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Step 1
Pick a plethora of novels, short stories or biographical sketches to read. Try to read them in a short of a sitting as possible; it will help you conceptualize a filmic version of the stories.
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Step 2
Pay special attention to themes in the story that are popular themes for films; themes like love, coming of age, thriller, comic misunderstandings and quests are especially common. Write down some of the themes that you see throughout the story.
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Step 3
Make certain that your story's protagonist is interesting enough to have a whole movie constructed around them. Think of your favorite films' main characters and compare the character of your story with that person; if you are pleased then you may have a good main character. Recognize if a viable conflict exists in the story and if it can be translated visually into a film.
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Step 4
Ask yourself whether this story takes you to a new and interesting place. Decide if it is a niche that more than one person can sink their teeth into. Also, more importantly recognize if this story would generate enough revenue for a studio to produce. Identify the hero's journey in the story, since it is a good way to outline a screenplay of any genre.
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Step 5
Develop a rating system to help you identify good screenplay story elements and a way to compare different stories you have read. Rate each story you read, bearing in mind different elements of: relatability, production value, theme, character development, plot and genre fit.
