How to Write a Screenplay After Reading Just One Basic Book About It

So, you’ve read that one essential book on screenwriting, and now you’re ready to craft the next Oscar-worthy masterpiece. Armed with the knowledge of “show, don’t tell” and “the three-act structure,” you’re basically Tony Kushner, right? Don’t worry, this article isn’t here to judge—well, maybe a little—but mostly, it’s here to help you embrace your overconfidence while subtly acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, you’re winging it.

Step 1: Channel Your Inner Genius

Start with a killer idea. Something “never been done before”—or at least something you think hasn’t been done before because you skipped watching all the classics. It doesn’t matter if your story is basically The King of Comedy, but on a boat, in space, or during the Renaissance. As long as you believe it’s original, it’s original. Confidence is everything in this game.

Step 2: Obsess Over the Three-Act Structure

You’ve learned the golden rule: Act 1, Act 2, Act 3. Simple, right? Except now you’re spending hours overthinking your inciting incident because the book said it needs to happen on page 10. You’re sweating over formatting, wondering if 15 minutes in means the first line of page 10 or somewhere in the middle. But hey, if your protagonist’s life hasn’t changed by then, no worries—just add a random car chase.

Step 3: Write Dialogue That “Sounds Real”

The book told you dialogue should sound natural. So naturally, you write 10 pages of characters saying, “Uh, yeah, no, I mean, you know…” and realize it’s unreadable. The secret? Throw in some “deep” one-liners like, “We’re not so different, you and I.” Bonus points if your villain delivers a monologue about society being the real problem.

Step 4: Use Flashbacks and Montages Sparingly (Or Don’t)

Sure, the book warned you against too many flashbacks or montages. But The Godfather had them, so why shouldn’t you? Flashbacks about your character’s tragic backstory will surely win over the audience. And montages? Essential for speeding up that learning how to be a hero arc.

Step 5: Panic Over “Show, Don’t Tell”

The phrase is burned into your brain: Show, don’t tell. But how do you “show” heartbreak without telling? Cue the cinematic cliché: a rainy funeral scene, someone clutching a photograph, or a single tear rolling down a cheek. If all else fails, just write: He looks sad.

Step 6: Celebrate Your “Final Draft”

After agonizing over every scene, every word, and every minor plot hole, you’ve finished your screenplay! Except… is it really done? Suddenly, you remember that the book said something about rewriting being more important than writing. Don’t let that stop you. Call it your final draft, hit “Save As PDF,” and start imagining which Hollywood star will beg to play your lead role.

The Excellent Final Thoughts

You don’t need years of experience in screenwriting to write a screenplay. All you need is that one trusty book, some free screenwriting software, and an unhealthy amount of caffeine. Will your script sell? Who knows? Will you learn something along the way? Probably. And hey, if it doesn’t work out, you can always write an article about how hard it is to break into Hollywood.

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