To be a writer is to know that you don’t usually feel like writing until you’re actually writing. I have been at a standstill with a rom-com feature film I’ve been writing because deep down I knew something was missing in the story. I didn’t necessarily care for how I was ending it originally. And because of that (and also just being generally unmotivated and not disciplined) I have not been actively working on it.
And yesterday I told myself, no more excuses, you’re going to get back at it and the ideas will flow to you again. Well, I got in front of my screen, and they did. So much so that I practically changed the story entirely. L O L. As a writer, that happens… A LOT.
If you know you know.
So in honor of my trying to be more disciplined in my approach and holding myself accountable. I want to share some tips that help me while writing a script.
Here are 6 Tips On How To Write A Script
Pick A Genre
It’s important to know what genre your story will be because it will make it easier to think of a plot that will fit within the genre’s general parameters. Or at least it does for me. So I like to start here first.
Brainstorm The Story’s Plot
You cannot make a story without having the main plot. I say main because a story can have subplots as well. But the central plot is what every subplot should tie back into. Ask yourself, what do I want the main conflict in this story to be? Who will this conflict affect? How does the protagonist tackle this conflict? What or who is in their way?
Write A Logline
A logline is a one-to-two-sentence summary that includes the key components of your script. It usually includes the main character, the inciting incident, and the main conflict. The logline is how you are going to hook your audience to want to watch your TV show or film.
Create Character Bios
Before you begin writing, you need to know who you are writing about. I like to start with the protagonist because that is the main character who will be affected or change within the story – they drive the plot. After you write about the main character(s), work on the antagonist(s) (if it is a human or living creature), then the supporting characters, and so on and so forth.
Some questions to answer when writing character bios:
How old is the character?
What is their gender?
Are they introverted, extroverted, or ambivert?
What is their economic background?
Who are their parents? (Are they active parents?)
Do they have siblings?
What are their hobbies?
What is their religion? (If any.)
What makes them upset?
What makes them happy?
Who are their friends? (If any.)
Do they have any goals? (Personal or Career wise)
The list of questions you can answer when creating character bios can be lengthy, and these are just a few. I write enough about each character until I feel like I understand their personality and what contributes to it.
Outline The Story
Before I ever start writing a screenplay, I outline the story. And I outline in detail. Basically, telling what will happen in each scene one by one without dialogue. Sometimes, however, I will add context to what the characters may be saying so I can understand where the next scene is going beforehand. That’s only when necessary though.
Begin Writing
After all the steps above have been taken, I begin writing. Having the foundation of the story already makes it so much easier to write, so when I do the story flows better. And ideas come more quickly. You can always reference the steps above while writing as well and change whatever you want as you go. Don’t beat yourself up about anything. It’s not rocket science. Be patient and graceful with yourself and eventually, you will have a wonderful story on your hands.
Happy Writing!!!
