Home Video Maker's Guide: Writing Your Script

If it ain't on the page, it ain't on the stage.

Good advice in all aspects of life, but especially in entertainment. If a play lacks focus or snappy dialogue, that clumsy stage show will have its final curtain call sooner than later. If your video script lacks vision or is hastily constructed, you'll find it difficult to film or even finish.

Movies depend on a script. You can have a great idea, line up solid actors, scout locations and team up with a talented music composer, but until the script is finalized, you're not going anywhere. So, get writing!

Outlines

Outlines give perspective on where you wish to go with your movie. Breaking story down into clear acts, then further breaking those into smaller segments of scenes which support plot goals will make the ultimate scripting process flow smoothly.

In Hollywood, film treatments are utilized. These are straight forward summaries of a movie. Treatments are usually not detailed, but may include as much detail as the writer wants without bogging down in minutiae. Sitting down and simply telling the story with as much detail and color as you feel comfortable is a good initial strategy. Later, you can go back to trim what's unnecessary, since you'll only want what you're actually going to film for your project.

Write Stuff

Script format can drive anyone crazy. Thankfully today there's a whole host of great script software available. It may just be a small video or an Indy feature you're writing, but format is not only standard, it will help you in the long run.