Steps of the Movie Screenplay Writing Process
Prewriting: The prewriting phase of movie screenwriting involves essential steps that lay the foundation for your screenplay. Here is a list of prewriting steps in movie screenwriting, from Idea, Research, and Character Development:
- Idea Generation: Brainstorm ideas and concepts for your screenplay.
- Engage in brainstorming sessions to generate unique and compelling ideas for your screenplay.
- Explore different themes and concepts as well as the genre or combination of genres that best suits your story.
- Consider the conventions and expectations of the chosen genre and how they align with your narrative goals.
- Research and Development: Information, Insights, and Inspiration
- Conduct research to gather information and inspiration related to your chosen subject matter, whether it’s a specific time period, profession, or cultural background.
- Develop a deep understanding of the world, characters, and conflicts you want to explore.
- Character Development:
- Create well-rounded, compelling characters with distinct personalities, goals, motivations, and conflicts.
- Develop their backstories, relationships, and character arcs.
- Conflict and Obstacles: Generate conflicts and obstacles that challenge the protagonist’s journey and drive the narrative forward. Create internal and external conflicts, forcing characters to make choices and face adversity.
- Scene Outlining: Outline individual scenes, noting the essential actions, character interactions, and key plot points.
- Ensure each scene contributes to the overall story and develops the narrative or character.
Film Treatment Writing and Three-Act Structure:
- Write a film treatment, a narrative summary of your screenplay that outlines the major story beats, characters, and themes.
- Include a logline, descriptions of the main characters and their arcs, and a three-act summary.
- Three-Act Structure:
- Act 1 (Setup): Introduce the protagonist and their world as well as the central conflict.
- Act 2 (Confrontation): Develop the conflict and obstacles by raising the stakes for the protagonist. Include rising action, complications, and character development.
- Act 3 (Resolution): Bring the story to a climax and resolution. Resolve the conflict, provide closure, and allow for character growth.
Screenplay Writing:
- Begin writing the screenplay based on the treatment and scene outlines.
- Craft engaging dialogue, vivid descriptions, and clear action lines.
- Use proper screenplay formatting, including scene headings, action descriptions, character names, and dialogue.
Rewriting and Revision:
- Review and revise your screenplay multiple times, focusing on improving structure, pacing, character development, dialogue, and overall storytelling.
- Seek feedback from trusted sources, peers, or professional script consultants, and incorporate their suggestions.
- Ensure your screenplay adheres to industry-standard formatting guidelines.
- Proofread for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
- Create a polished final version ready for submission or production consideration.
Pitching and Potential Venues:
- Prepare a pitch package that includes a logline, synopsis, and marketing materials to pitch your screenplay effectively.
- Seek potential venues for your screenplay, such as film production companies, agents, or screenplay competitions.
- Attend industry events, networking opportunities, or screenplay festivals to connect with industry professionals.
Remember that the screenwriting process is a creative journey, and individual writers may have their own variations or additional steps based on their preferences and experiences. Flexibility and adaptability are essential to navigate the process and refine your screenplay.
