Have you dreamed of bringing your story ideas to life on the silver screen? Do you imagine seeing your characters come alive through riveting dialogue and dramatic actions?
If so, screenwriting may be for you. But transforming your vision into a compelling screenplay requires focus and specific skills.
Let’s explore what you need to begin your screenwriting journey.
The Allure and Challenge of Screenwriting
Many aspiring writers are drawn to screenwriting’s boundless creative potential. The opportunity to tell impactful, cinematic stories with multidimensional characters excites them.
Screenplays come to life through the collaboration of talented actors, directors, designers, and more. The end result is a film that transports audiences into the writer’s imagination.
But crafting an effective screenplay is no simple task. Screenwriters face stiff competition in a notoriously difficult industry. In addition to generating novel ideas, you must master screenplay format and structure. Your characters and scenes need to leap off the page. Learning the ropes takes diligence, commitment, and focus.
The good news? With a passion for storytelling and the right approach, a breakthrough is possible. Let’s break down the key elements you need to write your first screenplay.
Screenplay Formatting Basics
Before you type “fade in” and delve into your characters’ journey, you need a firm grasp of screenplay structure and style. Proper formatting is essential for communicating your vision so others can “see” your story.
Here are key formatting elements for any screenplay:
- Font and margins: Standards are 12-point Courier font, upper and lower margins of 1 inch, and 1.5-2 inch side margins.
- Scene headings: These describe the location and time of day at the start of each scene in all CAPS, like INT. JIM’S HOUSE – NIGHT.
- Action lines: Always written in the present tense, these paragraphs describe what’s happening visually in the scene below the headings.
- Character names: When a character first appears, their name is capitalized and centered on the page.
- Dialogue: Each speech is indented and attributed to the correct character name. Dialogue tells the story.
- Parentheticals: Used sparingly to indicate little actions or tone in the character’s dialogue, placed in parentheses.
- Transitions: These show how scenes change, like CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO, MATCH CUT.
Software programs like Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Celtx, and others provide templates with proper margins, fonts, and more. This takes the guesswork out of formatting. Consider investing in one of these tools.
For examples and details, read articles on screenplay structure or download free script templates to use as handy references. Proper formatting helps directors and producers easily follow your story from start to finish.
Crafting Compelling Story Structure
With formatting fundamentals in place, it’s time to focus on story structure. A riveting idea only goes so far without a solid narrative framework. Structure gives your story shape and emotional impact.
What are the foundational elements of great screenplay structure?
- A compelling protagonist on a hero’s journey: Your main character should have clear goals, motivations, and flaws. Their internal and external arcs drive the story.
- An engaging antagonist: A worthy foe that forces your protagonist into action. The antagonist acts as a catalyst for drama.
- Clear plot points and turns: Key moments that build the story and lead to the climax, including an inciting incident and act breaks.
- Character backstories: Relevant details about your characters’ histories that influence their behaviors.
- Dramatic scenes: Impactful dialogues, confrontations, action sequences, and more that reveal character and propel the story forward.
- An immersive setting: Establish a vivid sense of location that brings your world to life.
- Arcs and transformations: Your characters should grow, learn lessons, and change over the course of the story.
Many screenwriters use a three-act structure that divides the story into a beginning hook, middle buildup, and climactic conclusion. Or you may follow the hero’s journey template popularized by Joseph Campbell.
Whichever model you choose, create a strong story outline that maps your narrative arc from start to finish. Know the major plot points and where key turns occur. Outlining first saves time later.
Now let’s discuss process tips for writing your first draft.
The Screenplay Writing Process
You have an idea. You understand the screenplay format and structure basics. What next steps will move you from concept to completed first draft?
Follow these screenplay writing process tips:
Brainstorming Raw Ideas
- List potential characters, settings, occupations, eras and other story elements that appeal to you. Don’t filter yet.
- Write loglines summarizing your central conflict and characters in 1-2 sentences. Loglines capture the core idea.
- Identify motivations, stakes, obstacles and arcs for your protagonist. Flesh out who they are.
- Determine genre and tone. Is your idea a comedy? Drama? Thriller? Define the spirit of the story.
Conduct Research
- Dive into research to build authenticity on anything unfamiliar in your script.
- Study story structure of existing films in your genre. Deconstruct why they work.
- Read produced screenplays in your genre to learn how other writers execute the craft.
Craft Your Outline
- Map your full narrative arc scene by scene. Include major plot points and twists.
- Create storyboards or character bios if helpful. Know your characters inside and out.
- Follow story structure models like three-act or hero’s journey to build dramatic tension.
- Ensure scenes logically build off each other to propel the story forward.
Write Your First Draft
- Commit to writing regularly. Aim for a set page count or time limit per writing session.
- Silence your inner critic in this first draft. Just get the story down.
- If you get stuck, jump ahead to write an exciting scene you envision clearly.
- Flesh out your outline into paragraphs of action and relevant dialogue.
- Reread your last few pages before each writing session to get back into the flow.
Revise and Refine
- After finishing your first draft, take a short break before revising with fresh eyes.
- Solicit feedback from trusted friends or a writers’ group. Listen for common issues.
- Fix story problems through structural changes or enhanced character motivation and depth.
- Punch up dialogue to make it pop. Trim redundant or unnecessary scenes.
- Polish until you have a tight, propulsive read from start to finish.
Additional Tips and Resources for Screenwriters
Writing a screenplay takes focus, perseverance, and the right mindset. Here are some final tips and resources to guide you on your journey:
- Join a local screenwriting group or online community. Share work and provide feedback on fellow writers’ projects.
- Take a screenwriting course or workshop. UCLA Extension, Script Anatomy, and The Black List offer options at various price points.
- Follow screenwriting blogs and podcasts like Kiev Kelvin, ScriptNotes, Save the Cat, No Film School, Ken Levine’s blog, and others. Listen while driving or walking to absorb wisdom from professionals.
- Read the annual “Black List” ranking popular unproduced screenplays to study what makes them stand out.
- Enter reputable screenwriting contests like Nicholl Fellowships and Austin Film Festival. Judges provide valuable feedback.
- When your script is polished, research managers, producers, and execs to query about your project.
The path from the first draft to the produced film can be long. But each step moves you closer to realizing your cinematic dreams on the big screen.
Let your creativity guide you as you develop your screenwriting skills. Tell the story only you can tell and write it the best way you know how. The rest will follow.
Believe in the power of your vision. Then start typing “fade in” and begin your hero’s journey. You’ve got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to write a screenplay?
The essentials you need are a good idea, story structure understanding, screenwriting software, and persistence to finish writing a full draft. Focus on creating compelling characters, vivid settings, impactful dialogue, and a well-plotted narrative arc.
Can I write a screenplay with no experience?
Yes, you can write a screenplay as a beginner by studying screenplay format, and story structure, and reading produced scripts to learn. Take a class if possible. Write a short film first to get comfortable before tackling a feature. Expect many revisions before getting it right.
What are the 5 basic elements of a screenplay?
The 5 key elements are:
- Scene headings showing location and time
- Action paragraphs describing the visuals
- Character names centered on the page
- Character dialogue
- Parentheticals for tone and actions
Can anyone write a screenplay?
Anyone can write a screenplay with dedication and effort to learn screenwriting craft and structure. Natural storytelling ability helps. Develop skills through practice and getting feedback. Not everyone can sell a script but focus on improving your writing first.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
The number one rule is to make your script a smooth, engaging read to capture reader’s interest. Format correctly, craft compelling characters, minimize description, and focus the story. Every scene should logically build off the last to propel the narrative forward.
Do I need to copyright my screenplay?
It’s recommended to register your script with the U.S. Copyright Office or a writers’ guild before sending it out. This helps prove ownership if disputes arise. Include a copyright notice on the title page. Copyright exists automatically but registration makes your rights enforceable.
How much do first time screenwriters make?
Most first-time, unproduced screenwriters make nothing as it’s difficult to sell a spec script. Options range from a few thousand for low-budget productions to over $100,000 for studio films, but average earnings are low until you have credits and experience.
How hard is it to get a screenplay sold?
It’s extremely competitive to sell a screenplay, especially an original unconventional concept. Only the top scripts tend to get bought and produced. Build your skills, network persistently to get your work seen by industry executives, and keep writing new material to improve your odds.
What is the average salary of movie screenplay writer?
The average annual salary for a working screenwriter ranges from around $65,000 on the lower end up to $200,000. But that doesn’t account for periods of unemployment between projects which is common. Top screenwriters can earn millions per project.
