1. FIRST STEPS
So are you ready to write a screenplay? A few things to consider before you get started
Find your own Story. A screenplay is a story. You need to take the idea for your story and get it on paper. Outline your ideas first and determine how the story will run. Make a general decision to start, the details can come later. When your story is ready, so you will be, grasshopper.
Make an adaptation. A screenplay can also be adapted from a work already written. Many blockbuster movies have been made from adapted screenplays. Some recent movies include Lemony Snicket, Starship Troopers and Fight Club. When adapting a screenplay from a work that is not your own, take care to follow the story as closely as possible within the parameters of time, etc that you will be required to adhere to. You will want to take the most important elements of the story when you create the adapted screenplay. It may be best to contact the author or their representation and let them know of your intentions.
Purchase screenwriting software. If you are serious about your screenwriting you may want to invest in screen writing software that will assist you and save you hours of studying how to write a screenplay. Hollywood has a very specific way they want to see scripts and if yours doesn't look right, you run the risk of your screenplay getting tossed in the trash can, no matter how great it is. Don't run the risk of this happening. Make sure your screenplay is written according to their standards the first time. Screenwriting software is available at most software dealers or online. Final Draft is considered one of the best screenwriting software packages available. Another commonly used software package is Sophocles. You need to choose the screenwriting software that suits you the best and you are the most comfortable with. (Keep in mind that while the software will help you write a screenplay, it won't help you sell a screenplay, that's a whole different topic!)
Find books to help with your screenwriting. There is also a wide variety of books available on the topic. They range in helping with the writing of a screenplay to creating a story to the small details you will need to consider for your storyline. These books can be very helpful and are commonly written by those that have written and sold screenplays. Books like these can be very helpful when you are trying to write your first screenplay:
Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
2. LOG ON FOR INSPIRATION
Log on to the Internet to Find Screenwriting tips. Hit the Internet for tips and assistance with your writing. There are many websites that offer free info that see you through your writing process.
Screenwriting Info is a popular site among aspiring screenwriters trying to hone their craft.
3. CREATING YOUR SCREENPLAY
Okay, so screenplay writing is definitely for you. What's next? Let's assume you are writing a screenplay of your own creation. This means you will be creating your own storyline.
Get your main idea down on paper. The best place to start is with an idea. Write down your idea and then determine what things will happen before and after. It is best to just sit down and brainstorm over any possibilities. Don't forget to write down every idea you have. You won't use all of them, but you may find the perfect way to weave together the story with all of your ideas in front of you.
It's all about the conflict. Most stories contain one essential element: CONFLICT. Most appealing screenplays (and then the movies and shows they create) universally contain some sort of conflict. Whether it be a romantic struggle, a war, family problems or car trouble; conflict is something that is identifiable and entertaining. It also allows for the development of adequately involved characters and plot.
Speaking of plot... Many producers increasingly desire screenplays that fall into a specific genre, such as comedy, action, war, thriller, etc. You will benefit when it comes time to try and sell your screenplay by plotting your story so that it falls into a genre (or accepted bi-genre category such as romantic comedy or action/adventure).
Have what the studio and the public want. Your story should contain a high concept as Hollywood calls it. A high concept is a concept that will catch the public's attention. A good high concept will set your screenplay apart from the others.
Work on the finer points. Once you've decided what your story should be about and what genre you are writing in, you need to start on the finer details. Concepts such as character and location need to be decided before you begin writing so your story has a good basis. These items also need to be considered when writing dialogue.
Begin writing your rough draft. Once you've decided who is in your story and where it is set, you're ready for the real thing. Writing a screenplay is different from any other style of writing because it includes stage directions, shot directions, lighting suggestions, and character action along with dialogue and story line. Be sure you know the proper way to write a screenplay and use the concepts of parenthetical reference and screenplay abbreviations. Also be aware of how to address such concepts as montage, page breaking, adlibs, etc. It is a good idea to make your stage directions vague so the director and producers will not think you are stepping on their toes.
In this day and age Hollywood scripts run about 114 pages on average, most ranging from 95-125 pages. Comedies tend to be on the shorter side and dramas longer. Every scene you write should move you towards the conclusion. No dilly-dallying!
4. GETTING OTHER PEOPLES' OPINIONS
Once you've written your screenplay and feel it is ready to be shared you could try submitting it online for other people to view and comment on it. Your screenplay doesn't have to be perfect, just readable. Getting the input from outside sources can help you fine-tune aspects of your screenplay where you were having difficulties or may convince you to add, or completely cut scenes.
There are numerous websites where you can submit your screenplay so other people can read it. Zoetrope.com has a contest for new screenwriters to submit their work and have it read by a panel of judges, MSN has a number of screenwriter groups and forums you can choose from and Fade to Script is a forum dedicated to scriptwriters where you can join discussion forums and submit your screenplay for critiquing.
5. REVISING YOUR SCREENPLAY
Once your script is written, you should polish it up before you put on the market. Be sure it is as clean as you can make before you send it out. If you want to get your screenplay copyrighted you can go to the website for the US Copyright Office. It is not usually necessary to get a copyright on your work, but if you are concerned about plagiarism or theft of your idea a simple remedy is to copy your screenplay, place it in a manila envelope and mail it to yourself. Don't open it when you receive it. The postmark will serve as a creation date and proof of ownership. It isn't always a failsafe idea however. If these options still don't alleviate your concerns you should contact a lawyer for further options.
Send out your screenplay and cross your fingers. Not everybody knows someone and most writers have to send in their screenplays, just like you. While your screenplay may not get the attention you want it to receive by simply mailing it in, other options are hard to come by. You can attempt to get an agent or other representation (if you don't already have it), which will assist you in getting your screenplay to the right place and hopefully read, but that is the only guarantee. Most agents only prefer to work with writers who have sold at least some material, however. Remember, Hollywood isn't the only place to sell screenplays. There are many different small production companies and even local theater troupes that take on different screenplays. Don't let yourself be easily discouraged!
The best thing you can do is try and try again. The hardest part to achieve is the format, and technology is making even that a lot easier. Once you make the effort, you will surely decide it was well worth it. Best of luck and happy writing!
