How to Become a Screen Writer

Are you a writer with creative genius and a flair to tell your story? Then once you've perfected the technique of writing the script, you could be on the glory-filled road to success in Hollywood. The secret ingredient that most script writers tend to forget is perserverance. You have to push hard in this career. Remember that a screenwriter should be able to tell a great story in three acts with awesome characters.

Things You'll Need

• Typewriter/computer/word processor
• Script writing software (optional)

Instructions

Start Writing

1. Begin by coming up with a great movie idea. Jot down the types of scenes you would like to see in the movie. Make sure you add notes. Decide the genre of the movie, the characters, the title, location. Be as specific as you can while you brainstorm. Doing this will help the creation of the screenplay go a whole lot smoother.

2. Write the concept of the story. This concept should be the entire story written in as little few words as possible. If you get stuck, think about what you would say to someone if they asked you what the entire movie is about. Don't forget to include your characters, the setting and of course the overall conflict.

3. Write your treatment. The treatment is basically each act in your movie broken down by scenes. You can have as many scenes as needed in each act; just keep in mind that most movies have three acts, the beginning, the conflict and the resolution.

4. Begin writing the script. Most screenplays follow the same type of format. You can use scriptwriting software that will format scripts for you automatically.

5. Submit the finished edited script to the appropriate literary market, agent, contests or directors.

Tips & Warnings

• Using software such as Final Draft will make writing your script much easier.

• Make sure the world that you create for your characters is believable.

• Learning the words to use when describing your camera shots on your script is helpful.

• Try to find an agent to submit your screenplay for you. They usually have established connections.

• The "Writers Market" is a literary guide that has hundreds of places to which can submit your script.

• Be careful when submitting your script. Check the sources and copyright your work. You don't want anyone plagiarizing or stealing your screenplay.

• If you decide to get a literary agent, make sure you ask for references.