Screenwriting Tips - Develop Your Storyline First

If you've got any writing talent, you've no doubtThe storyline is so important, that it must be high
considered writing a screenplay at one time orcaliber before any studio will consider it. That
another. Why would anyone want to write ameans it must be near-flawless. Can you write
screenplay? Let's count the reasons: fraternizesuch a story? Of course you can, but it will take
with Hollywood types, gain a bit of fame forsome work.
yourself, and potentially get paid a lot of cash. AsThe quickest way to write your story is to simply
wonderful as being a screenwriter sounds, it's awrite it! Keep your descriptions minimal and simply
tough career choice. It could be years before youput it down on paper. Try to keep it under three
get paid a dime. And there's a strong chance you'llor four pages maximum. Don't get crazy with the
never get paid anything at all. Still sound like fun?details either. Once you have your general story
If it does, there's one thing I can recommend:down on paper, you can start reorganizing the
complete your storyline first before you startscenes and start making sense of it all. By
writing the screenplay.keeping it to only three or four pages, it will be
Most newbie screenwriters invest their timemuch easier for you to edit the story if needed.
learning proper screenplay structure. They willYou'll probably be working on the story for a
then figure out how to setup the proper functionwhile, anywhere from a month or two, or even
keys on their favorite word processor in order tolonger. Once you've got the storyline complete
make it easier to write their script. Their nextand there aren't any more changes to be made,
step is start writing their screenplay as fast asthen you're ready to write an outline - keep it
they can, as if time matters when crafting asimple, organized, and well structured.
perfect screenplay. If you're not one of thoseWhen you have your treatment and your outline
writers who jump into the project withoutin hand, take some more time to look at them
organizing your material first, perhaps you're oneand be as critical as you possibly can. Ask your
of those writers who bought screenplay writingwriter friends to critique it for you - let them give
software? If you did buy screenplay software,you their harshest opinions possible. Once you
you have my sympathy! I don't feel anyhave everyone's input, make your final changes
software is necessary to write a screenplayto the story.
other than an everyday, run-of-the-mill wordWriting the screenplay itself is the last step in
processor. The only thing you need to write awriting your script. It's important that you craft
great script is a great storyline.the script using the proper format and structure.
A solid storyline is the only essential tool you needWhy? Because the screenplay is a tool - it's
to write your screenplay. Without it, you'll nevermeant to help the director, actors, and everyone
create a screenplay that anyone will want to buy.else involved in the project to create the film. If
To go along with that screenplay, you'll need ayou need help with writing your screenplay, you
treatment and a final outline. Without those items,should consider joining a writer's group. There are
you shouldn't even bother typing the first page ofplenty of them online and offline. Good luck!
your screenplay.