{"id":36547,"date":"2025-04-11T10:33:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T10:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/?p=36547"},"modified":"2025-07-29T12:05:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T12:05:11","slug":"scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Scriptwriting 101 &#8211; Tips Every Aspiring Writer Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Every blockbuster movie, TV series or even a book begins with one thing &#8211; 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 &#8211; what matters is that you started.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#What_is_Screenplay_Writing\" >What is Screenplay Writing?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#1_%E2%80%93_Nail_the_Pre-Write\" >#1 &#8211; Nail the Pre-Write<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#2_%E2%80%93_Follow_the_3-Act_Structure\" >#2 &#8211; Follow the 3-Act Structure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#3_%E2%80%93_Script_Realistic_Dialogues\" >#3 &#8211; Script Realistic Dialogues<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#4_%E2%80%93_Characters_are_Everything\" >#4 &#8211; Characters are Everything<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#5_%E2%80%93_The_Golden_Rule\" >#5 &#8211; The Golden Rule<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#6_%E2%80%93_Find_the_Perfect_Timing\" >#6 &#8211; Find the Perfect Timing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#7_%E2%80%93_Keep_Rewriting\" >#7 &#8211; Keep Rewriting<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#8_%E2%80%93_Read_a_lot_of_scripts\" >#8 &#8211; Read a lot of scripts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/scriptwriting-101-tips-every-aspiring-writer-should-know\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Screenplay_Writing\"><\/span>What is Screenplay Writing?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/schoolofcinema\/programmes\/screenplay-writing\">Screenwriting or script writing<\/a> is creating content for visual media &#8211; 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you know what <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/7-tips-to-write-an-engaging-screenplay\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"34022\">screenplay writing<\/a> is, let\u2019s understand how to structure one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_%E2%80%93_Nail_the_Pre-Write\"><\/span>#1 &#8211; Nail the Pre-Write<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/how-to-become-a-successful-film-director-in-bollywood\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Become A Successful Film Director in Bollywood<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Identify the protagonist or the main character of the plot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose the right time to build a primary conflict<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jot down the pinpoints of the story and sequence them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scenes should have a chronology; it should come one after the other<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_%E2%80%93_Follow_the_3-Act_Structure\"><\/span>#2 &#8211; Follow the 3-Act Structure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Act 1 &#8211; Setting up the Plot (Introducing the main characters of the plot)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Act 2 &#8211; Confrontation (everything goes wrong, twists)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Act 3 &#8211; Resolution (happy ending, tragic ending, mysterious ending)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_%E2%80%93_Script_Realistic_Dialogues\"><\/span>#3 &#8211; Script Realistic Dialogues<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore your surroundings &#8211; you will never see a single individual speaking in monologues or using jargons in their conversations. When writing dialogues, keep it natural and humanised &#8211; even if it means using trendy slangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A great dialogue should be snappy, unpredictable and revealing. For instance &#8211; The iconic dialogue from Shah Rukh Khan starrer \u2018<em>Mohabbatein,<\/em>\u2019 \u201cPratishtha. Parampara. Anushashan.\u201d It\u2019s short, sharp and unforgettable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s a Pro Tip<\/strong> &#8211; Do not overdo your dialogue. It ruins the overall feel of the scene. Let the subtext do the heavy lifting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_%E2%80%93_Characters_are_Everything\"><\/span>#4 &#8211; Characters are Everything<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if you have a killer plot or a nice story &#8211; all of this will go to waste if your characters are not built properly. Audience will always remember the people, not the plot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, when writing a script, create characters that are either flawed, or want something badly or those who make bold choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A study conducted by The Black List reveals that a script with strongly made characters are 45% likely to get noticed by the producers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_%E2%80%93_The_Golden_Rule\"><\/span>#5 &#8211; The Golden Rule<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now comes the grand reveal, \u2018Show, Do not Tell.\u2019 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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/evolution-of-indian-cinema\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evolution of Indian Cinema: Everything You Need to Know<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, Do not just write \u2018John is nervous\u2019, instead you can draw a scene highlighting each and every detail. \u201cJohn fidgets with his shirt collar, glancing at the door.\u201d This visual approach will help your characters understand the details and deliver powerfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_%E2%80%93_Find_the_Perfect_Timing\"><\/span>#6 &#8211; Find the Perfect Timing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip &#8211; Edit your screenplay ruthlessly, if you think the scene does not serve the purpose, remove it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_%E2%80%93_Keep_Rewriting\"><\/span>#7 &#8211; Keep Rewriting<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/top-10-film-production-houses-in-india\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Discover the Top 10 Film Production Houses in India<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_%E2%80%93_Read_a_lot_of_scripts\"><\/span>#8 &#8211; Read a lot of scripts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Piku &#8211; for character-driven comedy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Masaan &#8211; for poignant realism<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parasite &#8211; for layered storytelling<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Queen &#8211; highlighting emotional growth<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reading these scripts, you will absorb the format, tone, and pace without even realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you have learnt about the scriptwriting basics, here\u2019s the real talk. If you are planning your career in scriptwriting, <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/schoolofcinema\">AAFT School of Cinema<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/cinema\/the-impact-of-social-media-on-film-marketing-and-promotions\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Impact of Social Media on Film Marketing and Promotions<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The key to <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/schoolofcinema\/production-direction-tv-journalism\">becoming a successful screenplay writer<\/a> is the <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/schoolofcinema\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAFT School of Cinema<\/a>. Be it taking a first shot at writing or polishing your skills to make a career out of it, <a href=\"https:\/\/aaft.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAFT <\/a>gives you the creative freedom, industry exposure and expert sessions to make it happen.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Want to write scripts that stand out? Discover essential scriptwriting tips\u2014from building strong characters to nailing the 3-act structure. Your journey to screenwriting success starts here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":31412,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[24],"tags":[1172,595,1171,688,689],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36547"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36547"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36547\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37620,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36547\/revisions\/37620"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36547"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36547"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaft.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36547"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}