Scriptwriting, or screenwriting, involves crafting the dialogue, scene settings, and actions of characters in a visual story. It differs from other writing techniques because you need to consider the tone and style of the visual project.

This article will explore the essentials of writing a script and the detailed steps to writing a screenwriting work. Read on for more information.

What Is Scriptwriting?

Scriptwriting is the process of developing a script for a film, television program, play, or other performance. It involves creating a narrative and developing characters, plot, and setting, which are then written into a script to be performed on stage or screen.

Good imagination and storytelling skills are crucial for scriptwriters, also known as screenwriters. In addition to crafting the script, they must understand technical aspects such as scene capture, sound, music processing, and other production elements.

In addition, a scriptwriter’s responsibilities include creating frameworks, writing scripts, discussing them with film executives, integrating visual elements with the plot, and working closely with producers and directors throughout the production process.

So, does a scriptwriter have to create an original story? Scriptwriters can create original stories, adapt existing works (like novels), or base scripts on real events.

There are also several fonts commonly used in writing a script, such as Vivaldi, Commercial Script, Lucida Calligraphy, Brush Script, Courier, Edwardian Script, and French Script. These fonts can reflect the style of the project. 

What Does It Take to Become a Scriptwriter?

Becoming a scriptwriter doesn't require a specific educational background or certification, but certain skills are essential, such as:

• Writing: Good language skills are crucial for building a compelling story.
• Creativity: The ability to develop fresh, engaging ideas in the industry is key.
• Observation: Good at drawing inspiration by observing the surroundings.
• Interpersonal: Being good at collaborating with directors, crew, producers, and other teams is necessary.

How to Write Scripts

Now it's time to learn how to write a film script, which can also be applied to other screenwriting work. Scriptwriting transforms imagination into action through visual stories. Here are the steps to follow:

1.  Read a Lot of Scripts

The first step is to enrich your knowledge by reading published scripts to learn about story construction, plot, and dialogue. Attending scriptwriting workshops can also be beneficial.

Studying screenwriting can also help you understand how to manage a realistic budget to get a script made, as well as how to protect intellectual property to present an original idea.

2.  Building the Story

Next, build your own "world" by organizing the plot, setting, time frame, theme, and genre. Creating the story is crucial for writing a script, no matter how long is the film going to be because it should have a good plot and story. This can also be applied to how to make a short film script.

3.  Developing Character

When the story world has been created, now it's time for you to create characters. Create characters with defined strengths, weaknesses, goals, and challenges they will face throughout the story.

Then, define the supporting characters by considering how they interact with the main character and how they relate to the main character. If you want to create an antagonist character, focus on their goals and conflicts with the protagonist.

4.  Developing a Synopsis

A movie synopsis outlines the story in the order your audience will see it. The stages of the story usually include:

• Introduction of the characters and the setting of the story.
• Events that trigger complications.
• A character's first turning point.
• The point of no return for the main character.
• The point at which the complications become so complicated that the character must rise above them.
• A character's second turning point.
• Climax and resolution.

5.  Making the First Draft

When writing the first draft, try to follow the flow created in the synopsis. As you write the first draft, let your ideas flow because you can always go back and edit.

6.  Adapting the Draft to the Manuscript Format

Unlike a typical narrative, a script has a format that is set up to be easily read by the production team. You can use scriptwriting software to format the script. 

General formatting guidelines include:

• Use a 1-inch margin on the right, top, and bottom, and 1.5 inches on the left.
• Use "FADE IN" to start and "FADE OUT" to end.
• Use scene titles in capital letters to indicate time and place.
• Use the present tense when writing a script in English.
• Write the character names in capital letters and center, with dialogue centered below
• Insert a quotation after the dialogue to describe the situation the character is in.
• Include scene editing and shot-taking instructions for the editor in the production team's script. 

7.  Customizing the Script Length

Depending on the program, the length of scripts produced varies. Here are the general script lengths for the screenplays: 

• Drama Films: 100-120 pages long
• Comedy Movies: 90-100 pages long
• Animated Movies: 90-100 pages long
• TV Comedy Programs: 25-35 pages
• TV Drama Programs: 45-55 pages long
• Short Stories: up to 60 pages

8.  Rereading the manuscript

Reread your script and revise any parts that don't seem relevant to the overall story. You can print out the script and mark the sections to be edited, such as:

• Irrelevant parts and plot points that do not support the story.
• A scene that has the potential to confuse the audience.
• Information that is still unclear.
• A long monologue that can be cut.
• A scene that makes no sense.

9.  Editing the Manuscript

If you've found the parts that need to be addressed, then you can start revising. You can rewrite it and add or subtract scenes.

At last, screenwriting is a more specialized technique than most written works, so it requires distinct skills and knowledge. With the development of technology, numerous resources are available to help you become a successful scriptwriter.