7 Reasons Why You Should Write a Screenplay

Why Write a Screenplay? Unleash Your Creativity!

The popular adage is that everyone has a novel in them. Many statistics suggest that an astonishing eight out of ten people want to write a book at some point in their lives. However, of those who start a book, only three percent complete it. Writing a novel is a daunting task; the typical book ranges from 80,000 to 100,000 words.

Enter the screenplay. While it requires fewer actual words—typically around 100 pages for a feature film and 50 to 60 pages for a TV pilot—writing a compelling screenplay involves significant effort. You must develop characters, construct the story world, and create compelling plot points. Additionally, your screenplay needs a solid concept at its core, one that generates enough drama, tension, or humor to entertain an audience.

What Are the Benefits of Writing a Screenplay?

1. A Creative Outlet

You may have no other reason for writing a screenplay other than personal expression, and that's perfectly okay. But why choose script format over a novel?

It doesn’t have to be either/or. You can adapt your written novel or existing idea into a screenplay. This adaptation process can provide clarity on story and structure, heighten drama in your scenes, and enable you to write more natural-sounding dialogue.

The main rule in screenwriting is to show rather than tell. Writing a script shifts the focus away from mere text—beneficial for writers who tend to be wordy. This approach allows you to view the narrative through a visual lens, enriching it with more action. It's a much more dynamic way to reveal character and story details instead of relying solely on descriptive writing.

2. An Alternative to Journaling

Capture your personal experiences in script form, whether as-is or by embellishing reality with imagination.

Documenting your life events in third person can be enlightening. It forces you to adopt an objective viewpoint, leading to new understandings of situations. This perspective offers empathetic insights into the motivations and subtext behind people's words and actions.

As writers, we regularly seek to understand what drives people—even those who infuriate us. When someone you know becomes a character in your story, you have a responsibility to grasp their point of view. This practice can indeed be more insightful (and cheaper!) than therapy. However, be careful to alter names and characteristics to maintain privacy.

3. For Filming: The Thrill of Visual Arts

Many people start writing screenplays to share their artistic vision with the world.

If you aim to become a professional screenwriter, having strong scripts is crucial. These scripts help you attract producers who accept unsolicited material and agents or managers. This path may lead you to see your script adapted into a film or TV series.

However, you can bypass traditional gatekeepers by using a smartphone or renting professional filming equipment. With your script as a blueprint, you can create content for fiction or scripted reality and share it on social media. This approach allows you to see your words come alive— instantaneously. It's a definite thrill watching your work transform into visuals, not to mention incredibly rewarding.

Though gaining traction from audiences may be a different story, you will accumulate invaluable experience. This experience will help you discern what works and what doesn’t for future projects.

4. Networking Opportunities

Writing a screenplay can open doors to networking opportunities. How's that, I hear you ask.

Writers are not necessarily the stereotypical introverted beings unable to string a sentence together when faced with another human. But it never hurts to incentivize us to get out there and mingle with other creatives.

Engaging with fellow writers, filmmakers, and industry professionals can broaden creative horizons. Attending workshops and festivals can introduce you to potential collaborators and mentors. You might even discover partnerships that enrich your projects and lead to new creative projects.

5. Enhanced Storytelling Skills

Engaging in screenplay writing hones your storytelling skills. It teaches you to structure narrative efficiently, focusing on pacing, dialogue, and visual storytelling. These skills are transferable across all mediums, whether you choose to pursue novels, short stories, or even online content creation.

Visually-driven storytelling challenges you to think outside the box and find innovative ways to express your ideas. This adaptability will not only improve your screenwriting but also enhance your abilities as a writer in general.

6. Improves English Language Ability

Not a native-speaker of English? Writing screenplays is a really fun and effective way to build vocabulary, especially colloquial language and slang when writing dialogue.

The format of writing a script means that you can practice different grammar and tenses in a fairly structured frame-work. For example, screenplay action itself is usually written in the present tense, while you can use past and present perfect tenses while writing your series bible and character backstories.

It's a very unique way to broaden not only your written language skills. Ideas need to be pitched verbally, so you'll have plenty of opportunity to improve your spoken English.

7. Exploring Different Genres

Screenwriting encourages you to test various genres. From drama to comedy, sci-fi to horror, each genre presents unique challenges and opportunities. These explorations can enhance your writing skills and expand your artistic palette.

Writing a screenplay can serve as a powerful tool for creative expression, personal insight, and professional growth. Whether you aim to film your script or simply explore storytelling, embracing screenwriting can be a fulfilling experience. So, why not give it a try?

About Story Inkubator

Story Inkubator was founded by writer-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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If you’re interested in learning how to write a screenplay or would like to improve your English through storytelling, check out our courses here.