How to Write a Screenplay: The Basics of Writing for the Screen

I'm sometimes asked what makes screenwriting different from other forms of creative writing.

Writing for the screen is a craft that combines storytelling with visual and auditory elements. Whether you want to write for film, television, or digital platforms, understanding the fundamentals is essential. This brief guide will break down the basics, offering practical advice and clear examples to help you get started or improve your skills.

How to Write a Screenplay: Understanding the Basics

I want to emphasize from the outset that screenwriting is a highly collaborative art form. If you want your story to end up on a platform like Netflix someday, the script you write will need to pass through a number of people. Everyone is going to have an opinion on your work and you will be expected to take notes and implement changes.

You can push back on things you feel don't serve the story, but you cannot be so protective or precious about your script that you refuse to change it at all. That won't fly in this industry. Additionally, there's usually a not insignificant financial investment involved from somewhere and those people will expect to have a say in the final product. Remember, the script itself serves as a blueprint for directors, actors, and production teams. Changes will happen. In best case scenarios, your original story will benefit from those changes. Sadly, sometimes, it won't; that is just the nature of the beast.

Here are some other key elements to keep in mind:

• Format: Screenplays follow a (fairly) strict format that includes scene headings, action lines, character names, and dialogue. This format helps everyone involved understand the flow and timing of the story. Although screenwriting communities occasionally erupt in arguments over certain rules (e.g., can sluglines be bolded?) remember that clarity and consistency are what's key. Everything else is secondary to crafting a great story.

• Visual storytelling: This is a visual medium which means it's (usually) about showing rather than telling. Unlike novels, screenplays rely heavily on visual cues. Descriptions should be concise and focused on what the audience will see and hear. Creating a strong sense of place and atmosphere using visual elements adds depth and artistry to your story as a whole,

• Dialogue: Dialogue must sound natural and reveal character traits or advance the plot. Avoid long monologues or unnecessary exposition–this is referred to as "on the nose" dialogue and instantly takes an audience out of the story. Avoid at all costs! Your characters should have their own distinct way of talking, so ensure they don't all end up sounding the same.

• Pacing: Screenplays are shorter than novels in terms of page and word count. Pacing is crucial; scenes should vary in length and move the story forward in some way. This means that each scene, ideally, should reveal character or theme, progress plot, or build on the sense of place/atmosphere..

  
  

For example, a scene heading, description and the ensuing action lines might look like this:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

A cosy café furnished ecletically with comfy armchairs and solid wooden tables, dimly yet enticingly lit by well-placed lamps. It's dotted with a few PATRONS who sit diligently typing on laptops, immersed in work.

An intense BARISTA (20s) with tattoos and black ear tunnels concentrates on perfecting the foam on a freshly-made cappuccino. The meditative silence is suddenly broken when a car CRASHES through the front window.

This tells the production team where and when the scene takes place. The action lines that follow describe who is in the scene, the type of characters, and what happens visually.

Crafting Compelling Characters and Dialogue

Characters are the heart of any screenplay. To create compelling characters:

• Define clear goals and motivations: What does your character want? Why do they want it? It's crucial for us to understand not only why this objective is important to the character, but what difficulties or obstacles stand in their way. This drives the story.

• Create flaws and strengths: Perfect characters are boring. Flaws make characters relatable and interesting, but they are also critical for hindering the character in achieving their external goals or internal needs (the thing they need to attain in order to experience character growth).

• Use dialogue to reveal personality: Each character should have a unique voice. For example, a shy character might speak softly and use short sentences, while a confident character might be more verbose and assertive. Or, vica-versa; remember to defy stereo-types and subvert expectations whenever possible! Incorporating subtext into your dialogue (and action/visuals) also leads to far more interesting scenes.

  
  

Dialogue should serve a purpose. Avoid small talk unless it reveals something important. For instance, instead of writing:

JOHN

Nice weather today.

MARY

Yeah, it is.

Try to include subtext or conflict:

JOHN

You always pick the busiest days to visit.

MARY

Maybe I like the chaos.

JOHN

Huh. What is it with people who can't stand silence?

This exchange hints at tension and character traits without stating them outright.

How do I get into writing for the screen?

Starting to write a screenplay can seem daunting, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. Here are some steps to help you get started:

1. Study the craft: Watch TV series critically, or even better, read the scripts. Analyze how episodes are structured, how characters develop, and how dialogue flows.

2. Write spec scripts: Create your own story concept and characters for your own TV show. The more you write, the easier it will become.

3. Build a portfolio: Include original pilots in a variety of genres to showcase your range.

4. Network: Attend industry events, join writers’ groups, and connect with professionals.

5. Consider formal training: Enrolling in our Pilot Ready: Writing for TV course can provide structured learning, feedback, and industry connections.

6. Film your own work: Why not write something that works in a vertical format and film it with friends on your phone? It's great practice in seeing what works and what doesn't with the added advantage of being able to upload it to social media for immediate feedback. Register for our upcoming Creating Micro Drama course for guidance on how to get started creating and writing the scripts.

   
   

Structuring Your Screenplay for Maximum Impact

A well-structured screenplay keeps the audience engaged and ensures the story flows smoothly. Most (feature film) screenplays follow a three-act structure:

• Act 1 - Setup: Introduce characters, setting, inciting incident and main conflict.

• Act 2 - Confrontation: Develop the conflict, introduce obstacles, and deepen character arcs.

• Act 3 - Resolution: Resolve the conflict and show the consequences.

  
  

Each act has key plot points that propel the story forward. For example, the inciting incident in Act 1 disrupts the status quo and sets the story in motion.

Television or episode scripts for series vary in terms of the number of acts. Three act-structure is usually used for shorter (twenty or thirty-minute) episodes, while longer episodes can range from four to six acts.

Tips for structuring your screenplay:

• Use scene summaries to plan your story before writing full scenes.

• Keep scenes focused on a single purpose.

• End scenes with a hook or question to maintain momentum.

  
  

Remember, screenplays are visual and time-bound. Aim for about 90-100 pages for a feature film, with one page roughly equating to one minute of screen time.

Tips for Polishing Your Screenplay

Writing a first draft is just the beginning. Polishing your screenplay is where you refine your story, add character and story depth while improving clarity. Here are some actionable tips:

• Read aloud: Hearing your dialogue out loud can reveal awkward phrasing or unnatural speech.

• Cut unnecessary scenes: Every scene should serve the story in some way. Remove anything that doesn’t.

• Get feedback: Share your script with trusted peers or mentors for constructive criticism.

• Format properly: Use screenwriting software like Final Draft (the industry standard) or WriterDuet (or similar) if you're just starting out.

• Stay concise: Avoid over-the-top descriptions. This isn't a novel, so avoid long pyschological explanations about the character. This should be hinted at using visual elements and dialogue.

  
  

Writing is Rewriting

The more you revise and rewrite, the more layers your characters and story will have and the better your script will become.

Mastering screenwriting basics will allow you to tell stories that captivate audiences visually and emotionally. Whether you aim to write for film, television or social media, understanding the craft’s unique demands is essential. Keep learning, practicing, and seeking opportunities to grow your skills. The screenwriting journey is challenging but rewarding and, with dedication, your stories can come alive on screen.

Story Inkubator was founded by writer, scriptwriter and teacher, Kristina Jilly, an Australian living in Central Europe who's written for HBO Europe and RTL Television. A teacher at the University of Applied Sciences in Upper Austria, Kristina also writes online content about the art of storytelling and topics that inspire creativity. 

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