Writing between 90 and 120 pages of screenplay for a film is not as difficult as it may seem. You can succeed, but only if you are prepared to deal with the exceptional amount of thought and planning required to go all the way, not counting the time to carefully rewrite many pieces to achieve perfection. Do not be discouraged and continue and read the article.
Steps
Step 1. Find a story you like or preferably find a story you love
This process may seem difficult or insurmountable at first, so it is best to choose something you like to think about and which you will torment yourself with for several months. Research the genre he prefers and write consistently to it if you want to sell it. The film industry is always looking for something more commercial than original. However, a pinch of originality never hurts.
Step 2. Get scriptwriting software
Having it will save you a lot of problems, plus potential readers are used to having the dialogues organized in a certain way. If you can't afford Movie Magic, Final Draft or Montage, try “Celtx”. To find it just enter the name between the three "w" and ".com". I have started using it now and it is perfectly functional. It also allows you to insert your script into an online database for collaborations and sharing. Who can know? Maybe it could be the next discovery.
Step 3. Formulate a premise
Write a short sentence, 15 words or less, to present the fundamental concept that will accompany the plot. It will help you understand if your film is too complex and get feedback.
Step 4. Write the guidelines
It's very easy to get lost in 100 pages. Always check the feedback.
Step 5. Create the character bible
Characters can ruin the story much more than the plot. Make a list of the characters and give them a full description not only physically, but mentally as well, whether they are smart, good, likeable or, as is the current trend, if they are stupid, evil and detestable but in a pleasant way. To get an idea, read Shakespeare's Richard III. So, he came up with a movie. If it's the same people you've seen hundreds of times, who've bored you at the theater, then keep thinking. If the protagonists and antagonists are characters, be sure to make a list of their flaws. Over the course of the story, the protagonist's defects will emerge, while those of the antagonist will be evident on his defeat.
Step 6. Don't ignore the three-act structure
A lot of writers do without it, because they are writers established. Manufacturers are willing to give them a lot more chances, because they have previously made a lot of money. Many films are written in the form of a “hero's diary”, in which you will find numerous articles about them. Another good reference is The Hero's Journey by Christopher Vogler e Story by Robert McKee.
Step 7. Learn the three act structure
If you don't have a clue what the previous passage was referring to then here it is explained in a nutshell. The first act informs about the setting and the characteristics taken into consideration, and also introduces the problems to be solved. For example: "The Goonies lived their lives happily in their little part of the world, until they discovered that the entrepreneurs wanted to turn Goon Docks into an apartment building, so…". The second act surrounds the characters with problems. For example: "The Goonies boarded Willy the Patch's ship, trying to avoid all the traps for …". The third act is full of events, probably the most important of which is that the hero gets to the point where he wants to quit. BUT, and this is the important part, somehow he comes to the idea that giving up is wrong and works out a way to be successful. For example: "Sean Astin, in the Goonies, makes Willy the Orb's traps turn against the Brothers, instead of grabbing all the treasure to save Goon Docks"
Step 8. Dialogue
It's best to write the dialogue after you've written the entire script, to make sure your story is told visually as well. Write short, simple dialogues and make sure they aren't taken for granted. If you are in trouble you can improvise with rehearsals.
Step 9. Description
Remember that each page is the exact equivalent of a minute of film. Write the action and describe how something may seem instead of giving an exact description. Finally, most importantly, write in a simple and easily readable way.
Step 10. Write down the title of each scene on a separate sheet, along with the characters in the scene
In this way you will have a general idea of how the script flows and in which direction the story is going.
Step 11. Write your first draft
Make sure the dialogue is very conversational, which is more appropriate for an ordinary or family conversation, rather than a formal speech. A useful exercise for writing conversationally is to eavesdrop on someone's conversation and report it word for word.
Step 12. That's not all
Not at all'. After writing a first draft, review it from the start. If you've written 120 pages at this point, then you've probably written at least thirty. Start over and cut, simplify the characters, and pack everything up so it's legible.
Step 13. After doing this, do it again and again, until you feel you are done
Step 14. If you really intend to sell your script
Submit your script to a reputable script reading service. For a fee, they'll send you a critique about your script, parts that need improvement, and more.
Advice
- The general rule of thumb for regulating duration is to consider one minute of film per page, although this is not an accurate estimate and there may be more action than dialogue.
- You are an artist and you deserve to remain an artist. Write what you like the way you like to write. Maybe you will be caught, maybe not, but write. It's the cheapest part of making a movie.
Warnings
- Do not indicate directing techniques. You don't have to give any suggestions to the professionals, because others will take care of directing the film. So, unless it's for your friends, refrain from indicating cuts, fades and panoramas.
- Be as smart and as good as possible. There is a lot of competition in this field. Always believe in your abilities, because you may be the one who has enough originality to be called the "right" one.
