How to Write a Feature Movie Script Part 2: Writing a script isn’t just writing a script

I won’t pretend that I am an expert on script writing. I am working out for myself how to write a feature movie script and record what I have learned. I decided to share my thoughts with others since it may help them, and they may have advice for me.

Read "How to Write a Feature Movie Script Part 1: What is a movie script anyway?"

Writing a script isn’t just writing a script

When making a movie, the script is only one of many documents that may be created. Depending on the film, some of these may not be useful and can be ignored. You may not even need a script.

Some books will tell you to write these documents in a certain order. In my work I have tried different approaches, starting in different points, skipping some of them and jumping back and forth between them. I will talk more about what I have tried in later articles of this series.

Title. Every script has a title. The title is very important for setting the tone for the film. Some people will tell you to start with the title. I have on a few occasions come up with the title first, but now I feel that it is better to wait until the very last minute to choose a name. While the title can guide your story, it can also constrain it. Many people say they don’t see the link between my titles and my films. Maybe I shouldn’t be so obscure.

One Line Description. This is the story in a nut shell. It can help you keep focussed during the writing. It can also be useful when pitching the script. I found I couldn’t write it until late in the process, and then it wasn’t all that useful.

One page treatment. This is a more detailed description of the story. It provides more detail about the characters and the plot. I find this a useful way to get my ideas down on paper.

Outline or Step outline. This is a longer and more organized telling of the story. It is usually broken into three acts and then into scenes or events. I have found this the most valuable tool I developing a script. It allows you to understand and revise the structure before you start getting into the details. Some people use index cards or post-it-notes to develop this document.

Shot list. This is a tool I sometimes use when writing. It is a simple list of the shots I want. I find this a good way to create the story. I then cannibalize it to create the Outline.

Detailed outline. This is developed from the Outline, and where one leaves off and the other starts is difficult to say. In this document I build up more detail for each scene/event. Some people describe this as writing what goes between the lines. I write what each of the characters is thinking and feeling, then how they interact. I don’t write any dialog.

Character list. This is a list of the characters. I also include lists of important locations, props and other things. I started doing this as a memory device, but found it useful for more than that.

Character back stories. This is more detailed descriptions of the characters. For me it evolves from the character list. It contains details of the history of each character and their underlying personalities.

Charts. I have also found it useful to draw charts and diagrams of the plot. These can be used to analyse the project and identify where more work is needed. This can include time lines and maps of what happens in the story. This is valuable if you decide to have a non-linear story.

Script. I guess you know what the script is. I found that if you have done a good job of the detailed outline, the script and the dialog are quite easy to write.

Storyboard. Normally this is a tool that a director will use when planning the shots for the film, but I have sometimes used it as part of the writing process. Film is a visual medium, and thinking in terms of images can make for a better film.

Read How to Write a Feature Movie Script Part 3: Finding your way into the story