- Include key elements in your screenplay synopsis, such as the beginning, middle and end of your story. You'll also want to highlight any main characters. Although you will be telling chronologically what happens at each step of your story, don't neglect to tell the reader about the conflicts the characters are facing, what drives the characters and even some key bits of dialogue or action. You'll want to offer enough information to get the editor or reader interested in reading your complete screenplay, but not give so much information away that the reader loses interest. Leave a little intrigue out there, but not about the overall plot.
- Keep the screenplay synopsis length to around a page or two. If your synopsis is longer than that, then you may be writing a treatment instead, which outlines the story scene by scene, instead of an overall concept. Think about the back cover of a good book. The blurb on that back cover is short and sweet and starts to tell the story. Now, expand the blurb concept just a little, but not too much and you have a screenplay synopsis. Remember that movie producers, judges of contests and editors are extremely busy. When one asks for a synopsis, he or she wants something short, simple and direct.
- Write a synopsis and save time writing a complete screenplay that may be unproducible. One of the biggest benefits of writing a screenplay synopsis is the ability to get feedback from the person who might buy your script. If you decided to write the screenplay first, you might spend months writing a 90 to 120 page screenplay and then not be able to sell it. It is far better to pitch an idea whenever possible and get at least a nod of interest, before investing all that time in completing a project. In addition, you will need to know how to quickly pitch an idea and practice writing a synopsis can help you summarize your idea coherently.
- Dedicate a paragraph to each stage of your story. One way to write a screenplay synopsis that will sparkle is to start with an introduction about the overall conflict and character. Then, add a paragraph about the beginning of the story, another about the middle and a final about the end. This will add up to about a page, which is exactly what you're aiming for, as mentioned above.
- Get feedback from writing friends, family and trusted teachers and advisors. Before you send your synopsis to an editor, be sure to get some feedback. Even a quick read through by a family member can be helpful. Ask the person to look for things that aren't clear or that don't seem to make sense. Make any necessary changes before sending out. Remember that your synopsis will serve as a guide as you complete the screenplay.
