How to Get Started with Script Writing

When we think of script writing our brains immediately draw links to narrative media—books, films and even video games. But it’s important to realise that scripts have much wider use cases. Be it for a commercial, corporate video or interview, scripts and screenplays take many different forms.

Today we’re going to look at the very basics of script writing, breaking down 5 key steps to consider with every script.

There are of course many similarities and many differences between the different applications of script writing. For example, short corporate videos often avoid fully introducing characters or establishing deep-seated motivations, while fictional narratives often foreground deeper meaning, aesthetics, scenery and atmosphere.

But that’s not to say things don’t carry across formats. Evocative, powerful and effective writing are wonderful tools for any script as they help to engage the reader and bring collaborators into the project.

Script formatting also remains the same—which may sound boring but trust us formatting can make or break a script. 

That said, if you’re not coming from a script or screenwriting background don’t fret! The screenplay is an innocent and intuitive format which is perfectly suited to veterans and newcomers alike.

Five Key Steps of Script Writing

1. Start with a Problem

Pretty much every narrative out there hinges on a problem that needs to be solved. These problems are most commonly introduced in the first act of a screenplay, with the issue relating directly to the scripts protagonist.

In a narrative context these issues can be clear-cut, like (for example) a character wanting to win a world-championships, or they can be less goal-oriented, such as finding true love, or resolving familial issues.

In a commercial context, this problem will most often relate somewhat to the product in question, as most project’s unique selling points (or USPs) relate to solving a problem.

One key factor to consider when defining your script’s problem is whether to make it relatable. Relatable problems—like finding true love or fulfilling their dream—can help draw viewers into a story given their universality.

2. Find an Emotional Arc

Stories are more-or-less all driven by emotion. Whether that be the anticipation and hope related to our protagonist winning the world-championships, or the humorous pay-off after a good gag.

The Emotional Arc is the meat of the narrative which will guide us from the screenplay’s initial problem to its solution—and more importantly, keep viewers interested along that journey.

By involving a variety of emotional high and low points, successful emotional arcs manage to keep viewers interested and engaged throughout an entire experience.

3. Determine a Clear Setting

While our first two stages have defined how the story will unfold, it’s now up to us to figure out where the story will unfold.

Setting is important not just for storytelling purposes and viewer engagement but also for budgetary needs—I know, technicalities sound boring but stick with me.

Placing our narrative of our protagonist wanting to win the world-championships in ancient Rome or a far-off future may make the narrative more unique, but it will also skyrocket the amount (and cost) of production required.

As such, when defining the setting of a script, do keep in mind technical and budgetary limitations of the project in question to make sure the screenplay will be able to be made!

Will you use the real world as a background or d you create your own world on a filmset to tell your story?

4. Add some Spice

With a problem, solution, emotional arc and setting under our belt, it’s time to bring it all to life. We call this moment adding some Spice.

Here, the Spice we mention is the way the script is written. By providing a unique and well-executed screenplay the project immediately sets itself apart from other scripts on similar topics.

The Spice itself can be anything from adding gimmicks, unique voicing or particularly well-described scenes, settings and actions.

5. Use the right Format

Formatting may sound like a really mundane part of the process, but it is almost as important as a good story. By adhering to standardised screenplay formatting and standards (of course, with some room for a little added Spice) you ensure that your project will be easy to read, letting the narrative and emotions really shine through.

Using the correct script writing format is important no matter what type of script you are writing—whether it be for a feature film or a commercial. And with modern screenwriting software making formatting a breeze, there’s really no excuse to get it wrong.

Let’s take a look at the formatting of a short Red Bull commercial to get a full idea.

[For this section words in bold are explanation, not part of screenplay formatting]

INT. BEDROOM - DAY   

^ (The scene header defines both location and type of day)

JOEY, a typical young businessman lays in bed, tired. A pink UNICORN appears in his room and starts talking while Joey wakes up.

UNICORN

(With loud voice, almost screaming)

 ^ (These are Parentheticals helps you to determine the style of your video)

Do you ever feel tired in the morning?

JOEY

(Sleepy voice covering his ears)

Yes!

UNICORN

(Moving closer to Joey, screaming even louder)

Just the feeling you can’t start with your day due to a lack of energy?

JOEY

(a bit irritated)

Yes!

UNICORN

Well then you should try Red Bull.

Because Red Bull will kick start your day like nothing else. 

PACKSHOT WITH RED BULL CANS

^ (Elements like this in all caps describe shots)

The cans slide in from the right while the VOICE OVER sets in.

VOICE OVER

(enthusiastic)

Red Bull with tons of caffeine added. Forget Coffee, drink Red Bull.

As you can see, using correct script formatting helps to make a script immediately understandable—even to those who aren’t well-versed in screenplay formatting themselves!

With these five simple steps in mind, you should be well on your way to producing your script for your film, commercial or corporate video—or anything else for that matter!

If you like to convert your story to a professional script, check out this video to see how easy it goes when using FilmQi.