Screenwriting Tips: The 12 Steps to Write a Screenplay

The 12 Screenwriting Steps

1. Identifying the Premise: The first step in writing a screenplay is identifying your premise. This is a one-sentence description of the idea your story is based on.
2. Crafting the Logline: Once you have your premise, you can craft a logline. A logline is a one or two-sentence description of your story that encapsulates the central conflict and communicates the stakes.
3. Developing Characters: Characters are the heart of your story, so spending time developing them is important. Throughout the story, you’ll need to know their motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and arc.
4. Plotting the Story: The next step is to plot your story using the three-act structure that Field advocates for. Act One is the setup, Act Two is the confrontation, and Act Three is the resolution.
5. Establishing the Set-Up (Act One): This includes the opening scene, the introduction of the main characters, the “inciting incident” or event that sets the story in motion, and the “plot point one” or event that signals the end of Act One and the transition into Act Two.
6. Confrontation (Act Two): Act Two is the longest, often divided into two parts with a midpoint. This is where the main character faces obstacles and conflicts, and most of the story’s action takes place.
7. Midpoint: This is a key scene or event in the middle of Act Two, often marking a significant change or twist in the story.
8. Plot Point Two: This is another significant event or revelation that signals the end of Act Two and the transition into Act Three.
9. Resolution (Act Three): This is where the final conflicts are resolved, the character arcs are completed, and the story is brought to a close.
10. Writing the Treatment: A treatment is a detailed summary of your screenplay, typically 1-3 pages long. It outlines the plot, characters, and key scenes.
11. Writing the First Draft: Once you have your treatment, you can write your first draft. This is where you flesh out the dialogue and action in each scene.
12. Revising and Rewriting: After the first draft, it’s time to revise and rewrite. This may involve refining dialogue, restructuring scenes, or even major changes like adding or removing characters.

Remember, while this structure words, it’s not the only way to write a screenplay. Successful screenwriters use different structures and methods, so find what works best for you. Writing is a craft, and developing your style and process can take time and practice.

Frequently asked questions about screenwriting:

What is the three-act structure in screenwriting? The three-act structure is a model used in screenwriting that divides a screenplay into three parts: setup, confrontation, and resolution.

How long should a screenplay be? A typical feature film screenplay is between 90 to 120 pages long. For TV scripts it varies by type of show (half-hour comedies are typically shorter than one-hour dramas).

What is a spec script? A spec script, or speculative screenplay, is a script written with the hope that it will be sold and produced. A studio or producer does not commission it.

How do I protect my screenplay? In the U.S., you can register your screenplay with the U.S. Copyright Office and/or the Writers Guild of America to establish a public record of your claim.

How do I sell my screenplay? Typically, you need to attract the attention of a producer or agent who can help you sell your script. This can be through script competitions, query letters, or networking.

What is a logline? A logline is a one or two-sentence summary of your story that captures its main conflict and stakes.

What’s the difference between a treatment and a screenplay? A treatment is a detailed summary of your screenplay, usually 1-3 pages long. A screenplay is the final written version of your story, with a specific format for dialogue, action, and scene descriptions.

What is “show, don’t tell” in screenwriting? “Show, don’t tell” means that you should present information or character emotions through actions, visuals, and dialogue rather than just telling the audience directly.

What is a beat in screenwriting? A beat can refer to a moment of pause in dialogue, or it can refer to an event or decision that changes the course of the story.

What software is commonly used for screenwriting? Final Draft and Celtx are two of the most commonly used screenwriting software programs. They help writers adhere to the strict formatting rules of screenplays.

Who Buys Screen Plays and for How Much

1. Spec scripts: These are screenplays written without a buyer in mind. For a first-time writer in the film industry, a spec script might sell for as little as $5,000 or as much as $100,000 or more. Established writers with a proven track record can earn even more.
2. Commissioned scripts: When a writer is specifically hired by a studio to write a script, they’re paid a negotiated fee. The Writer’s Guild of America has a minimum rate that their members must be paid, which can range from about $72,600 for an original screenplay to $136,413 for a low-budget screenplay.
3. Rewrites and polishes: Sometimes, a writer is hired to rewrite or polish an existing script, and the pay for this can also vary, depending on the writer’s experience and the extent of the changes needed.
4. Script doctoring: High-profile writers are often hired to “doctor” or fix certain aspects of a screenplay, often uncredited. This work is usually well-paid, but it’s generally reserved for more experienced writers.

It’s worth noting that selling a screenplay is no easy task, and involves networking, querying, and often a significant amount of luck. But if you’re dedicated, and you’re constantly improving your craft and learning about the industry, you’ll increase your chances of success.

Highest Amount Paid for Screenplay Scripts

1. “Deja Vu” – Terry Rossio and Bill Marsilii were paid $5 million for their screenplay in 2004 by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Touchstone Pictures. With inflation, the script would be worth over $6.5 million today.
2. “Panic Room” – David Koepp sold this screenplay for $4 million to Columbia Pictures in 2000.
3. “Basic Instinct” – Joe Eszterhas was paid $3 million by Carolco in 1990. This sale helped to escalate the price of screenplays during the 90s.
4. “The Long Kiss Goodnight” – Shane Black sold this script for $4 million to New Line Cinema in 1994, which was a record at the time.
5. “Medicine Man” – Tom Schulman sold this script for $3 million to Hollywood Pictures in 1992.

These prices, while impressive, are the exception rather than the rule. Only a tiny percentage of screenplays sold achieve these kinds of numbers. Most spec scripts sell for a fraction of these prices, and many professional screenwriters work on commissioned projects where the pay scale is defined by the Writer’s Guild minimum rates.

It’s also important to note that these high-profile sales often come from established writers with a proven track record, and typically involve scripts that come with elements already attached, like a big-name actor or director. Aspiring screenwriters should focus on honing their craft and building a solid portfolio, as these are the key to breaking into the industry.

Writing, Producing, and Directing Your Film

Skill Requirements: Directing and producing require different skill sets than writing. Directing involves working with actors, managing a crew, and making countless creative decisions about visuals, sound, and pacing. Producing, meanwhile, is about securing funding, managing the film’s budget, coordinating logistics, and navigating distribution and marketing.

Time and Energy: Writing, producing, and directing are all intensive jobs. Doing all three can be overwhelming, particularly for a first-time filmmaker.

Objectivity: Having some distance from the writing can sometimes be helpful for a director. A different director or producer might bring new perspectives or ideas that can improve the film.

Industry Norms: In the traditional film industry, roles are often separated. Going outside of this norm may encounter resistance, particularly for those who are new to the industry.

In the end, the decision is a personal one and depends on the writer’s aspirations and abilities. It can be helpful to gain some experience in each role, even if on smaller or amateur projects, to understand what they entail before deciding to take them on for a major project. And regardless of the roles they choose to fill, any aspiring filmmaker will need to be persistent, passionate, and willing to learn from both successes and failures.

Screen Writers Who Wrote and Directed Their Own Films

Quentin Tarantino: Renowned for his distinctive style, Tarantino wrote and directed movies such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Kill Bill,” and “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” His films are known for their non-linear storylines, satirical subject matter, and stylistic homages to various genres.

Joel and Ethan Coen (The Coen Brothers): They have written and directed numerous critically acclaimed films, including “Fargo,” “No Country for Old Men,” and “The Big Lebowski.” They often blend elements of comedy, drama, and crime in their work.

Christopher Nolan: Known for his complex, cerebral narratives, Nolan has written and directed successful films such as “Inception,” “The Dark Knight Trilogy,” and “Interstellar.”

Greta Gerwig: She wrote and directed “Lady Bird” and “Little Women,” both critically acclaimed and received numerous award nominations. Gerwig is known for her nuanced character development and exploration of women’s experiences.

Jordan Peele: Peele wrote and directed “Get Out” and “Us,” both successful with critics and audiences alike. He is known for his blending of horror with social commentary.

Spike Lee: Lee has written and directed numerous films that explore race relations, colorism in the black community, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and other political issues. Some of his most famous films include “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman.”

These filmmakers have demonstrated that screenwriters can direct their own scripts successfully. However, they also illustrate the diverse skills needed to excel in both roles. These skills often take many years and numerous projects to develop.

 

Final Thoughts About Writing Your Screenplay

While your journey as a screenwriter might seem daunting at first, I believe your journey holds immense potential for success and self-discovery. In your hands, words can come alive, characters can take shape, and entire worlds can be built from the ground up. It’s an art that marries creativity with discipline, and while it’s a tough journey, it’s incredibly rewarding too.

There may be days when you’ll stare at a blank page, unsure of what to write next, but remember that every great writer has been there. The key is to keep going, to keep exploring the depth of your imagination and the breadth of your determination.

As you embark on this journey, remember that a solid screenplay is built on passion, shaped by discipline, and polished with perseverance. It’s not just about having a great idea; it’s about pouring your heart and soul into bringing that idea to life.

Embrace the process of learning, of growing as a writer, of pushing your boundaries and challenging your limits. Write, rewrite, and then write some more. Know that every draft, every revision, brings you one step closer to your goal.

Ultimately, what sets a successful screenwriter apart is their relentless pursuit of their vision, their unwavering belief in their story, and their unyielding commitment to their craft. If you can harness your passion and pair it with discipline, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

As Albert Einstein once said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” So, stick with it, persevere, and know that every word you write is a stepping stone towards your dream.

So, write that screenplay. Tell that story. Share your unique perspective with the world. Only you can write your screenplay, and the world is waiting to see it. Trust in your talent, believe in your vision, and remember that your voice matters. You can do it!

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