How to Write a Screenplay That Sells

Writing a screenplay that sells is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding endeavor. While creativity and originality are essential, understanding the business side of the film industry is just as important. A successful screenplay needs to captivate the audience, excite producers, and align with industry trends. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the steps involved in writing a screenplay that not only stands out but also increases your chances of getting it sold.

Understand the Basics of Screenplay Formatting

Before diving into the creative aspects of screenwriting, it's crucial to understand the technical side. Screenplay formatting is a specific skill that needs to be mastered if you want your script to be taken seriously. A screenplay that deviates from standard formatting can often be discarded even if the content is excellent.

Key Formatting Elements:

• Font: Screenplays should be written in 12-point Courier font. This is the industry standard and ensures that one page of a screenplay equals roughly one minute of screen time.
• Page Layout: Standard screenplay format consists of a header, character name, dialogue, and action lines. A scene heading (slugline) starts each new scene, followed by a description of the setting.
• Character Names: Character names should always be capitalized the first time they appear in the action and when they speak in dialogue.
• Dialogue: Dialogue should be centered on the page, with the character's name above it. Dialogue formatting is one of the most critical elements of screenplay formatting.
• Action and Description: Descriptive writing should be concise and present tense. Focus on visual cues that will help readers see the scene in their mind's eye.

Familiarizing yourself with industry-standard screenplay formatting tools, such as Final Draft or Celtx, can help ensure your script is ready for submission.

Craft a Captivating Concept

Every successful screenplay begins with a strong concept. In the film industry, a concept is essentially a story idea that can hook an audience in a matter of seconds. A concept should be clear, compelling, and unique. The concept should be able to be summarized in one or two sentences that leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.

The Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling description of your screenplay that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator. The pitch should highlight the main hook, genre, and unique aspects of your story. A successful elevator pitch can be the difference between getting a read or getting ignored.

Identifying Marketable Concepts

When writing a screenplay, you must consider the marketability of your idea. What is currently in demand? What type of films are studios and independent producers actively looking for? Keep in mind the genre, audience, and commercial viability of your screenplay. While it's important to be creative and original, aligning your script with current industry trends can increase the chances of it being sold.

Examples of Strong Concepts:

• High Concept: A concept that can be easily summarized in a sentence and has mass commercial appeal. For example, "A man wakes up in a parallel universe every day and must figure out how to get back to his original life."
• Niche Concept: A more specialized idea that appeals to a specific audience, such as a cult classic or a highly original indie film idea.

Develop Well-Defined Characters

In film, characters are often the heart of the story. The audience needs to connect with the characters emotionally in order to be invested in the plot. A well-developed character should have depth, motivations, and personal stakes. Developing compelling characters is not only about making them likable or relatable but also about ensuring that they have a unique voice and identity.

Character Arcs

A character arc is the transformation a character undergoes throughout the story. This change is critical for audience engagement because it creates an emotional journey. Your protagonist should face internal and external conflicts that challenge their beliefs, desires, or fears. By the end of the screenplay, they should evolve in a meaningful way.

Building Complex Protagonists

Your protagonist should be multifaceted and realistic. While they might have flaws or weaknesses, they should also possess strengths and qualities that make them interesting and relatable. A common mistake is to create a perfect protagonist who doesn't grow throughout the story. This can make the character feel flat and uninteresting.

Supporting Characters and Villains

Supporting characters should help define the protagonist and contribute meaningfully to the plot. Secondary characters should feel distinct and serve a specific purpose in the narrative. Villains, or antagonists, should also have strong motivations, and they should be as well-developed as the protagonist. The antagonist's goals and actions should directly challenge the protagonist's journey.

Structure Your Screenplay Effectively

A screenplay needs structure to maintain pacing and keep the audience engaged. The three-act structure is the most commonly used framework in screenwriting, but there are other variations such as the four-act structure and the hero's journey. Regardless of the structure you choose, your screenplay needs to have clear turning points, rising action, and a satisfying resolution.

Three-Act Structure

• Act 1: This is the setup of the story. It introduces the protagonist, the world they live in, and the inciting incident that sets the story in motion. The first act typically ends with a major turning point that propels the protagonist into the central conflict.
• Act 2: Often the longest act, Act 2 is where the protagonist faces challenges and conflicts that push them toward their goal. It's crucial to build tension and deepen the stakes in this act. The midpoint of Act 2 is typically a significant turning point that changes the direction of the story.
• Act 3: The final act is where the story reaches its climax. The protagonist confronts their biggest obstacle, and the resolution occurs. This is where you wrap up the emotional and narrative arcs, ensuring that the audience is satisfied with the conclusion.

Alternative Structures

While the three-act structure is the most common, alternative structures can be effective for different genres and creative choices. For instance, some screenwriters prefer the four-act structure, which breaks Act 2 into two parts, or they may use nonlinear storytelling, which disrupts the traditional flow of the narrative.

Write With Visuality in Mind

Film is a visual medium, and a screenplay should be written with the understanding that it will eventually be translated into images on screen. Your script should evoke imagery that can be captured through cinematography. This means describing the environment, the characters' actions, and their emotions in a way that visualizes the story.

Show, Don't Tell

A common piece of advice in screenwriting is to "show, don't tell." This means that you should allow the audience to experience the story through action and dialogue rather than exposition. For example, instead of writing "John is angry," describe how John's fists are clenched, his jaw is tight, or his voice trembles. This allows the audience to infer his emotions through his actions rather than simply being told.

Action and Description

In a screenplay, action and description should be written in the present tense and should be concise. Avoid overly detailed or flowery language. Focus on the essential details that help convey the story visually. For example:

EXT. STREET - DAY

A sleek black car pulls up to the curb. The driver, JASON, steps out, glancing around nervously. His hand trembles as he adjusts his tie.

This brief description gives us a visual image of the scene and the character's emotional state without relying on dialogue or internal thoughts.

Polish Your Dialogue

Dialogue is one of the most important aspects of a screenplay. It should be sharp, purposeful, and true to the character. Good dialogue can reveal character, move the plot forward, and engage the audience emotionally.

Natural Dialogue

Dialogue should sound natural and reflect how real people speak, but it should be elevated enough to engage the audience. Avoid filler words or repetitive phrases that don't add anything to the scene. Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose, whether it's advancing the plot, revealing character, or creating tension.

Subtext

Subtext is the unspoken meaning behind what characters say. It's what they mean rather than what they actually say. Creating dialogue with subtext adds depth and complexity to your script. For example:

MARY (smiling)

You're late.

TOM (glancing at his watch)

I know. I'm sorry. Traffic.

On the surface, it may seem like a simple exchange, but the subtext could reveal that Tom is hiding something, or that there's unresolved tension between Mary and Tom. The key is to layer your dialogue with hidden meanings.

Revise and Edit Relentlessly

Once you've completed your first draft, it's time to revise. Screenwriting is a process that involves constant revision. Don't expect to have a perfect script on your first try. Take the time to read through your screenplay multiple times, fixing pacing issues, tightening dialogue, and ensuring that your story flows smoothly.

Feedback

Seeking feedback from other writers, industry professionals, or trusted friends is essential. A fresh pair of eyes can identify areas that may not be working and offer suggestions for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism, but don't compromise your vision.

Network and Submit to Industry Professionals

Once your screenplay is polished and ready to go, it's time to start submitting. Research film production companies, agents, and managers who specialize in the type of film you've written. Screenwriting competitions can also be a great way to gain exposure. When submitting, make sure to follow submission guidelines carefully.

Build Relationships

Networking is essential in the entertainment industry. Attend film festivals, screenwriting workshops, and other industry events to meet producers, agents, and other screenwriters. Building relationships within the industry can significantly improve your chances of getting your screenplay sold.

Writing a screenplay that sells requires more than just great ideas; it demands a deep understanding of the craft and the industry. By following these steps, developing a strong concept, creating compelling characters, mastering structure, and revising thoroughly, you can craft a screenplay that stands out in a competitive market.

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