Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning
• What you need

The movie world is an extremely competitive place. You may have the best filmmaking idea in the world, but if the script isn't properly laid out, chances are it will never be read by anyone. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting your script on the screen.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Boot

1. 

   Understand the definition of the scenario. The script will outline all of the elements (sounds, images, gestures, and dialogue) used to tell the story through movies or dramas.
   • A scenario is often never the work of a single individual. Instead, it will have to go through a review and rewrite process, and will eventually be re-portrayed by the producers, directors and actors.
   • Movies and TV series are the medium of audio-visual entertainment. That means you have to write the script in a way that includes all the listening and visual parts of the story. Focus on writing about pictures and sounds.

2. 

   
   
   Read the scripts of some movies you like. Search for scripts online and see what you like (and dislike) what about them. Try to feel how actions are described, how lines are written, and how characters are developed.

3. 

   Add details to the idea. Assuming you already have an idea to write, draft essential details in the storyline, your character relationships, and personality so that the story sticks to it. Which factor is most important in your idea? How are the characters interacting and why? What is the greater purpose? Does the script have any holes? Take note of those points in any way you like. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Script writing

1. 

   
   
   Write an outline for the story. Start with the basics. Focus on contradictions, because contradictions lead to drama.
   • Note the length. In script form, each page is equivalent to one minute of movie. The average length of a two-hour film will be approximately 120 pages of script. Drama should be about two hours long, comedy should be shorter - about an hour and a half.
   • Also, keep in mind that if the writer is not a celebrity, has a lot of connections, or can guarantee the film's revenue, a long script will definitely not be chosen. If the story you want to tell cannot be condensed in two hours, it's best to turn it into a novel.

2. 

   
   
   Divide the story into three acts. The three-act structure is the framework of the script. Each act can be performed independently, and when put together, they will create a complete story.
   • Act one: this is the context of the story. Introduce the setting and the characters. Set the genre of the movie (comedy, action, romance ...). Introduce the main character and begin to explore the contradictions that lead the story. When the character begins to get stuck, that's when the second act begins. For a drama, the first act is usually about 30 pages long. With comedy it is 24 pages.
   • Act two: this is the main part of the story. The main character will encounter obstacles in the process of finding a solution to the conflict. Side stories will usually be introduced in the second act. During this stage, the main character will show some signs of change. For drama, the second act is about 60 pages long, and for comedy it is 48 pages.
   • Act three: in this level, the contradictions will be resolved. The third act contains a turning point and ends with dealing with difficulties. Because the story was formed in act two, act three would be faster and more condensed. In drama, the third act is usually 30 pages long, with comedy 24 pages.

3. 

   
   
   Additional movie segments. Segments are parts of the story that take place almost independently of the main contradiction. They also have openness, body, and attachment. A typical segment would be 10 to 15 pages in length. A segment will usually focus on a certain character.
   • Segments will take place with climaxes independent of the main story, and will often influence how the film plays out.

4. 

   
   
   Start writing scenes. The movie scenes contain the events of the movie. They take place in certain locations and play a role in driving the story forward. If there is a scene that doesn't fulfill that role, cut it out of the script. The nonsensical scenes will be considered fault by the audience and drag the whole story down.

5. 

   Start writing lines. Once the scene is in place, you will start interacting with each other. The lines are possibly one of the hardest to write. Each character needs a distinctive and convincing voice.
   • The actual dialogue doesn't have to be that good. The dialogue should be focused on story and character development. You shouldn't worry about putting reality in lines, as in reality, conversations are tedious and lifeless.
   • Read the conversation aloud. Do you hear it being hesitant, cliché, or outrageous? Would the characters speak the same way?

6. 

   
   
   Cut out the extra details. Once every idea has been written down, find loose, distracting connections or whatever pulls the story down. Does the story get off topic? Is there any redundant or repetitive detail? Do you think about the audience? If something is redundant or plays no role in the story, discard it.

7. 

   Show a few friends the complete script. Choose people with different tastes and backgrounds to get mixed opinions. Ask and accept the disheartening truth; You want constructive criticism, not a few flattery or lies.
8. Review the script as many times as you need. This can be painful at first, but when it's all over, you'll be glad you took the time to convey your point of view. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Script presentation style

1. 

   Set the paper size. The script is usually written on 8 ½ ”x 11” paper (A4) with three holes punched in the left margin. The top and bottom margins are aligned between 0.5 ”and 1”. The left margin is aligned at 1.2 ”-1.6”, the right margin is 0.5 ”-1”.
   • The page number is marked in the top right corner. Movie title pages are not numbered.

2. 

   Set the font. The script will be written in 12-size Courier. This is mainly for timing. One script page in Courier 12 would be equivalent to one minute of film.

3. 

   Format elements of the script. There are different parts of the scenario that you need to present in certain formats to fit industry standards:
   • Open the scene : Also known as "The scene title." The scene opener shows the context by describing the location. This element will be all capitalized. First, you must note that this is an outdoor setting or indoor shot by writing “INT.” (indoors) or “EXT.” (outdoor shooting). Then next to it will be the location and time of the recording. Don't end a page with a scene title, move it to the next page.
   • Act: This is where you describe the action in the scenario. It is written in the present tense and the active body. Write short paragraphs to attract the attention of the reader. An ideal paragraph should be 3 to 5 lines long.
   • Character's name: Before the conversation starts, the character's name will be stated and all capitalized, 3.5 ”from the left margin. It could be the character's real name, or it could be a word to describe if the person was not named in the script, or it could be just the profession. If the character speaks without being shown on the screen, write "(O.S.)" - visual language - next to their name. If the character tells a story, write “(V.O.)” - caption - next to the last name.
   • Speech: When a character speaks, the line is written 2.5 "from the left margin, and 2 to 2.5" from the right margin. The dialogue will be right below the character's name.
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Advice

• Develop the story so naturally. Many novice screenwriters find it tempting to write more and more interesting stories; the others were suddenly turning the story from excitement to astonishment. Make sure the plot develops gradually so that the excitement can reach its peak.
• You can purchase scripting software. Some programs can teach you how to present your script, or even convert existing scripts to standard format.
• Participate in writer's forums. You can learn some tips and exchange ideas with colleagues, and you will even have more good working relationships.
• The story's thoughts or points of interest should be addressed in the first 10 or so pages. The first ten pages are exactly what makes the producer want to continue reading your script.
• Take creative writing courses. Writing is as difficult and time-consuming as other types of writing, and even more difficult if you rarely practice in school.
• Look for books on the subject of screenwriting in the library. Many veteran filmmakers have written great books to help people like you.
• Consider majoring in mainstream screenwriting. In the US you can study at the University of Southern California. Columbia University, UCLA, SF State, NYU, UT-Austin and the University of Iowa are all good options. In Vietnam, you can enter the University of Theater and Cinema.
• Take the time to think about the dialogue and character names.

Warning

• You can get inspiration from other people's work, but never fully incorporate their ideas into your script.This is illegal and very condemned.
• Don't arbitrarily hand over the script to anyone; Ideas are very easy to steal. To prevent this, or at least be credited as the writer of the script, you should register the complete script with the American Writers Association. They represent all active writers and their website is full of information about the writing profession.

What you need

• Text editor
• Scripting software (optional)