Oct 15, 2024
How to Prep Before Starting Your Screenplay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a screenplay can be one of the most exhilarating creative endeavors. But before diving into writing dialogue or imagining scenes, it's crucial to do some groundwork. Proper preparation will make your writing process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prep before starting your screenplay:
1. Find Your Core Idea
Every screenplay starts with a central idea, whether it’s a unique concept, a personal experience, or a question you want to explore. Your core idea will be the foundation on which everything else is built. Here are some ways to help you uncover that core idea:
What story do you want to tell? It could be a tale about redemption, a survival story, or a deep dive into the human psyche.
What genre excites you? Drama, thriller, comedy, or perhaps a mix of genres?
What themes interest you? Themes like justice, love, power, or isolation can guide the direction of your screenplay.
Once you've nailed down your central idea, everything else will flow from it.
2. Develop Characters with Depth
Characters are the heartbeat of your screenplay. Even the most original plot can fall flat if your characters aren’t compelling. Here's how to give your characters dimension:
Protagonist and Antagonist: Flesh out both your hero and villain. Give them strong motivations, desires, and fears. The more complex, the better.
Backstory: Your characters’ pasts shape their present actions. What has happened in their lives that motivates their decisions in your screenplay?
Flaws and Strengths: Make them human. Give your characters strengths, weaknesses, quirks, and contradictions that make them relatable.
Arc: How do they change throughout the story? Great characters evolve, learning something about themselves or their world by the end.
3. Outline the Plot
A detailed plot outline can be a lifesaver when writing a screenplay. It gives you a roadmap to follow, ensuring you don’t get lost or stuck along the way. Here are key elements to include in your plot outline:
Three-Act Structure: Screenplays typically follow a three-act structure — setup, confrontation, and resolution.
Act 1 (Setup): Introduce your characters, establish their goals, and set the stakes.
Act 2 (Confrontation): This is where your character faces challenges and obstacles.
Act 3 (Resolution): The story reaches its climax and concludes with a satisfying (or intentionally unsatisfying) resolution.
Major Turning Points: Identify the key moments that propel the story forward, like the inciting incident, midpoint, and climax.
B and C Plots: Consider secondary storylines that will support the main narrative. These can add depth and give your characters additional dimensions.
4. Know Your Setting
Where your story takes place is crucial. A well-thought-out setting enhances the atmosphere, mood, and tone of your screenplay. Consider these questions when creating your setting:
Time and Place: What year or time period is your story set in? Is it contemporary, historical, or futuristic?
Cultural and Social Elements: How does the world around your characters influence them? This includes societal norms, technology, politics, and more.
The Emotional Setting: Does your location reflect the emotions of your characters? For example, an isolated, windswept beach can mirror a character’s loneliness.
A unique or richly developed setting can make your screenplay stand out and become an integral part of the storytelling.
5. Research
Once you have your core idea, characters, plot, and setting, it's time to dive deep into research. Whether your screenplay is based on historical events, a profession, or a culture you’re not familiar with, getting the details right adds authenticity. Here’s where to focus your research:
Books, Documentaries, and Articles: These can provide crucial context and specific information to ground your screenplay in realism.
Interviews and Firsthand Accounts: Talk to experts or people who have experienced situations similar to what your characters might go through.
Visit Real-World Locations: If possible, go to places that resemble your story's setting. Firsthand experience can inspire specific details and enrich your storytelling.
6. Create a Writing Routine
Writing a screenplay requires discipline and consistency. It’s easy to start with enthusiasm but hard to finish. Set yourself up for success with these tips:
Set Clear Goals: How many pages will you write a day? Aiming for 2-5 pages daily is a manageable goal.
Create a Schedule: Block out dedicated writing time each day. Consistency is key.
Find Your Space: Designate a comfortable and inspiring place to write, free from distractions.
Stay Accountable: Whether you join a writer’s group or have a trusted friend to check in with, accountability can help you stay on track.
7. Embrace Flexibility
Preparation is essential, but so is flexibility. As you dive deeper into writing your screenplay, your characters might lead you in unexpected directions, or you may realize certain plot points don’t work. Don’t be afraid to pivot. Allowing room for creativity and spontaneity during the writing process can lead to some of your best ideas.
Conclusion:
Prepping before starting your screenplay sets the stage for a smoother writing experience. By honing in on your core idea, developing strong characters, plotting out your story, and doing research, you’ll be ready to bring your story to life. Remember, every great screenplay starts with a solid foundation—and the preparation you do now will make all the difference.
For help with all aspects of writing your screenplay, Walter, our AI writing assistant, is there to help if needed as you bring your vision to life. Head to the link below to try a month of ScriptGen completely free. Happy writing!
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