How to write a screenplay

How to write a screenplay

When I first started writing screenplays, I felt like I’d entered a whole new world. I’d been writing novels for many years, but screenwriting came with its own set of standards, conventions, and expectations. I couldn’t just jump in the deep end (at least, not if I wanted to create something that I could submit to festivals or production companies.) I spent some time researching, and here’s what I discovered.

Make sure you get the formatting right. There are industry standards for how you format a screenplay. It’s much more complicated than formatting a novel or short story! While I write my novels on a regular word processor, it’s far more convenient to write screenplays on specialized software, especially if you’re a newbie. Here’s a list of the best screenwriting softwares out there.

Pay attention to story structure. Movies have specific beats that they follow. As you learn the rules, it becomes easier and easier to break them, but for your first attempt, it’s best to try to stick to the typical three or four act story structure. Here is a list of three ways to outline a screenplay, ranging from newbie to story beat expert.

Read about screenwriting. Just like any craft, it’s a great idea to learn more about it before you dive right in. Here are all of the screenwriting articles I’ve ever written. You can also check out things like Masterclass, watch screenwriting youtube videos, read craft books, or even read specific screenplays. Watching movies and paying attention to the script counts as research, too, so pop some popcorn and have yourself a movie night!

Find a writing routine that works for you. If you’re already a practiced writer, you probably already know what works for you and your schedule. If you’re brand new to writing, you may have to experiment some to come up with a writing routine. You also might want to think through what your workspace is; do you have room for a small home office or do you prefer working at coffee shops on weekends? 

Set realistic goals. Don’t get discouraged if writing your first draft takes a long time. That’s natural, and just part of the process! Set small, realistic goals that you feel confident about hitting. That could be anything from “write 300 words on my lunch break” to “spend two hours writing on Saturday and Sunday.” With small, realistic goals, you’re less likely to get overwhelmed; and if you can exceed them and do more, that’s great too!

Have fun writing. If you’re having a miserable time, your work is going to suffer. Make sure to take care of yourself, take breaks, write things you’re excited about, and have a lot of movie nights. You’ve got this!

Happy writing!