Hello guys, thanks for stopping by to read my post. I have a story and want to put it into a script myself. I’m finding it difficult to cause I do not know the precautions to writing a screenplay. Characters have been developed, the plot is fine but how to structure it is a difficulty. Any help please?

It’s difficult for us to give you any good tips if we don’t know how much you already know about writing screenplays.

If you don’t have it yet, I strongly recommend you get your hands on Syd Field‘s book ”Screenplay”. That’s the single most important book in learning how to write for the movies (or TV). It’s the Bible. More or less all other theories and teachings about writing screenplays are based on Syd Field’s analysis of 100 years of cinema - and millennia of story telling.

It’s best if you follow the classic Three-Act structure with the set-up, confrontation and resolution, while the plot points help you to not get lost. I couldn’t possibly go into detail here - there’s not enough room in the forum… You would have to narrow down your question.

But whatever you do: when you write a screenplay, always think of KIS - Keep It Simple! It’s not a novel, it’s not Shakespeare - it’s a blueprint for a movie. No more, no less.

Entertaining - yes.
Easy to read - yes.
But above all clean, clear and simple.

Thanks alot Swiss. Don’t know what I’d be doing without you in this forum filled with spam threads. Would post what I know about screen plays and maybe we could discuss some more before I get the book. Thanks alot.

Once more Swiss, I’m very grateful for your concern… words may not express my gratitude but in my heart I’m thankful. Ok! I know little or less about writing a screenplay. So far, I have only been able to create imaginary dramatic/crime/romance stories, and characters for them which I think is very entertaining, believeable and makes the plot.

I have never seen a professional full script, have seen a few samples online and I’m also familiar with a few scripting terms like int., ext., sfx… and what they stand for but don’t no how to go about starting a script after character mapping, development, and plot are ready.

two questions I’m eager to know;
1. How do I begin a script? Any description needed or just jump into the acts/scenes (any difference?)
2. While through with a scene/act, how do you notify you moving to another?

darling please try this it will help all your questions
http://www.cnet.com/1770-5_1-0.html?query=sophocles&tag=srch

I would recommend you purchase a screen writing program i.e. Scriptwriter. it’ll at least keep you in the proper script format. Less talk and more action. after all it is a moving picture. keep you script between 90 and 140 pages. then re-write and re-write again. It sounds as tho you already have a treatment done, so you won’t have to describe your charactor’s persona so you’ll be able to describe thier actions, and dare to be dangerous!!!! Best of luck Mikefilm

Thanks Mike for your concern. Advice noted.