Looking to put together a script for your first movie but unsure how to approach it? Here are some of the best writing and formatting tips that can guide you in creating a film script and bringing your ideas to the big screen.
In today’s era, one of the greatest forms of modern media and storytelling is filmmaking. It allows you to perfectly capture the world and characters you create as you see them. Unlike writing a book, film scripts require a visual narrative that embraces the classic saying of ‘Show, Don’t Tell’. They will test your ability to share a character’s thoughts through movements and dialogue.
There are obviously plenty of unique genres and types of movies that you can write, each requiring a different approach to perfection. In this guide, we’re going to touch on a few different strategies that some of the greatest screenwriters have used and highlight the benefits of each one.
Tips for writing a great movie script
Start with concept and logline
Every great movie starts with an idea, even if it isn’t fully formed or requires some work. Understanding the concept of your movie and boiling it down into a single logline, a one-sentence summary that describes your entire script, is a good way of assessing if your idea has any merit.
Think of it almost as a business plan, having the idea clearly laid out in front of you will allow you to identify any weaknesses there might be and it will also give you a clear idea of which characters and plotlines you should put your focus on. You will also notice if there are similarities with other movies and isolate what makes your idea unique.
For first-time scriptwriters, this can be a great guideline to follow in the early stages, and even as you become more familiar with the art of screenwriting, one that can be useful to rely on. Also, the ability to explain your project to others, in a single line, is a great exercise for getting to the core of your film’s message.
Plan your structure
In scriptwriting, typically you will want to develop a clear three-act structure. Most successful scripts, whether it’s a play or a movie, will follow a three-act structure. Act 1, also known as “exposition,” sets up the story and introduces the main characters. Act 2, which is referred to as “complication,” is where the main conflict and obstacles arise. And finally, Act 3, or “resolution,” is where you resolve the characters’ main conflict.
Within each act, there should be key plot points that move the story forward. These might include inciting incidents or catalysts, which are events that sets a story in motion. You also have turning points, breaks after each act, and climaxes. Think of these as tools to progress your story and allow your characters to develop.
Consider pacing as a key element when structuring your script and learn from other works in your genre. You’ll want to strike the balance between keeping audiences engaged and building up significant stakes for your characters before the plot resolution. Make the events of your story more meaningful by understanding the effect they will have on the overall narrative.
Don’t be afraid of weird characters
Many revered screenwriters adhere to the idea of creating a “Simple story, complex characters.” Oftentimes, novice writers can run away with a frantic tale, that winds each and every way, and while it can sometimes lead to brilliant works, it is much much harder to execute, particularly at an early stage of your writing career.
The idea of a simple story doesn’t have to make it a boring one though, as the setting, time period, and characters will do enough to make it unique and engaging. Take HBO’s The Last of Us for example, at its core it’s a series about family, love, and sacrifice. The post-apocalyptic setting has been used in other projects before, but what truly sets it apart is the grittiness and realism in the writing of the characters, as seen with Joel and Ellie.
Including complex and dynamic characters makes it easier for an audience to relate. So embrace the flaws and quirky features of your characters. Remember that they don’t need to be the best at everything to overcome their challenges either. One common trap is when a narrative’s resolution makes their hero characters completely perfect and enlightened after a brief struggle, rather than using creativity and other means to make up for their shortcomings, as many people do in their daily lives.
Grounding your characters in reality always makes it easier for audiences to connect and relate with them. Having eccentric characters going through everyday emotions and challenges can be more relatable than having mundane and shallow characters living through a bizarre narrative.
Visual emotions and storytelling
When it comes to visual storytelling, the key is to communicate the emotions and thoughts of your characters to the audience without relying on inner dialogue. This is where descriptive writing and visual storytelling techniques come in handy.
By focusing on your characters’ facial expressions, body language, and actions, you can effectively convey their motives and emotions to the audience. Take time to visualize each scene, including the dialogue and camera movements, to ensure your script is engaging and easy to follow.
Another useful technique is using symbolism and visual metaphors to communicate deeper emotions and themes. There are tons of examples of this in major movies, one of the most notable being The Red and Blue Pill in The Matrix and what they represent to the audience about Neo’s mindstate.
Edit multiple drafts and format
How to edit a film script
Before publishing or pitching your film script, make sure you have gone over it multiple times and even get others you trust to read over certain bits you are unsure of. Asking someone to read an entire script is a big ask, so you will want to have it polished to the best of your ability before then.
To self-edit your script, once it’s complete, start by taking a break and returning with fresh eyes. Read through your script once to get a feel for the overall story, then focus on individual scenes and dialogue, and make sure each has a clear purpose to the narrative. Check for any grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Another area you can focus on is dialogue, read through to make sure it feels natural and engaging, as well as something that the character would actually say at that moment. There is also no specific instruction for the amount of editing you should do.
It’s also important to format your script according to industry standards. This ensures that your script is taken seriously by industry professionals and makes it easier to read and understand. Consider including directorial input in your script if it enhances the overall story and helps get your film produced.
Best format tips for movie script
When it comes to formatting, you want to make sure that your script is easy to read and follow. Industry-standard formats for film scripts typically feature 12-point Courier font, double-spacing, and use 1-inch margins on all sides, if possible.
When formatting, you should include scene headings, action descriptions, character names (in all caps), and dialogue in the center of the page with character names above it. There are also plenty of scripts online that you can find and study if you are unsure about something specific.
It’s also important to be consistent with your formatting throughout the entire script. Deviating from the standard format may indicate, to producers and industry professionals, that you are inexperienced and it could detract from the overall quality of your script.
With these guidelines, you should have all the tools necessary to put a script together. But remember, it will take a massive time commitment on your end to see it through. If you need any tips for writing catchy dialogue, creating a strong story arc, or interesting characters, we have plenty of guides on narrative writing that you can learn from.