Content Writing How to Write a Screenplay – Stepwise Guide with Example

Screenplay writing is a big challenge for beginners. With the right approach, you can create a compelling screenplay format and script. In this blog, we’ll tell you how to write a screenplay like a pro.

How to write screenplay – Stepwise Guide

Here are the steps to follow to write a screenplay:

Choose a concept: 

Start with a concept that excites you. It can be an original idea or a fresh take on a familiar genre. Make sure the concept is marketable and has the potential to attract an audience.

Develop your characters: 

Your characters should be well-rounded and interesting. Give them backstory, desires, flaws, and quirks that make them unique. Use character bios to help you get to know them better.

Write a logline: 

A logline is a one-sentence summary of your screenplay that captures the essence of your story. It should include the protagonist, their goal, the antagonist, and the stakes.

Outline your screenplay: 

An outline helps you structure your screenplay and keep your story on track. It should include the key plot points, character arcs, and themes.

Write a treatment: 

A treatment is a more detailed summary of your screenplay. It should be about 10-20 pages and include a synopsis, character descriptions, and a brief outline of each scene.

Write the first draft: 

Start writing your screenplay using the screenplay format. Focus on compelling storytelling and use it to bring your characters into action. Don’t worry too much about formatting or spelling errors at this stage.

Edit and revise: 

Once you have a complete draft, read it over and look for areas that need improvement. Consider the pacing, dialogue, and character arcs. Rewrite as necessary to tighten the story and fix any issues.

Get feedback: 

Show your screenplay to a few trusted friends or colleagues and get feedback. Consider joining a writer’s group or hiring a professional script consultant for more in-depth feedback.

Rewrite and refine: 

Based on the feedback you receive, make changes to your screenplay. Rewrite and polish it until it’s the best it can be.

Proofread and format:

Once you have a final draft, proofread it carefully for spelling and grammar errors. Then, format it properly using screenplay software or templates.

Register your screenplay: 

Protect your intellectual property by registering your screenplay with the Writers Guild of America or the U.S. Copyright Office.

Submit your screenplay: 

Once your screenplay is ready, start submitting it to agents, producers, and competitions. Keep writing and refining your craft, and don’t give up!

How to write a screenplay outline – Understanding with Example

Here’s an example screenplay outline for better understanding of how to write a screenplay:

Title: The Last Laugh

Logline: After being diagnosed with a terminal illness, an aging stand-up comedian sets out on a final tour to reclaim his place in the comedy world and reconnect with his estranged daughter.

Act I

Introduction of protagonist, Stan, an aging stand-up comedian who has fallen out of the spotlight.

Diagnosis of terminal illness and realization that he wants to leave a legacy.

Decides to embark on a comedy tour finally.  

Act II

Stan reconnects with his former comedy partner, Manny, and they hit the road together.

Challenges arise as they struggle to book gigs and deal with Stan’s declining health.

Stan’s daughter, Julie, discovers his plans and confronts him about his absence from her life.

Act III

Stan’s health deteriorates, but he perseveres and delivers a standout performance at a comedy festival.

Stan and Manny reconcile after years of bitterness and regret.

Stan reaches out to Julie and they finally make amends before he passes away.

Tone/Style: 

Dramatic comedy with heartfelt moments.

Treatment: 

The Last Laugh is a touching and funny exploration of the power of laughter and the importance of family. Stan, a once-famous stand-up comedian, has spent years in retirement, bitter and estranged from his family. When he receives a devastating diagnosis, he decides to take one last shot at glory by hitting the road with his former comedy partner, Manny. Along the way, they encounter a series of obstacles, from hecklers to health scares, but Stan refuses to give up. As he becomes more ill, he begins to see the value of reconnecting with his estranged daughter, Julie, and the two have an emotional reunion. In the end, Stan delivers a triumphant performance at a comedy festival, bringing his career full circle and reconciling with Manny and Julie before passing away.

How do you write a screenplay for beginners?

If you are a beginner, here are some tips to help you learn how to write a screenplay:

Start Simple:

Don’t try to write a complex, multi-layered story right away. Start with a simple idea and build on it. Focus on creating interesting and relatable characters that audiences can connect with.

Visualize Your Story: 

In screenwriting, it’s important to show your story visually rather than through exposition. Use action and dialogue to reveal character traits, emotions, and backstory.

Learn to write lines of dialogue: 

Dialogue is a crucial part of screenwriting, as it reveals character, advances the plot, and provides entertainment. Study how your favorite screenwriters write dialogue and practice writing your own.

Mind the Length: 

Screenplays are usually around 90-120 pages long, so it’s important to be concise in your writing. Cut unnecessary scenes and descriptions and get to the point quickly.

Master formatting: 

Screenplays have a specific format, and it’s important to master it. Use screenwriting software or templates to make sure your screenplay is properly formatted.

Read screenplays: 

Reading screenplays is a great way to learn about screenwriting. Study the structure, pacing, and dialogue of successful screenplays.

Set deadlines: 

Set realistic deadlines for yourself and stick to them. This will help you stay motivated and focused on completing your screenplay.

Get feedback: 

Feedback is essential to improving your screenplay. Show your work to others and ask for constructive criticism. Don’t be defensive about feedback – use it to improve your writing.

Write every day: 

Writing is a skill that requires practice. Try to write any time of day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Most importantly, Don’t give up: 

Screenwriting is a tough business, and it can be discouraging at times. But if you’re passionate about writing, keep at it. Keep learning, keep practicing, and keep writing.

Take Help from an AI Writer – Get More Ideas and Writing Assistance

An AI writer can help you with more screenplay writing ideas and provide writing assistance. You can brainstorm plot ideas, develop characters, and improve dialogue and pacing. It saves you time and effort, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of screenwriting. However, remember that an AI writing assistant is not a replacement for human creativity and intuition. Use it as a valuable resource to take your screenplay to the next level. AI writing for screenplays saves tons of time and helps you explore new ideas efficiently.

What are the 5 basic elements of a screenplay?

• Plot: Define the sequence of the story events. Introduce characters, establish conflict, raise the action, the climax, and the resolution.
• Characters: Characters are the people or entities that inhabit the story. They have their own personalities, motivations, and desires. The protagonist is the character that the story follows, while the antagonist is the character that opposes the protagonist.
• Dialogue: Dialogue is the spoken words of the characters. It is used to reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide exposition.
• Setting: Define the time and place for your story. Specify the physical environment, the social context, and the historical period.
• Theme: The theme is the underlying message or meaning of the story. It can be an idea, a moral, or a universal truth that the story conveys through its characters and events.

Can I write a screenplay with no experience?

Yes, you can write a screenplay with no experience. Screenwriting is a skill. You can learn and improve it with practice, dedication, and patience. Although  it may be challenging at first, there are many resources available to help beginners learn about the craft of screenwriting, such as books, ebooks, online courses, and screenwriting software.

Conclusion: 

Screenwriting can be a complex task for beginners. Our screenplay writing guide will develop your screenwriting skills so you can create a compelling screenplay. Remember to stay committed to the process and follow the steps discussed to become a pro screenplay writer.