Have a cool idea for a film? Overwhelmed by the scriptwriting process? Want to learn what a slug line is? We've got answers to these questions and some pro tactics to get you on your way to writing a great story.
This article focuses on scriptwriting essentials for writing a stellar screenplay. However, these script basics can be applied to any medium for telling a narrative or story.
We'll cover all the information you need to know, including:
- What is scriptwriting?
- Scriptwriting essentials
- Screenplay formatting basics
- Tips on what makes a strong script, and more!
Ready? Here we go...
What is scriptwriting?
One thing to point out before we start is that a script is the initial outline of a film, and a screenplay is the more specific and complete version of a script. However, these two terms may be used interchangeably. Before we launch into the bones of scriptwriting, let's discuss the screenplay's origin story.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, silent movies (look up Charlie Chaplin and "The Kid") were all the rage, and moviemakers used basic written outlines, called "screenplays," to guide their productions. By the Roaring Twenties, screenwriting had fully developed as a standalone art. Why? The world was introduced to sound.
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Still frame from Chaplin's "The Kid"
For the first time in history, films included full-blown dialogue and sound effects, which needed to be cited in scripts. Over several decades, screenwriting became formalized, allowing for greater creative collaboration between directors, writers, and actors.
It also paved the way for the world of scriptwriting. Today, scriptwriting has evolved into the process of writing stories for various mediums, including film, television, digital stories, video tutorials, and more.
This article focuses on scriptwriting and the screenplay format used in films. However, you can apply much of the information to other script forms and different types of video creation in school, for your business, social media, and more.
Why do you need a script?
What's the purpose of a script? Seamless storytelling. In film, screenplays function as the blueprint of any visual narrative. Not only do they outline character interactions, but they also feature detailed descriptions of scenes, settings, and visual elements. The script's job is to manage the seamless integration of these parts, ensuring that they work together to tell a story.
However, a script can be applied to any medium telling a narrative. For example, say you're creating a product explainer video. This may not be a traditional "story," but at the heart of it, you're still telling a narrative with conflict (I need help with...) and a resolution (This product will help me do this...). The obvious difference is that an explainer video aims to simplify a complex concept, so the script should follow a clear, step-by-step structure.
To help gain a better understanding of how a script can help tell a story in film, let's break down scriptwriting, starting with the basics.
Scriptwriting 101: the essentials
Scriptwriting can seem overwhelming, but it's manageable if you break it down into steps. Here's a guide to the essentials of writing a script.
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Write your logline
A logline is a one-sentence summary or description of your film. Loglines clarify the essential elements of your screenplay, the main character, setup, central conflict, plot, and antagonist, into a concise synopsis. Creating it is also a great way to learn how to elevator pitch your script!
Create an outline and three-act structure
Create a storyboard in an outline format over one or two pages, or write sentences on index cards and post them on a wall to make it easier to view and reorganize the parts.
Writing an outline will flesh out your story and break up your scenes into sections. As you begin your outline, keep in mind that a film story typically follows a three-act structure:
- The first act or setup introduces the main characters, the protagonist's stakes, and the inciting incident that sets them on their journey.
- The second act includes the highs and lows the protagonist encounters as they move closer to or further away from their destiny or outcome.
- The third act has the protagonist confront their most significant conflict, leading to the climax and the final outcome.
And remember, even if your script is for a video tutorial or other type of digital story, this scriptwriting structure can also apply to them. You can find tools to help create different kinds of video content from video learning platforms like WeVideo. Sign up for free to access easy-to-use online video editing tools.
Go further — build a treatment
Consider your treatment a beefed-up prose version of your outline, which reads more like a short story. Writing a treatment is a great exercise to see if the story works how you hope it does in your head.
Once you've written your logline, outline, and treatment, get ready to write your screenplay!
Writing the screenplay
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Develop riveting characters
Audiences want to cheer for heroes like Rocky Balboa, Norma Rae, and Indiana Jones and hate villains like Freddie Kruger, Nurse Ratched, and Darth Vader. Sometimes, we love to do both: Hannibal Lecter anyone?
In a nutshell, every great story needs interesting and dynamic characters. When writing a character, think long and hard about their personality and backstory. Are they sassy? Are they sullen? Where are they from? What was their favorite book as a child? Keep fleshing these parts out until you develop a well-rounded character — someone you feel you've known for years.
Forge a compelling plot
What's the story that will be told? Think of exciting and unexpected ways to connect your scenes. Remember, the character is either closer to or farther from the objective at each plot point. Creating the relationships between your scenes makes your story points more potent and telling.
Get into the action!
Dialogue is a critical part of a screenplay, but you won't have a compelling film if you just have the characters sitting around and talking. Include plenty of action. Since the audience typically cannot 'hear' what the characters are thinking (unless employing a voice over), the writer must find a way to externalize their thoughts and feelings effectively.
The reader of your screenplay must be able to visualize your film, and action scenes are essential in this process. This is a chance to really show your craft.
Build compelling dialogue
Dialogue is one of the most critical aspects of a good screenplay and one of the most difficult aspects to explain. Why? Dialogue relies entirely on the nature of the character speaking it. So, how do you develop captivating lines?
Remember this guideline: less is more. Each time you write some dialogue, refine it and then refine it again and maybe - even one more time.
Also, try to avoid on-the-nose dialogue. This is when a character's lines state the obvious or communicate exactly what the characters think with little to no subtext.
Create conflict and end with a resolution
It's easy to fall in love with your characters. After all, you'll likely be spending weeks or months with them. But...it's time to shake things up and make life difficult for them. They need obstacles, and they need to fail. Big time.
That's what makes the resolution so satisfying for audiences.
Screenplay formatting basics
Formatting a screenplay is easier than ever today. Many script templates are free and easy to find online. There's also plenty of screenwriting software, like Final Draft and Arc Studio, that will automatically arrange your writing into a screenplay format.
However, the industry standard for a script format is 12-pt Courier font, with a 1-inch right margin, 1.5-inch left margin, and 1-inch margins at the top and bottom.
Here are five essential screenplay formatting elements to get you started.
1. Create a scene heading
Before anything is typed, it's important to understand that screenplays are broken into scenes. And every screenplay needs the scene heading, or the slug line. This heading is a brief description that sets the upcoming scene. It includes:
- Interior or Exterior (written in all caps INT. or EXT.)
- Location
- Time: day or night?
Example:
INT. - COFFEE SHOP - MORNING
2. Add character names
When citing characters, write their names in all caps. A script reader can get easily confused by characters with similar names, like Laura and Lauren, so when selecting names, aim for variety.
Example:
VICKY
Ready to become the best scriptwriter ever?
JOSE
I already am!
3. Develop action lines and dialogue
Action lines go under the scene heading and are broken up by dialogue. Any screenplay book or seminar will emphasize that when writing any action scene, you should never forget to "show, don't tell."
Here's a great example from "Wonder Woman 1984" of how an action sequence is written:
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Image via Patty Jenkins, Geoff Johns, and Dave Callaham
4. Add parentheticals and subheaders
Parentheticals are typically used to help inform how a character speaks a line (dialogue). While parentheticals can be useful, they should be used sparingly and with intention.
A subheading is a shorter version of a scene heading, without the INT. or EXT., and with a dash at the beginning. When a scene moves from one location to another within the same setting, use a subheading to indicate the shift.
Image via CareersinFilm.com
5. Edit your script
Errors can sometimes sidestep detection when writing your screenplay. To remedy this, once you've wrapped up your initial draft, set aside enough time for tons of edits and revisions.
Consider either reading your script aloud or having someone read it to you. If something seems unnatural or awkward, it's a good bet that it won't resonate well in the final draft.
BONUS tips to start your scriptwriting journey
Read professional film scripts to get an idea of what a screenplay should look like. Here are some places to find them for free:
Download, buy, or check out screenplay books from your local library. Here are a few that are highly recommended:
- Screenplay: The Foundations of Screenwriting
- Screenwriter's Bible, 7th Edition
- Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
- Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting
And...FADE TO BLACK
In the film world, the script is your "North Star," guiding your content from a cool idea you had one day, to the big screen. Each word you choose and scene you describe contribute to the magic that unfolds on film. These scriptwriting essentials are necessary to start your film journey and can help you stay on track to writing a great story.
But also remember this: everyone will have an opinion on your script, and everyone will tell you what they think you should and should not write. Always remember the words of famed screenwriter William Goldman:
"The single most important fact, perhaps, of the entire movie industry: NOBODY KNOWS ANYTHING."
Good luck!