So you’ve decided you want to be a screenwriter and write your very own screenplay for a feature film, TV show, or new media platform. 

This is a unique skillset, because film and television are visual mediums and collaborative art forms. Because of this, a screenplay needs to be formatted in a specific way. These days, most writers invest in screenwriting software that automatically formats their scripts to industry standard formatting, so this part of the process is not nearly as daunting as it was in the past. 

However, even with screenwriting software, if you’re a beginner writer, you might not know the best way to approach the blank page and fill it with ideas for a movie, TV series or any kind of narrative content you’re looking to create. And just like any skillset, it’s possible to learn and eventually excel at screenplay writing.

Below are 5 Easy Steps to Writing a Screenplay:

1. Pick Your Genre

Whether you want to write a script for a feature film or a pilot for a television series, it’s important to pick a genre before proceeding.  A genre is essentially the category for the type of story you’ll be writing. The screenplay marketplace is structured around genre, and screenwriting contests use different genres as a means of categorizing scripts.  

Some popular genres are Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Horror/Thriller, Comedy and Drama.

Generally, you should pick a genre you’re a fan of (i.e. the type of movies or TV shows you like to watch). Not only will you have a greater knowledge of a genre you enjoy and its various tropes, you’ll likely enjoy the writing process more.

These days, genre blending is also a viable option, but an aspiring screenwriter should only attempt this if they’re well-versed in the combined genres, as this can sometimes be difficult to pull off in a satisfying way. 

Michelle Yeoh in 'Everything Everywhere All At Once'

2. Come Up With Your Story Concept

After picking your genre, come up with your story concept. Whether it’s a high concept or a smaller and more personal story, it’s important to have a clear idea of what your script is going to be about. A good way to test out if you have a substantial concept or not is by writing a log-line (i.e. your concept described in one concise sentence). It’s also helpful to know who the main character is and how they’ll work with your concept. Is there something interesting or ironic about why this particular character is in this particular story?

3. Outline Your Story 

Once you have decided on your concept or story, it’s time to write an outline. Most feature films follow the standard three act structure, which is essentially the beginning (first act), the middle (second act) and end (third act). Watch films and read screenplays with this structure in mind and see how the writer constructed the story. Once you have a grasp on the structure, flesh out your concept with details about your characters and setting (a.k.a. worldbuilding). The more you outline beforehand, the easier it’ll be to write your script.

You can also make use of various outlining tools on software like Final Draft to help you effectively map out your story. Following the 1-2-3 workflow method is a good way for aspiring screenwriters to go from outline to script.

4. Write Your Rough Draft

Okay. Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and actually write your script!

Starting a script is sometimes the most difficult part for a writer — whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned professional — but there are several ways to help kickstart the process. Create a personal work routine that’s well-aligned with your day-to-day life and make sure the environment you write in is comfortable and conducive to creativity. We’re all wired differently, so try different things that work for you (e.g. some writers like writing to music, while others prefer silence).

At this stage of your writing, you don’t have to worry about perfection: simply get the words on the page. You can always improve upon what you’ve written later on.

5. Rewrite Your Script

After you’ve finished your first draft, take a moment to bask in what you did: it’s a big accomplishment when a screenplay writer has completed their first script. Read your script and don’t get discouraged if it isn’t everything you hoped it to be: rough drafts are never perfect and now it’s time to focus on the various ways you can improve it. Get feedback from others and collect their notes. When you’re ready, rewrite your script and take it to the next level. 

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Writing a screenplay may appear daunting at first, but with the right tools, environment and inspiration, you’ll have a finished script ready to show the industry in no time.