Contrary to popular opinion, creating a screenplay is not just about packaging a plot or setting a scene, it is more about the feel and the imaginative process. No certificate course in scriptwriting will ever be at your rescue because more often than not, screenplay artists have to get started without proper references, even for scripts that are derived from existing pieces.
Screenwriters across the world spend
hours trying to visualize, feel and figure out exactly what to put through to
their audiences when they view their work in theatres or in a homely setting.
Would it be unnerving and emotional? If so, how much?
If you are setting out on developing your very own screenplay, don’t miss out on this miniature screenplay writing course. Here are seven basic steps to help you get started.
1. Deciding upon the plot or a suitable setting
If you are developing your script based on an existing piece, your labour will be substantially reduced in this step. However, it is always advisable to have your very own touch on every little script-writing job that you undertake. To add a personal touch, consider throwing in some exotic elements of your own. Change the geographical setting, the era or the timeline and you will have a whole new adaptation of the piece before you.
2. Acquiring the details
To develop a piece that seems realistic and captivating, it is always advisable to conduct some ground research beforehand. Get to know the setting and weave your way through it in the same way as you would expect your characters to. If ground research does not seem feasible, consult reliable sources or outsource the job. To create an effective screenplay, you have to walk down every path, face every difficulty and live your character’s journey.
3. Developing your Character arcs - Assigning Roles
In the next stage, it is important to sketch out your characters. Not just the protagonist and the antagonist, but also a set of subsidiary roles to serve the purpose of your plot. Here, it is important to understand that while there should be no additional character to fill holes in the plot, there should also be a set of not-so-important characters to make the flow seem natural.
4. Maintaining the pace and introducing subplots
Subplots could be of several types. They are meant to divert the attention of the audience temporarily away from the main plot and also to cause necessary distractions. Direct subplots can involve a backstory involving the main characters while an indirect subplot can involve some of the other characters in an engaging plot that smells of something fishy.
5. Breaking down the story into Acts and/or further subdivisions
While a smooth transition is important to maintain the pace of the narrative. It is also necessary to separate sections of the story for easy understanding and facilitate further editing in future. Divide sections based on locations or themes. This practice will, in turn, help the director in deciding in setting the mood and briefing the crew.
6. Make the dialogue crisp and strictly pertinent
Dialogue tends to connect with the audience more than imagery. It works wonders for uncovering a backstory, divulging plans or narrating experiences. While the dialogue is an essential tool, it must be used efficiently. Too much useless blabber may obscure the pertinent facts and make things difficult later on in the story.
7. Eliminate everything that seems unnecessary
The final step would always be to edit and re-edit till all unnecessary bits are shaken off from the main content. The screenplay includes directions for acting and direction and as a result, is fairly technical. The final draft should always be presented before the team in a way that is precise, concise and easy to digest.
Conclusion
Following the steps given above would
definitely help you in making your script stand out from rookie attempts.
However, it is always suggested to go through at least one formal scriptwriting course before you decide to dive into the world of professional screenplay
because it demands a lot of technical film knowledge and understanding of
narratives.
