How to Write a Movie Script – Screenwriting Tips
There are some specific concepts and techniques which the amateur movie writer should consider before spending precious time writing a spec screenplay. Otherwise the movie writer might never be able to watch the transformation of his work from movie script to film to cinema. We’ll talk more about it in a short while, but first let’s get started by explaining what we mean by spec screenplay or spec screenwriter next:
A spec screenwriter is a person who writes a movie script based merely on hope. The hope that someone in the future will want to work on his dream and transform it from movie script to film to cinema. Once the writer has accomplished this dream, he can call himself a produced screenwriter.
Now, let’s go on with important writing tips that can help the amateur writer in writing a good movie script:
1) Write using the proper screenplay format.
Before you write the first word on your script, learn the format and language used by the best screenwriters of all times. Get access to the most number of movie scripts that you can find. Search scripts for old and new movies as well, you will find out at some point during your learning process, that screenplays as old as Casa Blanca figure among the best scripts ever written.
Some of the format techniques found in the best screenplays are: a) movie scripts are always written in the present tense, b) they often use minimal description to set scenes and create atmosphere, c) certain terminology is always used to set up scenes and indicate transitions. So, get your hands, and eyes, on as many movie scripts as you can. There are many of them available in the internet. You can check some of them without leaving this website, you can search for online movie scripts here: WebSearch TAB
2) Make good use of technology: Computer software can format the script as you write.
People who work in the film industry usually work only with screenwriters who follow an accepted format and layout. So, if your movie script is not written that way, chances are you will end up out of the ball game before it has even started. Screenwriting software can be found from 0 to around 200 dollars, so you won’t need lots of money to get started with a tech tool that will end up writing your script using the proper format. Now, in order to follow my own advice above, I am going to make good use of technology here by giving you the option to order some good screenwriting software without leaving your chair next:
3) Learn how to order your scenes: outline your story properly.
Depending on the type of screenwriting software that you use, you might be able to get it done by your computer. If you don’t use software to write your movie script, you can use the traditional method of breaking down your story through the use of index cards (3×5). With either method you will be able to move your scenes around and find the proper flow for your story. If you follow this strategy, you will have tools to make your screenplay more interesting for the movie makers. It is common for amateur movie writers to have either too much or too little material for their movie script. Outlining will allow you to see what can be chopped or what must be enhanced for the best script final draft. And again, the easiest way to do it is with screenwriting software like the options shown above.
4) Screenwriting Books are always a good educational source.
Search around for interesting screenwriting books that can help you with the process of storytelling and structure. There are some excellent movie writers out there, although not all of them might have written a screenwriting book. Pay a visit to your local library or bookstore to familiarize yourself with what is available. Just to name a few here: a) Syd Field, in my opinion, is one of the best authors of screenwriting books: he writes about the foundations of a good screenplay, b) David Trottier is also a good author: he starts with the basics and lays out proper story construction, c) Blake Snyder is another a good option: he focuses on the importance of your story idea in order to write a good screenplay.
Now, being a tech guy myself, I’m leaving you the option to get a good screenwriting book without leaving your chair next:
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