How To Write the Movie You've Always Wanted

Writing a good movie requires creativity, skill, research and intelligence, yet it can be fun and financially worthwhile, especially if writing is a natural gift. However, gift or no gift, you can do this in a few steps, which I will discuss below:

1. Avoid unnecessary details. Writing a movie is different from writing a novel or short story. In writing a movie, you are painting a picture in the minds of the producers, only you are doing so with words. This, however, does not mean you must describe every single detail. An example will be shared in our next point, but it is important that you note the difference between a novel and a movie. A movie tells its story through picture; you cannot begin to write traits about your characters that cannot be shown. For instance, instead of writing, “Ben looked at her and thought, She drinks a little too much to bear my kid,” you can paint a picture of the lady drinking and Ben watching distastefully. That says more as a picture.
2. Start with the settings. By this, I mean the environment, the place, the time of the day etc. Usually this is written as a simple heading. For this, let’s go back to the example of Ben and the lady (we’ll call her Tracy), and let’s say they are in a cozy restaurant in the evening. This is how we put it:

   INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

   This gives the idea that they are inside a restaurant, at night. No story included!

3. Keep character movements short. After writing the settings, proceed to tell the story but as briefly and skillfully as possible. For example, if Ben walks into the restaurant to find Tracy drinking at the table, it could be told like this:

   INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT

   Ben enters the hall and surveys the crowd, left to right, and back…he stops. He has found his date. Soft music fills the air, a few couples dance. Ben slips gently through the crowd towards her…

4. Arrange your story logically. Your story should have an introduction, a body – i.e. where all the characters are fully established in the story and action nears climax – and finally the climax itself. Any surprises should be within the limit of creativity. For instance, the main character should not suddenly remember for the first time that there was a gun in his boots when he has been overpowered. That would insult the intelligence of the producers.
5. Presentation. Nothing should be on the front page apart from the title, your name and contact address. The story starts from the next page, your work should be neat and logically well arranged. Selling your screenplay can be challenging most times, especially if your name doesn’t ring a bell in the producer’s head. Most producers, however, accept unsolicited materials. When sending these screenplays, you must include a self-addressed and stamped envelope. In case your story doesn’t make it on the first try, don’t get discouraged; try again. Browse the internet for screenwriting contests and enter for them. If you win, it could be the start of a glorious writing career. The basic thing is never to give up; one day you will hit it. You can also get formal training from writing schools that offer comprehensive writing courses.
6. Raising funds for your movie. As a single, unknown individual, this can be very frustrating. You are likely to find things a lot easier as a registered production house. However, popular names are most likely to get sponsorship faster than a new company striving to execute its first project. Do not be discouraged. Like I said, if you don’t get the first time, try again.

   First you must learn to write the most catching proposals. Make them spicy (of course in line with the story). Make sure the company you are addressing sees the investment opportunities in your proposal. Make sure you go through the right channels (I mean agents) if necessary. Lastly, make it a company that you predict would gladly support a project like yours. Do this until you are financially able to stand. Remember, you might not get it on the first try, but you can dust yourself off and try again. Good luck!