Tips to Write a Screenplay

I thought this was very helpful and direct. I looked at it as a guide when thinking up ideas for our screenplay. I found it on a "how-to" website.

Here's How:

1. Writing is about making choices. Decide if you want to write an original screenplay or an adaptation of an existing novel or piece of non-fiction. Original work is easiest to start with since you don't have to worry about obtaining rights.

2. 2. Brainstorm. Write down all your ideas for story and characters.

3. Do research. Rent successful indie films (you can find them on the About.com's Independent film Web site) and pay attention to the rhythms of the dialogue and the pacing of the story.

4. Start writing. Remember to keep things interesting and open to interpretation. This will make the screenplay more tempting to serious actors.

5. With every twist of plot or turn in the action ask yourself, 'Would this character really do that?' Audiences like surprises, but only if they're believable.

6. If this is your first film and you're planning on directing and producing it yourself, keep things low budget. Elaborate costumes, special effects, and exotic locations are expensive.

7. Keep in mind that the people you already know can make great actors. Write flattering, yet challenging roles with them specifically in mind, and they may work for free.

8. Include all the swear words and nudity you want, but don't make them gratuitous. [i]The Blair With Project[/i] was conisderably weakened by its constant use of the F_ word.

9. Don't worry about length. Post-production editing will take care of that.

10. Be funny, scary, romantic, angry, sentimental, smart, raw, and, most important, honest.

11. Don't include a happy ending just for the sake of a happy ending. This isn't a studio picture you're writing

Tips:

1. You can overhear great non sequiturs and bits of dialogues in coffee shops and diners.

2. Using an old manual typewriter might seem like a great idea, but it's a lot of work.

3. Go online and download scripts. You can learn from your favorites