Referring to the definition of a real synopsis, a screenplay synopsis contains a summary of the script made to attract the attention of a particular agency, director, producer, or production house. If readers like your synopsis, they are more likely to ask you to submit a full manuscript. Unlike the treatment (narrative of events that occur in a film), the synopsis only contains the most important or interesting parts in a story. Therefore, make sure your synopsis contains the plot of the story, follows the basic rules of writing a correct synopsis, and is summarized in a concise, straightforward, and clear style of language.
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Part 1 of 3: Summarizing the Plot of the Story
Step 1. Create a logline or short sentence that summarizes the premise of the story
In the logline, list the identity of the protagonist (main character or hero), the challenge or conflict they are trying to overcome, and why they have to overcome it. If possible, follow the logline with a short paragraph explaining the appeal of the screenplay from your point of view as a filmmaker.
For example, if your film was shot on a low budget in a few locations not too far away, your screenplay will likely appeal more to the production company than a film that contains a lot of special effects and requires shooting in far-flung locations
Step 2. Introduce the main character and setting of the story
Make sure this section does not exceed one paragraph! Include the name of each character (who), their occupation or occupation (what), where they live and work (where), the time period behind the story (when), and the reason you are telling their story (why). Write the name of each character in uppercase when the names are first appeared. After that, write the name of the character in the usual format.
The characters that must be included in the synopsis are all protagonists, antagonists (bad characters), and all important characters involved in the protagonist's life. Do not include the names of characters that are less important or significant
Step 3. Start with Action I
Make sure your summary doesn't exceed 3 paragraphs (about half a page). Remember, Action I is the beginning; focus this section to introduce all the characters and the story conflicts that occur.
Step 4. Create Action II
Dedicate a full page to explain Action II; in this section, explain the details of the conflicts that each character experiences, how they deal with these conflicts, or the various new things that are revealed from each character.
Step 5. Finish with Action III
Make sure the content of this section is no more than 3 paragraphs (about half a page). In this section, explain conflict resolution and what happens to the characters in your story. Don't be afraid to tell stories. Remember, your readers need to know how the plot ends. Unravel all the tangles as you conclude your synopsis in Action III.
Step 6. Think of a movie title that fits the plot of your story
Don't try too hard to think of a unique and catchy title; after all, it is possible that your film director will change it later. List the title of the film at the very top of the first page.
Part 2 of 3: Following the Ground Rules
Step 1. Confirm that it is a synopsis
Even though it's very clear, keep the "Synopsis" at the top of the first page; also include the title of your film below. Below the title, include a description of the genre of your film (drama, horror, comedy, etc.).
For example, a screenplay synopsis for a Star Wars movie might need to have "Sci-fi adventures)" under the title
Step 2. Add your contact information
At the very top of the first page (just below the header), include your name, email address, mobile number, and home address.
In America, all screenplays must be registered with the writers' union for films and television shows called the Writers Guild of America (WGA), in order for the authors to receive recognition or copyright for their works
Step 3. Keep the synopsis concise
Make sure your synopsis is at least two pages long. Although a one-page synopsis feels more concise, in fact the reader will not be able to understand the important details if you only package it on one page. However, make sure your synopsis is no longer than three pages so that readers can complete it in less than 15 minutes.
Step 4. Write a synopsis in the present tense format
If you have to write a synopsis in English, make sure you use the present tense format even if the plot of the story takes place in the past or the future. For example, in the Star Wars movie scenario, you could write “Obi-Wan Kenobi' fights (against in the present tense) Darth Vader. Remember, every action in the scenario occurs while you are writing the screenplay, not in the time period that sets the plot.
Step 5. Use third person point of view
Even though there will be a narrator who will narrate the script, the camera will actually take pictures from a third person point of view, right? Therefore, always use pronouns like “he” and “they”. For example, you might say, "When Little Teapot is angry, he will not hesitate to vent his anger by screaming uncontrollably."
Step 6. Use single spaces
Make sure that all paragraphs in your synopsis are single-spaced, but leave extra space to give space between paragraphs. When starting a new paragraph, there is no need to type in indented sentences; trust me, you will help the reader to digest the material better if you do.
Step 7. Use a common typeface and format
If the reader is unable to understand the contents of your synopsis, don't be surprised if your synopsis ends up in the trash. To prevent this from happening, make sure you use a common typeface and writing format; in other words, use fonts such as Times New Roman and Arial with 12pt size, unless you have to follow certain writing rules from the agency or production company concerned.
Part 3 of 3: Perfecting the Synopsis
Step 1. Avoid too heavy language
Write a synopsis in a language that is light and easy for the audience to understand. To sell a screenplay, readers must first understand the plot of your story. If you use language or terms that are too heavy or flowery, the reader will likely not bother reading your second paragraph. After all, a synopsis filled with unimportant adjectives or adverbs is no longer worthy of being called a synopsis. Keep the synopsis as concise and clear as possible. Undoubtedly, you are already moving one step further towards your dream!
Step 2. Have someone else review your synopsis
In other words, enlist their help in finding spelling and grammatical errors; Also ask them to rate the clarity of the information in your synopsis. These people can come from your circle of friends, family, or colleagues at work. If some parts of the synopsis confuse them, try changing them to clarify the plot. Be careful, if your synopsis alone is confusing, chances are the agency or production house won't bother asking for your full screenplay.
Step 3. Get ready to edit the synopsis
Most production houses have rules regarding the format for writing synopsis that they can accept. If necessary, modify your synopsis to suit those rules. In addition to the production house, the agency or the reader may ask you to make edits so that the contents of the synopsis comply with the rules regarding the number of words or the number of pages. Follow all the rules in detail if you want your synopsis to pass to the next stage!
