| When you first decide you want to write a | | | | some type of weakness that can be exploited in |
| screenplay the first thing you need to think of is | | | | some way or another, that way your characters |
| what genre you are interested in and what do | | | | will become more full and alive. |
| you think you could write. What I will be explaining | | | | 4. Find The Right Setting |
| in this article is specifically aimed at horror. | | | | This is probably the most important part of |
| Although the general rules of screenwriting are | | | | writing a horror screenplay. Have a think about |
| the same there are certain things that change | | | | your theme and your characters and list a few |
| depending on the genre. Here I'll be giving you my | | | | places that you think would suit the story. Have a |
| top five tips for writing a horror screenplay. | | | | look through them and list the pros and cons |
| 1. Always Decide On Your Sub Genre First | | | | about that setting. Do this until you decide what |
| Horror is an overall genre of film but now you | | | | location or locations you want to use. |
| need to decide on the sub genre and go deeper | | | | 5. Devise An Interesting Plot |
| into the subject. Will it be a ghost story? An | | | | Once you have your characters, setting and |
| monster story? A thriller? Once you have decided | | | | theme you can then use them to think of an |
| on your sub genre then you will start to get more | | | | interesting plot. Most horror films have some kind |
| specific ideas. | | | | of twist at the end. To think of a good twist then |
| 2. Think Of A Theme Before You Start Writing | | | | take a look at all of your characters and think to |
| The theme of the screenplay is what you story | | | | yourself "what would happen if the consequences |
| is about. The theme should be able to sum up the | | | | changed?" |
| story in one sentence. Such as "the line separating | | | | These tips are just a base for what you could do. |
| the living and the dead has been crossed". This is | | | | Over time you will develop you own ways of |
| the theme of White Noise. | | | | writing and thinking of characterisation and plots. |
| 3. Create Engaging Characters | | | | Writing a horror screenplay can take a lot of time, |
| Good characters are essential to a good | | | | just be patient and keep trying to think of new |
| screenplay. Make sure that your characters have | | | | ideas along the way. |