Scriptwriting 101 – Tips Every Aspiring Writer Should Know

Every blockbuster movie, TV series or even a book begins with one thing – an idea. The idea can be original or something inspired by a book, movie or real-world events. Nobody cares if your ideas are vague – what matters is that you started. 

The very first step as a scriptwriter is to put down your idea on your laptop or a piece of paper just so you don’t forget. There is no rule to write a perfect screenplay in the first go. Initially, it is important to write down the idea in the best way possible so that you can understand and move on to the next step.

In this blog, we will be exploring the key elements of screenwriting and techniques to structure a screenplay to craft compelling stories. But, first things first!

What is Screenplay Writing?

Screenwriting or script writing is creating content for visual media – TV, web series, movies and documentaries. A script is more than just a dialogue. It is about a blueprint of characters, setting, actions, beats, emotions and all the important cinematic moments pen down into a document. 

Now that you know what screenplay writing is, let’s understand how to structure one.

#1 – Nail the Pre-Write

The pre-writing of the script should talk about the storyline. When all the points are jotted down, you will have a better chance of finishing your script. Below are the following points to consider while preparing your pre-write-up.

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• Identify the protagonist or the main character of the plot
• Choose the right time to build a primary conflict
• Jot down the pinpoints of the story and sequence them
• The scenes should have a chronology; it should come one after the other

#2 – Follow the 3-Act Structure

A recent report from UCLA found that 68% of successful films follow the 3-act structure. Structure is always your best friend when it comes to writing the perfect script. The 3-Act Structure is divided into the following compositions.

Act 1 – Setting up the Plot (Introducing the main characters of the plot)

Act 2 – Confrontation (everything goes wrong, twists)

Act 3 – Resolution (happy ending, tragic ending, mysterious ending)

#3 – Script Realistic Dialogues

Explore your surroundings – you will never see a single individual speaking in monologues or using jargons in their conversations. When writing dialogues, keep it natural and humanised – even if it means using trendy slangs.

A great dialogue should be snappy, unpredictable and revealing. For instance – The iconic dialogue from Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Mohabbatein,’ “Pratishtha. Parampara. Anushashan.” It’s short, sharp and unforgettable. 

Here’s a Pro Tip – Do not overdo your dialogue. It ruins the overall feel of the scene. Let the subtext do the heavy lifting. 

#4 – Characters are Everything

Even if you have a killer plot or a nice story – all of this will go to waste if your characters are not built properly. Audience will always remember the people, not the plot.

Therefore, when writing a script, create characters that are either flawed, or want something badly or those who make bold choices.

A study conducted by The Black List reveals that a script with strongly made characters are 45% likely to get noticed by the producers. 

#5 – The Golden Rule

Now comes the grand reveal, ‘Show, Do not Tell.’ This rule is the secret ingredient of a mind-blowing script. If you want your characters to deliver powerful performance on-screen, the script should be built that way. 

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For instance, Do not just write ‘John is nervous’, instead you can draw a scene highlighting each and every detail. “John fidgets with his shirt collar, glancing at the door.” This visual approach will help your characters understand the details and deliver powerfully.

#6 – Find the Perfect Timing

Move the story forward, reveal something new and end with a mini cliff hanger or a decision. This is how most of the feature-length screenplays are written. Every scene should have something new. Most of them are around 90-120 pages which means (1 page = 1 minute of screen time. 

Pro Tip – Edit your screenplay ruthlessly, if you think the scene does not serve the purpose, remove it.

#7 – Keep Rewriting

Your first draft will never be your final draft. Every seasoned writer always chucks their first draft. The magic happens in rewriting. The more you write, the more you polish, the sharper your script becomes. Data revealed by Industrial Scripts says that a perfect screenplay undergoes at least 4 revisions. 

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#8 – Read a lot of scripts

Out-of-the-box scripts are highly appreciated by the audience. In case you are struggling with the perfect start to your script-writing journey, start reading. Below mentioned are some of the popular bangers to start with.

Piku – for character-driven comedy

Masaan – for poignant realism

Parasite – for layered storytelling

Queen – highlighting emotional growth

Reading these scripts, you will absorb the format, tone, and pace without even realizing it.

Conclusion

Now that you have learnt about the scriptwriting basics, here’s the real talk. If you are planning your career in scriptwriting, AAFT School of Cinema is your place to learn. Learn from the industry professionals and award-winning screenwriters and get access to state-of-the-art production studios and editing labs.

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The key to becoming a successful screenplay writer is the AAFT School of Cinema. Be it taking a first shot at writing or polishing your skills to make a career out of it, AAFThttps://aaft.com/ gives you the creative freedom, industry exposure and expert sessions to make it happen.