how to effectively leverage platforms like X, Instagram, and IMDb to build interest in your screenplay and elevate your authorial brand as an engaged, knowledgeable voice in the industry.
We’ll also explore networking strategies for attending screenwriting events, connecting with local film communities, and identifying additional career opportunities based on your newfound skills and experience. Forming these new bonds will be crucial for finding collaborators and opening doors as you continue your journey.
To wrap things up, we’ll discuss tips for maintaining creative stamina, generating fresh story ideas, and outlining your next script to keep your forward momentum going. The skills you honed over these 10 weeks are tools you can employ for every single future project.
So take that final screenplay out into the world and start sharing it widely! This represents a monumental achievement and the first step towards making your name as a professional screenwriter. Use this invaluable experience as motivation to keep chasing your dreams and bringing imagination to life, one script at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can you write a screenplay?
The pace of writing a screenplay can vary greatly depending on the writer’s experience, process, and time dedicated to it. Generally, a first draft can take anywhere from 4-8 weeks for a full-length screenplay. However, professional screenwriters have been known to crank out drafts in as little as 2-3 weeks when on a tight deadline. With a structured plan and dedicated writing routine, it’s possible to write a complete screenplay in around 6-10 weeks.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
The number one rule in screenwriting is “Show, don’t tell.” Unlike novels, screenplays must convey the story visually through action and dialogue rather than narration or descriptions of thoughts/emotions. Showing the audience through subtext and visual storytelling is far more powerful than explicitly telling through excessive exposition.
How long does it take to write 10 pages of a screenplay?
Most professional screenwriters can produce around 3-5 pages of a screenplay per day. At that rate, writing 10 pages would typically take 2-3 solid days of work. However, page counts can vary significantly depending on the individual writer’s process, experience level, and how much planning/outlining was done ahead of time.
Can you write a screenplay in 10 days?
While theoretically possible for a very experienced and prolific writer, completing a full 90-120 page screenplay in just 10 days would be an extremely difficult and ambitious task for most. It would require maintaining an intense writing pace of 9-12 pages per day with little time for breaks, rewrites, or getting stuck. For a first screenplay attempt, allocating 8-10 weeks is a much more realistic and less stressful timeframe.
What is the success rate for selling a screenplay?
Only around 1% of all screenplays written actually get produced into movies. Getting representation from an established agent/manager is crucial, but still doesn’t guarantee a sale. Industry estimates suggest that only 1 in 20 represented screenplays are sold, with far fewer of those actually getting produced into films that hit theaters.
How short is too short for a screenplay?
While there are always exceptions, most producers and studios prefer full-length screenplay lengths of around 90-120 pages. Anything under 80 pages is considered too short to be an appropriate full-length feature film script. Some micro-budget indies may accept scripts as short as 60-70 pages, but that’s generally seen as the minimum viable length by the major industry.
What is the hardest part of writing a screenplay?
Many writers agree that developing a fresh, attention-grabbing concept is one of the biggest challenges in screenwriting. With so many stories having already been told, crafting an original yet accessible premise that feels innovative can be extremely difficult. Other major hurdles include nailing realistic dialogue, structuring engaging plots, and effectively building dramatic tension.
What should be in the first 10 pages of a screenplay?
The first 10 pages of a screenplay need to introduce the main character, establish their world/situation, hint at the central conflict, and provide a compelling reason for the audience to stay engaged and keep reading. First impressions are crucial, so opening with a captivating hook or image, snappy dialogue, strong voice, and intriguing glimpses into the story’s potential are vital.
What are the unwritten rules of screenwriting?
While there are codified rules around formatting, some of the biggest unwritten rules include avoiding excessive exposition, keeping action sequences visually clear, not over-describing settings/characters, avoiding on-the-nose dialogue, making sure all scenes serve a purpose in driving the narrative, and maintaining a consistent tone and visual style throughout the script. Above all, making bold creative choices helps screenplays stand out.
