Filmmaking 101: writing your first script

I already discussed how each project needs to go through the same stages of production. A script is prepared in the first stage that defines the project. However, before writing or planning anything, you need an idea. An idea that will go through changes and developments that will result in a final project that is an episode, an ad or any other project you plan on making.

We all have many ideas going through our heads daily. Yet how to decide whether it is a good story? If you intend to write a TV show, of course, it has to be interesting enough to make a season. What about making an ad that is less than 30 seconds long. How do you tell an effective message in such a short period?

My answer here is simple: do not worry. Each story is unique in its way, and through research and planning, you can write about anything.

It is all up to you what kind of writer you want to be. Friends and Star Trek have nothing in common, yet both are successful in their way.

However, if this is the first time you write a script, you might want to take it easy. And what is easier than writing about your life?

You are the main character in your life, and you are responsible for everything that happens. Writing about the story you have been a part of is already easier. Did something crazy happen on your way home? Or maybe you just started a new job? Write about that!

When it comes to ads, some might wonder: how can a story that was done so many times still be successful? We have seen hundreds of the same toothpaste ads or a new tomato sauce that will bring an entire family together. This is the moment to figure out how your story will stand out. Is there a specific ingredient in the sauce? How organic is it? You have to sell that information for people to try the new product.

If you look at examples of scripts, you can see that they are written in a specific font. Fortunately, it is accessible to everyone at no cost. The name of the font is “Courier” with 12 being the standard size. The document should also be single-spaced.

The cover page is the first page of any script. It should include the title of the project, the writer's name and information about the production company.

Each scene becomes with scene heading. You need to define whether the scene is an interior or exterior scene as well as the actual location and the time of the day. To state that you need to write INT. or EXT. before moving to another stage.

example:

INT. BEDROOM - NOON

EXT. CENTRAL PARK - NIGHT

Action is telling the audience what is in the scene. REMEMBER: show not tell. People cannot read the script so be specific about any important detail that has to appear on the screen.

Then we move to characters and the dialogue. This part is written in the centre of the page. In many cases, you can write a note called parenthetical that is written in brackets under the character's name. Is the character supposed to react in a way that is crucial in the story? Write it here.

Lastly, we have the transitions. The script usually starts with FADE IN and ends with FADE OUT, while CUT TO or DiSSOLVE TO is often used to switch to another scene.

Those key elements will make any idea turn into a script that will later expand to production and so on. It is important to remember that the audience watching the ad or a film does not have the access to the script, so you have to show them everything through the image. And now start writing!