Have you ever watched a movie and thought, “I could do better than that”?
If so, then you might consider being a screenwriter. The glitz and glamour of Hollywood mixed with the excitement of seeing your vision created on the silver or small screen can be exciting.
If you want to know how to become a screenwriter, then we’ve put together some of the best tips and tricks that have paved the way for successful screenwriters before you. It takes time and commitment, but you can see your name in the credits.
1. Learn the Standard Script Model
With few exceptions, movies and television shows are formulaic. Watch some of the biggest blockbusters and you’ll notice how they’re separated into a beginning, middle, and end. They all have some version of the hero’s journey, even if it’s a romantic comedy.
They start by introducing the main characters, developing an inciting incident that begins the journey and the setbacks they hit before ultimately being triumphant. If you want to be a successful screenwriter, then you need to know this format and how it’s created.
Read scripts from successful movies and identify the different parts before creating your own.
2. Understand the Script Format
Writing a 90-minute movie is drastically different than writing a book. One page of a screenplay equals about one minute of screen time. Unlike books where you delve deep into the characters and plots for hundreds of pages, you only have 90-120 pages to fully develop your plot, characters, and dialogue.
In fact, most of your script is going to be dialogue and the rest, simple scene instructions. You’ll need to get a screenwriting program that automatically formats everything for you. The industry standard is Final Draft, but there are many different screenplay programs available that cost as little as nothing to a couple of hundred dollars.
3. Prepare for Rejection
If you’re only starting out as a writer, then you need to perfect your craft. You learn by doing. Every script you write and edit is one step closer to seeing it on the big screen.
You’ll start sending them out to contests, agents, and production companies, hoping to get some interest. Be prepared for many rejections before finally getting a bite. The screenwriting industry is highly competitive and people with years of experience still get rejections.
Use each one as a learning experience. In addition to standard form letters, you’ll get the occasional encouraging letter that outlines how you could do better. This is usually from people who like your idea, but feel it just needs polishing.
Take these to heart because these are industry experts who took time out of their day to help you out.
4. Take Your Screenwriting Career Seriously
Many people want to be professional writers and screenwriters, but they never commit. They treat it as a hobby and spend a few hours a week or month tapping away at their computer while they work their 9-5.
You can’t be a successful screenwriter if you treat it as a hobby. It must be something you care about just as much, if not more than your 9-5 job. If you treat it as a haphazard hobby, then you’ll be discouraged and quit, or it’ll fall to the wayside along with that sculpting career you wanted to do in college.
You need to take it seriously and put as much work into it as you do your day job. If that means losing sleep, then that’s a sacrifice you must make. Take care of yourself though and catch up on your needed rest when you can.
5. How to Become a Screenwriter: Write, Write, and Write Some More
Once you’ve made up your mind, set up a writing schedule. Try to write every day for a few hours and stick to it. Once you develop a schedule and keep up with it, you’re a writer.
Write your scripts. Read information on screenwriting. Watch movies.
You’ll need a well thought out idea and plot analysis.
What is plot analysis? It’s the development of your story and how it can be improved. There are professional services out there to help if you need it.
Once you’ve written your script, go over it again and again. Polish the dialog and improve your characters.
6. Live in a Motion Picture Hub
It’d be great to live in Montana and be able to get the screenplay in front of industry heads. But all the action happens in major cities like Los Angeles and New York. If you want to be a serious screenwriter, then you need to live near these areas.
It allows you to see the industry firsthand, develop contacts and friends in the industry, and get 1-on-1 meetings with decision-makers.
While it’s possible to get a foothold by sending in scripts to contests and agents, eventually, they’ll want to see you. You’ll need to be on-set for spur of the moment script changes and meetings with producers, directors, etc.
This is especially true if you become part of a television series where you’re part of a writer’s group.
7. Get Your Work out There
The best way to become a successful screenwriter is to get your work in front of people. Submit your work to contests and film festivals. You can become a part of screenwriting groups and develop a portfolio that shows your body of work.
You can use a website such as IMDB Pro to find executives and other industry professionals you can send your work to.
The most important part of this is to never give up. Screenwriters can go years without a sale and then they get their big break. While getting established in the industry is hard, once you’re there, you’re there to stay.
You Can Be a Professional Screenwriter
If you want to know how to become a screenwriter, then follow these tips. It can take a long time, but if you’re committed and willing to do what it takes, then you’ll be successful.
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