Screenwriting for beginners: four tips for starting off right

I started my screenwriting journey in November, 2011. At the time, I was simply looking for a hobby that didn’t require sweat or a glue gun, and I wanted something that was inexpensive and could easily travel with me on business trips. Being an avid movie and theater goer, screenwriting seemed like a natural fit.

The following four tips are a beginner's view point on how to start off on the right foot:

Tip #1: Start with the fundamentals.

Unsure of where to start, I chose to engross myself in the technical aspects of screenwriting and get the fundamentals of formatting under my belt first. Googling “screenwriting,” I was able to quickly find plenty of free information on screenwriting terminology, formatting rules, and sample scripts. Now, I have fewer edits because I'm able to do it right the first time.

Tip #2: Write using either Celtx or Final Draft.

I started with Microsoft Word and two months later learned about the importance of using screenwriting software. Celtx and Final Draft were the two programs recommended by the screenwriters in my writers group. Celtx is free, but Final Draft is industry standard. I went with free. Converting the script was tedious work, but worth it.

Tip #3: When adapting another writer’s work, always obtain permission from the author.

Eager to put my new found knowledge to practice, I decided to adapt a book I had recently read to focus on the rules of screenwriting. Warning! You don’t want to pour your heart and soul into a project only to find out that you can’t do anything with the finished product because you don’t have the rights to it. You WILL get attached to your work. While I obtained permission from the author to use her book as an exercise in screenwriting, I did not get her permission to submit it to a film festival or studio.

Tip #4: If you want honest feedback, join a writing group; don’t ask family or friends.

About a month into the project I realized I needed feedback. You know how during American Idol tryouts they get those contestants whose moms never told them the truth and they’re in complete denial that they suck? Don’t be that person. Join a screenwriter’s group that has some type of critique element, then put on your thickest skin and realize that every piece of feedback is an opportunity to improve.

I hope these tips point you in the right direction for your screenwriting journey.