Screenwriting is often seen as one of the most prestigious forms of creative writing. Whether you aim to craft a compelling drama or a high-concept blockbuster, mastering the art of screenwriting is essential. This guide will provide an in-depth look into the elements of a screenplay, the importance of formatting, developing movie ideas, writing low-budget movies, and where to submit your finished script. Let’s explore the journey of bringing your screenplay to life.
What is a Screenplay?
A screenplay is both a story and a technical guide. It weaves the narrative through dialogue and actions while providing descriptions and directions to visualize the story on screen. A well-crafted screenplay balances these elements, creating a blueprint for the final film.
Elements of a Screenplay
A screenplay consists of several key elements:
- Scene Header: Indicates whether the scene is interior (INT.) or exterior (EXT.), the location, and the time of day.
- Scene Description: Briefly describes the setting and the action taking place.
- Description of Action: Details the actions of characters within the scene.
- Dialogue: The spoken words of the characters.
- Camera Directions: Guidance on how scenes should be shot (e.g., close-up, long shot).
Example of a Screenplay Element
Scene Header:
INT. HALLWAY OF A BLOCK OF FLATS — NIGHTScene Description:
The hallway is dimly lit, with flickering lights casting eerie shadows. Billy cautiously walks down the corridor, checking the door numbers.Dialogue:
BILLY: (whispers) This has to be the place.Camera Directions:
CLOSER ANGLE: THE DOORThe Importance of Screenplay Format
Proper screenplay formatting is crucial for several reasons:
- Uniformity: Industry professionals, including producers, agents, and script editors, review numerous scripts. A standardized format makes your screenplay easier to read and evaluate.
- Credibility: A correctly formatted script shows professionalism and attention to detail, increasing the likelihood of being taken seriously.
- Length Estimation: Standard formatting helps gauge the screenplay’s length accurately. Typically, one page of a screenplay equals one minute of screen time.
Standard Screenplay Format
- Font: 12-point Courier
- Margins: 1.5 inches from the left for scene headers, scene descriptions, and camera directions; 4 inches from the left for character names; 3.5 inches from the left for character directions; 3 inches from the left and 2 inches from the right for dialogue.
- Spacing: Single-spaced for dialogue and scene descriptions, double-spaced between elements.
Using specialized screenwriting software like Final Draft can help ensure your script meets industry standards.
Developing Your Movie Idea: Is It High Concept?
High-concept movies have a strong premise that can be summed up in a few words, making them easier to pitch and sell. For example:
High-Concept Idea:
A talented but temperamental actor finds the only way he can get work is by pretending he’s a woman. (Tootsie)A high-concept idea should immediately conjure up interesting possibilities and appeal to a broad audience.
Examples of High-Concept Movies
- Space-faring roughnecks attempt to save the world from an asteroid collision. (Armageddon)
- A divorced father disguises himself as a Scottish nanny to see his children. (Mrs. Doubtfire)
- A family escapes from a dinosaur wildlife park after the creatures run wild. (Jurassic Park)
If your movie idea can’t be summarized succinctly, consider refining it to strengthen its overall concept.
Treatment and Premise: What’s the Difference?
When pitching a screenplay, you might need to provide a shortened version of your story, either as a premise or a treatment.
- Premise: A brief overview divided into three sections—beginning, middle, and end. Each section should be around 150 words.
- Treatment: A more detailed scene-by-scene breakdown of the story, describing locations, characters, actions, and how each scene leads to the next.
Both should be engaging and give a clear sense of the story, with the treatment providing more detail for budgeting and production considerations.
How to Write Low-Budget Movies
Writing a low-budget movie involves strategic planning to keep costs down while maintaining the story’s integrity. Here are some tips:
Avoid Unnecessary Scenes
Each new scene setup requires time and resources. Minimize the number of scenes and locations to streamline production.
Avoid Complex, Time-Consuming Scenes
Scenes involving stunts, moving vehicles, or special effects are costly and time-consuming. Simplify these elements to reduce expenses.
Avoid Extras
Hiring extras adds to the budget. Limit scenes requiring large crowds and focus on the main characters.
Avoid Public Places
Filming in public places often requires permits and can be logistically challenging. Opt for controlled environments.
Avoid Exterior Night Shoots
Night scenes are difficult and expensive to light. Where possible, set scenes during the day to reduce costs.
Avoid Too Many Speaking Roles
Speaking roles are more expensive than non-speaking ones. Keep the number of characters with dialogue to a minimum.
Avoid Pyrotechnics and Guns
Special effects and firearms require professional handling, adding to the budget. Use these elements sparingly.
Avoid Children and Animals
Children and animals are challenging to work with and require additional supervision and permits.
Submitting Your Screenplay
Once your screenplay is complete, you have several submission options:
Agents
An agent can help market your screenplay to production companies. Avoid sending your script to companies before securing an agent, as they prefer fresh material.
Production Companies
Many production companies have professional readers to evaluate scripts. Some accept unsolicited submissions, while others require scripts to be submitted through an agent. Consider registering your script with the Writers’ Guild of America to protect your work.
Actors
If you envision a particular actor for a role, consider sending the script via their agent. However, the more successful the actor, the less likely they are to see unsolicited scripts.
Resources for Finding Submission Opportunities
- Logopedia: Contact details for production companies, including major Hollywood studios.
- The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook (UK): Information on film companies.
- Internet Movie Script Database: Access to a wide range of scripts for reference.
Conclusion
Screenwriting is a challenging but rewarding craft that combines storytelling with technical precision. By understanding the elements of a screenplay, adhering to industry formatting standards, developing strong concepts, and writing cost-effective scripts, you can increase your chances of success. Whether you’re aiming for a high-concept blockbuster or an intimate low-budget film, this guide provides the tools and insights you need to bring your screenplay to life.
FAQs About Writing a Screenplay
1. What is the purpose of a screenplay?
A screenplay serves as both a story and a technical guide for a film. It provides the narrative through dialogue and action while offering descriptions and directions for visualizing the story on screen.
2. Why is proper screenplay formatting important?
Proper formatting ensures uniformity, credibility, and accurate length estimation. It helps industry professionals quickly and easily evaluate your script.
3. What are the key elements of a screenplay?
A screenplay includes scene headers, scene descriptions, action descriptions, dialogue, and camera directions.
4. What is a high-concept movie?
A high-concept movie has a strong, easily summarized premise that appeals to a broad audience. It is typically easier to pitch and sell.
5. What is the difference between a premise and a treatment?
A premise is a brief overview of a story, while a treatment is a detailed, scene-by-scene breakdown of the narrative.
6. How can I write a low-budget movie?
To write a low-budget movie, minimize the number of scenes, avoid complex and time-consuming scenes, limit the use of extras, and reduce the number of speaking roles and special effects.
7. Where can I submit my screenplay?
Submit your screenplay to agents, production companies, or actors (via their agents). Use resources like Logopedia and The Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook for submission opportunities.
8. Should I register my screenplay before submitting it?
Registering your screenplay with the Writers’ Guild of America can protect your work and is often required by production companies before they review your script.
By following these tips and guidelines, you can create compelling screenplays that captivate audiences and have a higher chance of being produced.