How to Write a Screenplay: Expert Tips, Steps, and Examples

• Apr 16, 2024
• 8 min read

• Tags: Writers, Writing Tips

Welcome to the vibrant world of screenplay writing! Whether you’re a budding screenwriter or a curious enthusiast, understanding how to write a screenplay is a journey that blends creativity with a structured approach.

In this blog, we will dive deep into the essentials of screenplay writing, offering you expert screenplay writing tips, a step-by-step guide, and compelling examples to empower your scripting journey. So without further ado, let’s begin!

What is a screenplay?

A screenplay is a document that tells the story through visuals, dialogue, and action while adhering to a specific format. Often referred to as a script, it’s the foundational blueprint for any film or television show. It details everything from dialogue and action to settings and transitions.

Unlike a novel or short story, a screenplay focuses on showing, not telling. Mastering the screenplay writing format and learning how to write a screenplay properly is crucial for success.

Now that we’ve understood what a screenplay is, let’s move on to the steps to writing a screenplay:

How to write a screenplay

This guide encapsulates the steps needed to craft a screenplay that is not only structurally sound but also engaging and marketable. Here’s how to start writing a screenplay that will stand out:

Step 1: Conceptualizing the idea

Start by defining the core idea of your screenplay. This could be a plot, a character, a setting, or a specific conflict. 

• Brainstorm freely: Allow your creativity to flow without judgment. Use tools like mind mapping to explore different aspects of your initial idea.
• Focus on the ‘What If?’ question: Great stories often start with a compelling ‘what if?’ scenario. For instance, “What if an archaeologist discovers an ancient artifact that everyone wants to steal?”
• Logline development: Try to formulate a logline early. This is a one or two-sentence summary of your film that introduces the main character, their goal, and the primary conflict.

Step 2: Understand the types of scripts

• Spec scripts: Spec scripts are written without a commission, purely based on the writer’s speculation that they will be sold. Write with universal appeal in mind, as these scripts are often used to showcase a writer’s skills and sell their screenplay on the basis of their potential.
• Shooting scripts: Shooting scripts include technical details like camera angles and are used during production. Learn the technical jargon and formatting including camera moves and editing cues, though typically this is used in later revisions.

Step 3: Outlining the story

Develop an outline that maps out the major events of your screenplay, often referred to as beats.

• Use a Beat sheet: Tools like Save the Cat or the Hero’s Journey can offer a structured way to outline your story.
• Scene cards: Write each major scene on an index card or use digital tools like Trello or Final Draft. This helps in visualizing the story’s flow and rearranging scenes as needed.
• Pacing: Ensure your plot outline includes rising action, a climax, and a resolution. Keep the audience engaged by placing turning points at strategic intervals.

Step 4: Ensure proper formatting

Even if you’re just writing for enjoyment, sticking to the standard format is really important. It makes your script easier to read and makes you look more professional. 

• Screenwriting software: Always start with a screenwriting software preset (like those in Final Draft or Celtx) to ensure your formatting is automatically aligned with industry standards without manual adjustments.
• Standard font and size: Always use 12-point Courier font. This monospaced font ensures that one page of your screenplay approximately equals one minute of screen time, a standard metric in the industry.
• Element formats:

1. Scene headings (sluglines): Always in CAPS. E.g., INT. HOUSE – DAY
2. Action: Descriptive text, written in the present tense.
3. Character name: Before the dialogue, centered, in CAPS.
4. Dialogue: Directly below the character name, with narrower margins than action.
5. Parentheticals: Directions for actors (how they should say a line, actions they should perform while speaking), placed within dialogue block.

Step 5: Writing the first draft

Convert your outline into a full screenplay format, focusing on creating a strong narrative and dialogue. Each scene should serve a purpose, either pushing the plot forward or revealing something crucial about the characters.

• The front page: Includes the title, writer’s name, and contact information.
• The first page: Sets the stage with the opening scene.
• Scene headings: Indicate the location and time of day.
• Action: Describe what happens visually in each scene.
• Dialogue: Characters’ spoken words centered on the page.
• Parentheticals: Brief directions for how dialogue should be delivered.
• Transitions: Instructions for the editor, typically minimal in spec scripts.
• Montages: Sequences showing events over time, condensed into brief scenes.

Step 6: Revising and rewriting

Proofread your screenplay’s first draft, identify weaknesses, and rewrite parts of the screenplay to enhance the overall story. Use tools such as grammar checkers and language correctors.

• Feedback: Get feedback from trusted peers or mentors who understand screenplay writing.
• Editing: Screenplays often require multiple drafts and screenplay editing. Refine dialogue, strengthen the plot, and ensure pacing is consistent. You can use content editing tools like ProWritingAid or QuillBot.

Step 7: Be original

Bring a unique perspective and voice to your screenplay. Originality stands out in a crowded market. Draw from personal experiences or unique observations to find fresh stories or perspectives that stand out.

Step 8: Final polish

The final polish of your screenplay is where you focus on the finer details. This includes checking the screenplay writing format, fixing any lingering grammar mistakes and typos, and ensuring that every line of dialogue serves the story.

Expert tips for writing a screenplay

Here are some expert screenplay writing tips to keep in mind throughout the process:

1. Show, don’t tell: When writing a screenplay, it’s important to use pictures to tell the story instead of just explaining it with words. Instead of having characters describe their feelings or situations, use visual elements to convey this information. For example, show a character’s loneliness by depicting them dining alone in a large, empty house, rather than having them say they feel lonely. Incorporate symbolic elements that represent larger themes or emotions in the story. For example, a wilting flower might symbolize a dying relationship.

2. Engaging dialogue: Good dialogue is short and makes a big impact. It should show what kind of person a character is and move the story forward. Every piece of dialogue should serve a purpose. Avoid including dialogue that merely fills silence without adding any value. Use dialogue rhythm strategically to enhance the mood and pacing of your scenes.

3. Character development: Each character in your screenplay should have a clear reason for being there and should help tell the story. Everything they do and say should match their role in the story. Create characters that are memorable and unique. Develop their strengths and weaknesses that will tell a story about how their presence affects the screenplay.

4. Adequate pacing: Keep the story moving fast. Each part of the story should make sense and lead to the next part, keeping people interested. Structure your story effectively with varying scene lengths and emotional pace.

5. Interesting conflict: Conflicts are what make stories interesting. Make sure there’s enough conflict in your screenplay to keep people excited about what’s going to happen next. You can develop rich backstories for your characters to ensure that the conflicts they encounter are deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Also, avoid static conflicts. Instead, allow the conflict to evolve as the story progresses. Revealing unexpected twists keeps the audience engaged and maintains tension.

Screenplay writing examples

Below are two examples showcasing different aspects of a screenplay for a fictional movie titled “Edge of Tomorrow’s Shadow”:

Example 1: Opening scene

Example 2: Dialogue scene

Screenplay writing is an art form that combines creativity with discipline. By understanding the steps to writing a screenplay and applying the given screenplay writing tips, you can transform your vivid imagination into compelling scripts.

If you’re serious about your screenplay, consider getting it professionally edited and proofread. This can not only polish your work but also enhance its clarity and impact. PaperTrue offers expert editing and proofreading services that can elevate your screenplay from good to great, making it ready to pitch to studios and agents with confidence!

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Tanvi

With a foundation in Life Sciences, Tanvi enjoys curating technical writing tips tailored for ESL students. When she's not translating complex concepts into bite-sized nuggets, she can be found playing with dogs or painting landscapes.