So, you’ve finally started writing that movie script idea. You’ve got the foundation of yor story, and you’re starting to flesh it all out. But suddenly, you realize – I’ve got no idea where this is going!
No worries – this is certainly not an uncommon problem. I can help ease your fears by laying out some simple tips I’ve learned in developing my own scripts.
KNOW YOUR CHARACTERS
Before you start writing, you should have a good idea of the core of your story. Most times, this will center around a character, a protagonist. So it’s essential to develop that character, or characters, as thoroughly as possible.
The driving force behind your story can usually be distilled down to a single nugget: a character’s goal. What is the goal of your protagonist? What do they want? What do they require? What motivates them? What forces them to take action?
This goal should be your lodestar when developing your script. It will determine the path they take, the obstacles they encounter, the people they meet, the journeys they choose to go on. It’s your roadmap. Understand your character’s goals and why they’re important, and the storyline should naturally unfold.
FIND THE CONFLICTS
Of course, a clear goal isn’t going to automatically make an engaging story. It only starts to get interesting when something stands in their way. The conflict! Your story needs to move, it has to have momentum and purpose and surprises – and the best way to accomplish this is to make things hard on your characters. How will they handle conflicts? Will they retreat? Will they charge ahead? Will they get clever? Conflicts are the best tool a storyteller has in revealing who their characters are. It’s the meat of the story, the moral mess of their journey. It’s what makes them relatable, and it’s what will make your audience care about what you’re saying.
STORY STRUCTURE
We’ve discussed the importance of character goals, building obstacles and maintaining momentum in your story. Now let’s talk about arranging these elements within your story – your story structure.
One of the most popular guides to story structure is the Dan Harmon story circle. That link outlines Harmon’s eight major plot points as they apply to the movie The Dark Knight – but if you don’t care to watch the whole thing, here’s a handy diagram of those eight points.
Harmon’s story circle is essentially a rehash of the famous ‘Hero’s Journey’ outlined by Joseph Campbell, which is taught in most beginning filmmaking and philosophy classes – and which was famously appropriated by George Lucas when creating the Star Wars universe. If you’re getting started on your structure, either of these guides is a great place to get your head in the right place and get your story moving.
However, it’s important to remember that many of the best stories bear no resemblance to these structures. There’s no dogma here. A lot of writers become overwhelmed with how technical or clinical this process can seem. And yes, creating your structure, and your script, will require some intense mental fortitude and discipline. But the key is remembering that it’s still a creative, artistic process. Your vision is your vision, and your story should unfold accordingly. If no one goes anywhere or learns anything, that’s your choice! Just be aware that your story will most likely be super dull 🙂
So do the structure work, but don’t let it sap your creative spark.
LEAN ON YOUR INSPIRATIONS
A lot of times, the thing that holds you back isn’t about goals, conflict or structure – it’s that elusive spark of inspiration. You felt it, but now where the hell did it go? You’ve hit a wall and have no idea where to take your script, and you’re not even sure if you care anymore.
But you do! You’re an artist, you have a vision, you have something to say that’s pushing you to get it out – you just have to remind yourself how you got there. What your original inspiration was. And it doesn’t have to be the thing that inspired this particular project – lean on the works that inspired you to be an artist in the first place. That film or book or work of art that ignited something in you, or clarified your goals, or made you see what was possible. These should be your guides. Make a list! Use them for those times when you’re stuck and you’ve lost your motor.
But don’t just stay stuck in the past – keep searching! Inspiration can come from just about anywhere, regardless of the time. When you’re in the writing process, watching new films, reading books, or even taking museum trips can give you those bursts of clarity or ideas that you need. So can overhead conversations at the coffee shop or on the bus, or the weird walk that guy at the grocery store has. Be open to everything, and find the little things that will help your story pop.
The most important thing is to not to get bogged down by writer’s block. Expect it, anticipate it, allow it to happen and don’t beat yourself up over it. Great scripts don’t come easily. Those struggles can be the spark you need to make your story better.
Even when you consider the visual aspect of developing a script, such as how a shot will look or the stylistic choices of your film, finding examples you like from other art mediums, as well as from everyday life, can provide you with a lot of inspiration.
These are just some practical suggestions I’ve learned myself and from others in the industry. Don’t be afraid to pick and choose what you feel works best for you and your creative process.