Script Writing Simplified: A 10 Step Guide For Beginners

You’re ready to write a script. You have all the ideas, you have the passion, and now it’s time to put pen to paper. But where do you start? 

How do you get from your first draft to a polished script? Well, my friends, I’m here to help! In this comprehensive guide on how to write a screenplay, we will cover everything from outlining your story to formatting it properly.

Takeaways
1. Master the art of scriptwriting through a simplified 10-step guide.
2. Learn the key elements of a well-crafted screenplay for beginners.
3. Discover how to structure your narrative and develop compelling characters.
4. Understand the importance of engaging dialogue to bring your story to life.
5. Get valuable tips and techniques to make your scriptwriting journey easier and more enjoyable.

1. Start By Outlining

An outline is a great way to get your thoughts organized and stay on track while writing. An outline can be as simple as a series of sentences that describe what happens in each scene or it can be a detailed document that contains characters, plot points, and other details. 

The most important part of an outline is simply writing down what needs to happen so you won’t forget anything while writing the script.

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2. Set A Schedule To Write

You want to write as much as you can, but if you’re not motivated by the thought of writing, it’s easy to put off. Instead of waiting for your motivation to strike before starting work on your script, set a schedule and stick to it.

If you don’t have anything scheduled on your calendar, then you have no excuse not to write! Work around other commitments by scheduling time in at least one place that’s separate from the rest of life like a coffee shop or library.

When working within a schedule, try keeping track of how many hours are left until the end of each day so that you can see when deadlines might be looming ahead and adjust accordingly (or tell someone else about them). 

Just knowing how much time remains will help keep up motivation levels long enough for those pages (or scenes) to get finished!

3. Write A Logline

A logline is a sentence that states the premise of your story, usually in one or two sentences. It should be able to hook readers into wanting to know more about the characters and their journey.

If you’re writing a spec script, your logline must be simple and precise. Because producers will be reading hundreds of scripts submitted for consideration each year, they need to be able to quickly understand what your story is about before moving on to the next one in the stack.

Here are two examples from popular films:

Logline: A young boy searches for his father accused of murder by enlisting trusted friends as allies through an epic quest filled with adventure and danger along the way. (The Goonies)

Logline: After being rescued from drowning by an alligator named Brutus who then becomes her friend, orphaned girl Allie Lynch must find a way home while avoiding those out to do her harm (Alligator).

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4. Write Using Index Cards

The index card method is a tried-and-true way to write a script. You can use as many or as few of them as you like, but most people tend to use an average of five cards per scene. In the index card method, each card represents one scene in the script. 

The front side contains the general description of what happens in the scene (the action). 

On the backside is where you would write down any dialogue that might occur during this particular sequence (the words), as well as any stage directions needed for set design, costumes, or props related to what’s happening on screen.

You must keep these scenes organized so they can be easily pulled out and read over again when making edits later on down the road. If there are subplots involved within these individual scenes then different colored index cards will come in handy here too!

5. Use The 3-Act Structure

The first thing you need to know about writing a screenplay is the 3-act structure. This is a tried and true method of structuring your script that has been around since Aristotle’s Poetics, but it’s just as relevant today as ever.

The inciting incident happens at the end of Act 1, which means that your hero or heroine should be in some sort of trouble by the end of this section:

They could be in jail or otherwise facing an obstacle they can’t get out of on their own (like getting caught up in petty crime). 

Or they could have been fired from their job and be facing unemployment (and maybe even homelessness) if they don’t figure out how to make money fast! 

The point here is that these problems aren’t insurmountable for your characters they simply need time to figure things out.

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4. Give Your First Draft Some Space (Aka Take A Break)

As you’re writing, it’s important to give the script some space. The best advice I can give is don’t touch it for a few days. Let the first draft sit on your computer or in your notebook. Don’t edit or rewrite it; just make notes of what needs fixing and come back to it later.

Don’t think about the script during this period either don’t watch movies, read books, or anything that will distract from what you’re trying to accomplish with your first draft!

7. Tweak Your Script

Now that you have your script written, it’s time to tweak it.

Use screenwriting software to format the document. The software will automatically add page numbers and other formatting elements that are important in creating a professional-looking piece of work. 

It will also make sure that all scenes have slug lines (the words “INT” or “EXT” in front of them) so that they show up correctly on screen when you’re watching a movie or TV show.

Use an existing screenplay template as inspiration when writing your first draft of your story. It doesn’t matter if this template isn’t used by one specific production company it just has to be formatted correctly.

So that it looks good visually when printed out on paper later on down the road, and makes sense from scene to scene within each act (ie: there should be clear transitions between sections).

8. Revise Your Script For A Second Draft

The second draft of your script is where you go through and revise it for clarity, style, structure, character, dialogues, action, and story.

Clarity: The reader should know exactly what’s happening in each scene. Every line of dialogue and action should convey as much information to the audience as possible without being overly verbose.

Style: Your writing style should match up with that of the genre you’re writing in (e.g., literary fiction vs crime thrillers). 

If you’re aiming for something more literary then avoid flowery descriptions while if you aim to write a gritty crime thriller then use fewer metaphors and similes.

Structure: A well-structured screenplay will have an introduction that sets up all the main characters before diving right into Act 1 where everything kicks off! 

Your ending must be designed so that it leaves audiences wanting more – but also makes sense given what has gone before in your narrative arc! 

A good way around this problem is by having two endings – one which wraps up neatly but leaves questions unanswered (so people want more!), followed by another which provides answers but doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard (because we already know)

9. The Importance Of Formatting Your Script

Formatting means how you organize your script. It’s the way that you choose to arrange the elements on the page and should be consistent throughout. 

Formatting can be as simple as writing up an outline in a Word document, or as complicated as creating a template in Final Draft so that every time you write a script it looks the same.

Your goal should be to make your script attractive and easy to read. Nobody will take it seriously if it looks like a handwritten book report from high school! You don’t have to make everything perfect at first; just try different things until you find something that works for you. 

If something isn’t working for whatever reason (perhaps because too many characters are speaking at once), try using more headers (headings) or even changing how many characters are saying what lines so there aren’t so many competing voices on screen at once

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10. Use The 5 Commandments Of Screenwriting Structure

Writing a script for a feature film is no easy task. It takes time, dedication, and lots of practice to become good at it. But if you want to create a story that has the potential to change people’s lives, then screenwriting is something you should consider pursuing.

Five commandments in screenwriting structure can help writers make their stories more compelling and engaging for audiences.

The first commandment is: “Show Don’t Tell” (also referred to as “Don’t Tell Me Your Story Show Me Your Story!”). 

This means that instead of telling the audience what’s happening through dialogue or narration (exposition), we should show them through action and visuals on-screen.

The second commandment is: “Always Start With Action!” 

This means every scene should start with some sort of conflict or problem that needs solving immediately so we can get back into the action after each scene ends rather than starting slow before picking up speed later on in the movie when all hell breaks loose (excuse my French). 

The purpose here is not only to keep things moving fast but also provide insights into characters’ personalities by seeing how they react under pressure situations; thus allowing viewers have empathy for them which makes them more engaging characters themselves.”

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Conclusion

Writing scripts is a great way to improve your writing skills and develop your creativity. It’s fun, it’s challenging and it can be rewarding too! 

As we’ve seen in this guide, there are many different types of script: some are used for radio shows while others might be written to perform on stage. Whatever yours may look like, they all have one thing in common: they’re a way for you to tell stories through words alone.

But don’t worry if any of this sounds intimidating because, with these 5 steps below, you’ll have yourself writing scripts in no time at all!

Further Reading

How to Write a Screenplay: A 10-Step Guide: Explore a comprehensive 10-step guide to crafting a compelling screenplay, covering key elements of storytelling and screenwriting techniques.

Beginner Guide to Script Writing for Animated Video: Learn the basics of script writing for animated videos, from structuring your narrative to creating engaging dialogues that bring your characters to life.

How to Write a Script: Tips and Techniques: Discover valuable tips and techniques for writing a script that effectively communicates your story, captures your audience’s attention, and maintains a smooth flow throughout.

FAQs

How do I start writing a screenplay?

To start writing a screenplay, begin with a clear concept or idea for your story. Develop your main characters and outline the plot. Consider the genre and tone you want to convey, and then start scripting your scenes with engaging dialogues and visuals.

What are the key elements of a good animated video script?

A good animated video script should have a compelling storyline, well-defined characters, concise and engaging dialogues, and clear instructions for animators. It should also align with the overall message or goal of the animated video.

How can I make my script more engaging for the audience?

To make your script more engaging, focus on creating relatable characters, injecting humor or emotions when appropriate, and maintaining a well-paced narrative. Consider the visual elements and use descriptive language to paint vivid scenes in the audience’s mind.

What tools can help me in the scriptwriting process?

Various tools can aid in the scriptwriting process, such as scriptwriting software, storyboarding platforms, and collaborative writing apps. These tools can streamline the process, enhance organization, and make it easier to collaborate with others on the project.

How can I ensure my script adheres to industry standards?

To ensure your script meets industry standards, study the formatting guidelines and conventions for the type of script you’re writing, whether it’s a screenplay, animation script, or video script. Make sure to proofread and edit your work thoroughly before submitting or producing it.