How to Write a Screenplay: A Complete Guide

Screenwriting is a unique craft that combines storytelling, visual thinking, and concise dialogue. Whether you're writing for Hollywood or indie film, this guide covers everything you need to write your first screenplay.

What Is a Screenplay?

A screenplay (or script) is the blueprint for a film or TV show. Unlike novels, screenplays are meant to be produced—they're technical documents that communicate story, dialogue, and action to directors, actors, and crew.

Key differences from prose:

• Only what can be seen and heard on screen
• No internal thoughts (unless voiced over)
• Strict formatting conventions
• Visual, active writing style

Screenplay Format Basics

Screenplays follow strict formatting rules. Industry standard:

• Font: Courier 12pt
• Margins: 1.5" left, 1" right
• Page count: ~1 page = 1 minute of screen time
• Feature length: 90-120 pages

Key Format Elements

• Scene Heading (Slugline): INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY (Interior/Exterior, Location, Time)
• Action/Description: Written in present tense. Describes what we see and hear.
• Character Name: Centered, in caps before dialogue.
• Dialogue: Centered, narrower margins than action.
• Parentheticals: Brief acting directions under character name, used sparingly.
• Transitions: CUT TO, FADE OUT, etc. Right-aligned, used sparingly.

Screenplay Structure

Most feature films follow the three-act structure, adapted for screen:

Act One (Pages 1-25)

• Opening Image: Sets tone and theme
• Setup: Establish protagonist, world, and status quo
• Inciting Incident: The event that disrupts everything (~page 12)
• Plot Point 1: Protagonist commits to the journey (~page 25)

Act Two (Pages 25-85)

• Rising Action: Protagonist pursues goal, faces obstacles
• Midpoint: Major twist or revelation (~page 55)
• All Is Lost: Lowest point (~page 75)
• Plot Point 2: New information propels into Act Three (~page 85)

Act Three (Pages 85-110)

• Climax: Final confrontation, maximum tension
• Resolution: New equilibrium established
• Final Image: Mirrors opening, shows change

Writing Your Screenplay: Step by Step

Step 1: Develop Your Logline

A logline is a one-sentence summary of your screenplay. It should contain:

• Protagonist (who)
• Goal (what they want)
• Antagonist/Obstacle (what's in the way)
• Stakes (why it matters)

Example: "A young archaeologist must retrieve a sacred artifact before Nazi forces use its power to conquer the world."

Step 2: Create a Treatment

A treatment is a prose summary of your story, 3-10 pages. Write it in present tense, hitting all major beats. This helps you work out story problems before committing to pages.

Step 3: Build Your Scene Outline

Break your story into 40-60 scenes. For each scene, note:

• Location and time
• Characters present
• What happens
• How it moves the story forward

Step 4: Write the First Draft

Now write. Aim for 2-5 pages per day. Don't worry about perfection—get the story down. Your first draft is about discovering the story. Revision is where you refine it.

Writing Great Dialogue

Dialogue in screenplays must:

• Sound natural: Read it aloud. Real people use contractions, interrupt each other, speak in fragments.
• Reveal character: Each character should have a distinct voice.
• Be subtext-heavy: What characters mean often differs from what they say.
• Be concise: Every word must earn its place. Cut the fat.

Dialogue Don'ts

• No exposition dumps: Don't have characters explain plot to each other.
• Avoid on-the-nose: Characters stating exactly what they feel or want.
• Minimal parentheticals: Trust your actors. Don't direct their every move.

Writing Visual Action

Action lines describe what happens on screen:

• Present tense: "Sarah opens the door" not "Sarah opened the door."
• Active voice: "The bomb explodes" not "The bomb is exploded."
• Visual focus: Describe what the camera sees, not internal thoughts.
• White space: Keep action blocks to 3-4 lines. Break up long sequences.

Common Screenwriting Mistakes

• Directing on the page: Don't specify camera angles, shot types, or editing choices.
• Over-describing: Trust the reader's imagination and the director's vision.
• Passive protagonist: Your hero should drive the action, not react to it.
• Weak antagonist: Your villain should be formidable and have clear motivations.
• Ignoring format: Non-standard formatting signals amateur status.

Types of Screenplays

• Spec script: Written on speculation, without being commissioned. This is what new writers write.
• Shooting script: The final version used in production, with scene numbers and technical directions.
• TV pilot: The first episode of a series, 30-60 pages depending on format.

Related Resources

• Three-Act Structure Guide →
• Save the Cat Beat Sheet →
• Dialogue Writing Tips →
• Hearth for Screenwriters →