The world of film is very, very competitive. You may have the best movie ideas of all time, but if your script isn't structured well, there's a good chance it will never be read. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of seeing your script play on the big screen.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Started
Step 1. Understand the definition of a script
The script or screenplay, describes all the elements (sound, visuals, action and dialogue) needed to tell a story through film or TV.
- A script is almost never the work of one person. However, the script went through many revisions and rewrites, until it was finally interpreted by producers, directors, and actors.
- Film and TV are visual media. This means that you need to write your script in a way that includes both the visual and auditory aspects of the story. Focus on writing images and sound.
Step 2. Read scripts for your favorite films
Find movie scripts online and decide what you liked (and didn't like) about the script. Live the way of describing action, writing dialogue, and developing character.
Step 3. Refine your concept
Assuming you already have an idea you want to write about, write down all the details of the storyline, the relationships between the characters, and the required characteristics that will guide your story. Which elements are most important to your concept? How do your characters interact and why? What's the larger point of your story? Are there any gaps in the storyline? Write a note about this in the format you want.
Method 2 of 3: Scriptwriting
Step 1. Write the outline of your story
Start with the basic flow of your narrative. Focus on the conflict part of the story; conflict governs drama.
- Adjust the length. In script format, each page takes up approximately one minute of film. The average length for a 2-hour manuscript is 120 pages. Drama takes about 2 hours, comedy is shorter, about an hour and a half.
- Also keep in mind that unless you are a well-known writer, have connections, or are sure to make a lot of money, the long screenplay is unlikely to be selected. If the story you need to tell can't be shortened to less than two hours, you might as well turn it into a novel.
Step 2. Write your story in three acts
The key to a scenario is Three Acts. Each chapter has its own story and when combined create the whole journey of a story.
- Act One: This is the setting for the story. Introduce the world of your story and its characters. Set the tone of the story (comedy, action, romance, etc.). Introduce your protagonist, and begin to develop the conflict that will govern your story. When the protagonist has determined his goal, Act Two begins. For drama, Act One is about 30 pages long. For comedy, 24 pages.
- Act Two: This Act is the main part of the story. The protagonist will find problems while trying to resolve the conflict. Sub-storylines are usually introduced in the second act. Throughout the second half, the protagonist must show signs of change. For drama, Act Two is about 60 pages long. For comedy, 48 pages.
- Act Three: In act three, the story reaches completion. The third act contains a story twist, and ends with the ultimate confrontation of the goal. Because the story has been told in the second act, the third act has a faster and denser pace. For drama, Act Three is about 30 pages long. For comedy, 24 pages.
Step 3. Add sequences
Sequence is a story that stands alone from the main conflict. Sequences have a beginning, middle, and end. Sequences are usually 10 to 15 pages long. Sequences tend to focus on certain characters.
Sequences have a different level of suspense from the main story, and often affect the main storyline
Step 4. Start writing the scene
Scenes are the events of your film. Scenes take place in specific locations and always aim to make the storyline progress. If a scene does not serve this purpose, it should be removed from the script. Scenes that have no purpose will be perceived by readers as flaws and destroy the story.
Step 5. Start writing the dialogue
If you already have a scene, you have to make your characters interact. Dialogue can be one of the most difficult things to write. Each character needs a different and believable voice.
- Real dialogue doesn't always mean good dialogue. Dialogue should focus on the story progressing and character development. You don't have to worry about trying to convey reality through dialogue, because real conversations often seem stilted and out of place.
- Read your dialogue aloud. Does it sound stilted, too general, or exaggerated? Do all your characters talk the same way?
Step 6. Get rid of things that can destroy your script
Now that you've got all your ideas written down on paper, look for weak story connections, story distractions, or anything else that's distracting. Has your story ever changed the plot? Are there unnecessary details or repetition? Have you given your best to the readers? If there are too many explanations or the story doesn't progress, discard that section.
Step 7. Show your finished script to some of your friends
Choose friends who have different tastes and backgrounds to get a variety of opinions. Be sure to ask for the real truth; if you want constructive criticism, not lies or praise.
Step 8. Revise your manuscript as many times as needed
This may feel uncomfortable at first, but once you're done, you'll be satisfied that you spent your time improving your script.
Method 3 of 3: Formatting the Manuscript
Step 1. Set your page size
The script is written on 8” x 11” paper, with 3 holes. The top and bottom margins are 0.5” and 1”. Its left margin is between 1.2” to 1.6” and its right margin is between 0.5” and 1”.
The page number is in the top right corner. The title page is not numbered
Step 2. Set your writing type
The film script is written using Courier font size 12. This is done because of the time of each page. One page of script using Courier 12 is roughly the equivalent of one minute of film.
Step 3. Format the elements of your script
There are several sections of the manuscript that require special formatting to conform to industry standards:
- Scene Heading: Also called slug line. This section sets the stage for the reader by describing the location. Scene headings are written in capital letters. First, state the interior and exterior scenes by writing INT. or EXT.. Then, followed by the location and time. Never end a page with a scene heading that continues on to the next page.
- Action: This is the descriptive text of the film script. Write using active sentences. Write short paragraphs to keep the reader's attention. A good paragraph consists of 3-5 lines.
- Character Name: Before the dialogue starts, the words spoken by the character are typed in capital letters and 3.5” from the left margin. The name can be the character's real name, a description of the character if it doesn't have a name in the film, or his occupation. If the character is speaking outside the film, write (O. S) (off-screen) next to the character's name. If the character reads the narration, (V. O) (voice over) is written next to the character.
- Dialog: When a character speaks, dialogue is written 2.5” from the left margin and between 2-2, 5” from the right. The dialogue is written just below the character name.
Tips
- Look for books on scriptwriting at the local library. Many former filmmakers wrote books to help people in situations like yours.
- Try to develop a story that progresses naturally. Many scriptwriters feel that every second should be more interesting than the previous second; others suddenly write something interesting or not interesting at all. Make sure your storyline progresses slowly so that the reader's interest reaches a climax.
- Consider purchasing scriptwriting software. Several programs are available to guide you through formatting or even converting a written script into the proper formatting.
- Participate in script writing forums. You can learn tips and exchange ideas with fellow writers, and you may find contacts and interest in your work.
- Your hook (eg the concept or interest of the main point) should be written in the first ten pages. The first ten pages are all that producers need to read more!
- Take creative writing training. Script writing is also difficult and time-consuming just like any other type of writing and will be even more difficult if you write very little in school.
- Consider getting a formal education in scriptwriting. The best university in America for this purpose is the University of Southern California. Columbia University, UCLA, SF State, NYU, UT-Austin, and the University of Iowa are also good choices.
Warning
- Look for inspiration from other people's work but don't use other people's ideas directly in your writing. This is illegal and morally reprehensible.
- Don't just give your script to anyone; ideas can be easily stolen. A good way to prevent your idea from being stolen, or at least your manuscript documents, is to register a complete manuscript with the Writer's Guild of America. WGA is a group representing all the authors and their website is full of information related to script writing.
