How to write a film script?

This is how I write my scripts so I believe thatbased on some of the workshops I've done in
everyone has to find his own way of workingthe past. You might find it useful:
that suits his/her the most.1. Dramatic - sequence leading to change; strong
I don't follow any rules of script writing when itmoral element; one character influences the other
comes to telling the story, such as: at this point inone.
a script that ought to happen. I don't believe in2. Moral vision.
this but many do and maybe that is why so3. What is the moral line of the story?
many bad scripts are coming out of Hollywood.4. What defines the storyline?
I do follow rules when it comes to the structure5. What is the moral change in the character?
since it's just easier for the entire crew and cast6. PLOT - what the main character does in the
to follow the script and that is clearer to read. Itstory; fundamental change in action. Character is
also looks much more professional when you getdefined through the plot.
the structure right and you want to look7. Dialogue is seen as the quickest window to the
professional in front of your cast and crew.character. The dialogue expresses the volume of
I usually start with writing an idea for a script,the character.
which is just a simple description of the whole8. Drama - it is a conflict between what the
story. When this is ready, I move on to workingcharacter stands for and the world surrounding
on the main characters. Of course it doesn't meanthe character.
that I am going to stick to the description I have9. Structure - is a development of the character.
already done. To me it just works as more of a10. The hero never knows what he wants and
guideline.needs at the beginning of the film.
After that I sit down and start coming up with11. To grow and develop the hero has to fight
the scenes, which at first are just descriptions ofopponents and obstacles on his way. To make
what might happen in the scene.the script more interesting, get into the deepest
When the skeleton of the script is ready I worklevel of conflict.
from that point re-writing the script, each time12. Whatever the hero comes up with at the
around making it better and fuller by adding orstart of the film it almost never works out. So he
taking away certain actions, dialogues or scenes.has to adjust to changing circumstances.
In the finished script I try to describe the scenes13. Before the hero can change, he/she has to
as little as possible, extra words are really notfigure out what he/she wants or is running away
necessary and often confusing for the actors. Ifrom, why he/she is holding back from taking an
usually try to work on dialogues and the overallaction.
atmosphere of the story.14. In the script it's also important to introduce
I know that there are many rules when it comesthe hero's internal life, his/her natural space.
to writing different genres, which for some people15. The hero before facing his/her fear or
are good and they need to have it to be able toopponent will usually have to go through some
write anything. Find a system that suits you bestkind of change to become stronger.
and stick to it.16. People who have been in filmmaking longer
The more scripts you write, the better youthan me say that for the middle of the structure
become. Even if the scripts don't turn up to be athe stories obsessive desire is needed. The
movie this is the experience that is vital for you.character will do almost anything to get what she
I know that writing can be hard but once youhe wants.
start, it gets easier and easier every time. The17. You have probably noticed that almost every
beginning point is the most important, after thatfilm has a point when the hero is just about to
it's all just discipline. From my experience I can telllose. It is called the lower point.
you that writing for longer than five hours a day18. To make the story more powerful usually the
is difficult, this is a creative work so it has to flow.hero learns something from the opponent and
If you don't feel confident enough to write yourgrows.
scrip yet, take a script writing workshops; some19. If you want to reveal something, make a
of them are really good. Try looking for thedecision and change an action. This way you give
workshops in your area online.new information to the audience.
As far as I am aware there are quite a few20. The hero needs to desire something in each
websites that deal with script writing/workshopsscene.
online. However I don't know how secure thatStory structures
kind of work is. You know, copyrights in writingThey say that there are only three basic story
and filmmaking are huge issues so alwaysstructures:
remember to be covered on that subject.- Myth
Remember, find whatever suits you the most- Fairy tale
and copyright all your work. There are many- Drama
people willing to steal others ideas.By taking bits and pieces from each structure and
Notes on script writingusing it in a different way, other stories emerge.
Below is the list of my notes on script writingTo read the whole article click here.