Zen…

Scriptwriting is basically the blueprint of cinematic storytelling.

While screenwriting is the process of writing stories in a screenplay medium, scriptwriting is the movement,actions, expression and dialogue of characters in screenplay in a format.

How do you start?

1. Create a log line: your log line is 1/2 sentences that captures your entire story in a thought provoking manner. To create a log line; find the back story of your characters, refine their personalities, think about what makes them tick, what goals are they trying to achieve or what problems are they trying to solve.

Every movie begins with a screenplay and every screenplay begins with a log line.

Here are few examples from my Netflix list.

A) When Harvey’s promotion requires him to recruit and hire a graduate of Harvard Law, he chooses Mike Ross. But Mike doesn’t actually have a law degree. Suits. Season 1 Episode 01

B) Frustrated by the waning passion in her marriage, Billie starts journaling about – and obsessing over – her wild erotic exploits with ex boyfriend Brad. Sex Life. Season 1 Episode 01

Your log line must be brief, must state the central conflict of the story, provide synopsis of the story plot and have an emotional hook to stimulate the interest of the viewers.

Use this formula to write an intriguing log line.

In (a setting), (your protagonist) has (a problem) and must (take what action? Enter what conflict?) against (an antagonist) to (achieve a goal)

Then edit over and over again.

With this, you should be able to run a very good log line.

2. Outline: your “beat sheet” as some would call it, is a brief synopsis of your entire story. Use 1/2 pages to create one. Your outline defines your script – breaks down the movement of the story, plot point by plot point.

Here, you organize your story ideas within a dramatic structure. It helps you know or understand your story structure (beginning, middle and end). Within your acts, prescribed events are expected to happen. These events are your beats/ plot points. Don’t worry about your drafts just pen your stuff down. Let’s use a sample of a scene description provided by celtxblog –

A) INT – POLICE STATION- NIGHT

Our two detectives are clocking out after a hard night’s work. One notices the other pocketing an evidence meant to be checked in. A heated conversation ensues, and ends with a severe warning to keep quiet.

B) EXT – POLICE STATION- NIGHT

The evidence stealing detective is sitting in his car outside the police station. He’s distraught. He receives a phone call. We hear only one side of the exchange, but it’s clear someone’s blackmailing him into his misdeeds.

3. Write your Treatment: these are in-depth version of your outline. Write the whole story down. Scene by scene in the normal manuscript style. Use dialogues, develop your settings and have fun with descriptions.

Your treatment is where you start building the world where your story takes place.

4. You’ve got your log line, developed your characters, structured your plot. Next thing is formatting. Remember, show don’t tell. (Browse script editing tools and use it to practice how to format your story)

To be able to tackle your first draft;

Pick a movie (the one you love so much, you’d rewatch it occasionally)

Outline its plot. Your plot is your bullet points.

Think about when different things start to occur in the story. Use a beat sheet template (browse and download one) as a reference.

In your outline, your acts; should first introduce your characters, settings and feature and inciting incident that gets the story underway. Second act, your character encounters obstacles as the story escalates into crisis.

Third act, crisis becomes climax.

Later on, the story should slow down and resolved itself.

5. Write your script all over again as many times as possible. Your first draft won’t sell. You have to practice plenty of times (sorry, do I sound scary? I tell you writing is all about patience and long practice.)

Put it out there and let your work be reviewed by Beta readers and professionals. You’ll get better with time. Dedication and consistency is key. If you want to practice more effectively, visit celtxblog.