Maybe you’re a fan of movies, TV series or various streaming content and have thought: ‘I’d like to write stuff like this. I’d like to be a screenwriter.’ Well, it’s only natural to want to take part in something you enjoy, and the prospect of getting paid to do so would no doubt be a dream job.
But is it a dream job or just a dream?
Being a screenwriter or scriptwriter is a real profession, and although there is a lot of competition for screenwriting jobs, thousands of people still manage to do it. In fact, thanks to an ever-growing global marketplace, there are increasing opportunities for people who know how to write for the screen.
Just like any vocation, screenwriting is a learned skill and there are definite steps you can take to become a professional screenwriter. I myself am a professional screenwriter, and I’ve been working in the film and television industry for two decades now.
Using my own experience — as well as things I’ve heard over the years from screenwriting friends and colleagues — I’ve created some basic steps an aspiring screenwriter can do to become a professional.
Below are 5 Basic Steps that can put you on the right path:
Chances are you’re already a fan of movies or TV series if you’re interested in being a screenwriter, but you’re not necessarily “a cinephile” (i.e., a film buff). It definitely helps you to be familiar with the genre you plan to write in for several reasons: it’ll potentially give you story ideas, give you guidance on how to write in your chosen genre, and help you find your voice as a writer.
In addition to watching more content, you should also download some produced screenplays for films in your chosen genre. A screenplay is the document a motion picture is based on, and creating this document is the job of a screenwriter. Becoming familiar with screenplays and their formatting is essential to learning how to write one. This leads us to our second and most important step.
You can’t be a screenwriter without writing a screenplay. In most cases, your first screenplay will be a “spec script” (i.e., a script you aren’t commissioned to write). In most cases, your spec script will be based on your original concept.
These days most aspiring and professional screenwriters use screenwriting software because of the automatic formatting and other useful tools. Many screenwriters also like to create “beat boards” and outlines before “going to script,” but this is a personal preference. Also you should establish a personal work routine that works best for you; being mindful of your daily schedule, the environment you’ll be writing in, your comfort level, etc.
Once you’ve done all of the above, it’s time to start writing your script and have fun with it. The more you enjoy the process, the more exciting your script will read!
After you’ve finished your screenplay, you should give it to a few people close to you to read and to get their opinion. Getting feedback on your script is vital because addressing notes and revising a screenplay accordingly is one of the major jobs of a screenplay writer. So after you get collective feedback — from people you know or even a professional script coverage service — you should revise your script and try to take it to the next level.
You’ve revised your script and made sure it’s properly formatted and presentable. Now it’s time to start circulating your script to industry professionals in the hope of getting representation: a manager and/or an agent. There are many ways to accomplish this: email queries (if you have their email address) and entering your script into screenwriting contests are two effective methods.
If your script appeals to a manager or agent, they’re likely to take you on as a client, and they might have you revise the script again per their notes and suggestions. A manager or agent should know the current screenplay marketplace, so it’s advisable you listen to their suggestions. Also film and television are collaborative mediums: thus working well with your manager or agent is good practice for what the life of a professional screenwriting will entail.
When your manager or agent thinks your script is ready, it’ll be their turn to circulate it throughout the industry. If your script sells and/or it leads to you getting assignment work, you’ll finally make the transition from aspiring to professional screenwriter!
If you want more screenplay writing tips, go to Final Draft’s Learn section of their website or read other articles on their Screenwriting Blog.