How To Write A Screenplay (For Beginners)

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their personal screenwriting process, offering practical advice on developing concepts, writing loglines, structuring scripts, and formatting. They discuss how to generate story ideas, develop characters, and refine plot points, emphasizing the importance of time, feedback, and rewrites. The creator also explores their process of writing scriptments, which bridges the gap between scripts and treatments. Key principles like 'show, don’t tell' and honest writing are highlighted, and the video concludes with advice on rewriting and continuously improving a screenplay.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing is often the hardest part of filmmaking, but it's essential to break it down into the basics to make it manageable for beginners.
• 😀 The concept of a story is the core idea, often simple but powerful, and can be built upon over time by mixing different elements and themes.
• 😀 Loglines are crucial for summarizing your story in a single sentence and can be a helpful tool during development to guide your script.
• 😀 The 'idea vomit' phase is where you dump all your ideas, testing what works for the protagonist, theme, and story arc, without worrying about perfection.
• 😀 Structure plays a key role in guiding your script, and using mile markers (like the opening, midpoint, and climax) can help set a clear direction for the plot.
• 😀 Formatting is an essential part of screenwriting. Familiarize yourself with elements like scene headings, action lines, character cues, dialogue, and transitions.
• 😀 The scriptment is a document that lies between a treatment and a script, allowing for flexible writing and rapid iteration on key story beats.
• 😀 ‘Show, don’t tell’ is fundamental—reveal information gradually through the movement of the story, avoiding info dumps and allowing the audience to engage with the plot.
• 😀 Pacing can be enhanced by entering a scene late and leaving early, creating intrigue and keeping the audience on their toes.
• 😀 Rewriting is an essential part of the process—every draft improves the script, helping to refine characters, themes, and subtext.
• 😀 Feedback from trusted readers who understand your voice is invaluable. It’s important to create a feedback system that allows for clear and constructive criticism.

Q & A

What is the central challenge the speaker identifies in screenwriting?

The speaker considers writing to be the hardest part of filmmaking due to the need for in-depth story development and structure. They aim to simplify the process by focusing on the essentials, specifically for beginners.

How does the speaker approach the creation of a story concept?

The speaker discusses how concepts can come both spontaneously, like 'lightning bolts,' and intentionally, based on a production company's request or specific ingredients. They recommend using restrictions as a creative tool to narrow down the possibilities and find a clear direction.

What is the purpose of a log line, and how does it help the screenwriting process?

A log line is a brief summary of the story designed to generate interest in reading the script. It helps clarify the main plot, protagonist, and conflict, providing a roadmap that can guide the scriptwriting process. The speaker highlights that writing a log line early can help refine the concept and provide direction.

What is a 'scriptment,' and how does it fit into the screenwriting process?

A 'scriptment' is a hybrid document between a full script and a treatment, often used to structure the story and flesh out key scenes. It allows for flexibility, letting the writer include dialogue and action while still being able to work in broader strokes. It serves as a bridge that helps move from conceptualization to a full screenplay.

Why does the speaker recommend 'show, don't tell' in screenwriting?

'Show, don't tell' emphasizes revealing story elements through action, character interactions, and visuals rather than through exposition. The speaker stresses that it is more engaging for the audience to absorb information naturally as the story progresses, rather than through forced dialogue or lengthy info dumps.

What does 'arriving late and leaving early' mean in the context of screenwriting?

This concept suggests entering a scene already in progress, avoiding mundane introductions. It also means leaving a scene before it overstays its welcome, maintaining a sense of urgency and interest. The speaker emphasizes this approach as a way to keep the story moving and engage the audience more effectively.

What role does 'honesty' play in writing a screenplay?

The speaker highlights that emotional honesty is crucial in screenwriting. Writers should draw from personal experiences to authentically portray emotions, ensuring that the story feels genuine. The speaker also discusses being honest with the direction of the story itself, allowing it to unfold naturally rather than forcing it into a preconceived mold.

How does the speaker approach feedback during the writing process?

The speaker advises seeking feedback from a small group of trusted individuals who understand the writer’s voice and share similar tastes. They stress the importance of clear, constructive feedback over opinions from those who feel the need to provide input for validation. Additionally, the speaker suggests using questionnaires to gather targeted responses.

What is the significance of rewrites in the screenwriting process?

Rewriting is a crucial step in refining the script. The speaker shares that the first draft is just the beginning, and the real magic happens during rewrites. Each new draft improves the story, focusing on character depth, theme clarity, and subtext. The speaker encourages writers to embrace the rewrite process, as it makes the story stronger and more polished.

What are the main elements of script formatting that the speaker highlights?

The speaker covers essential script formatting components such as scene headings (INT./EXT., location, time of day), action lines (describing what happens in the scene), character cues, dialogue, parentheticals, and transitions. They also mention the importance of proper capitalization for emphasis on characters, props, and key moments.