The first step of crafting a screenplay is coming up with a great story idea. There are three standard ways to approach the creation of a story:
• Stream of Consciousness
• Analytical Approach
• Methodical Approach
Each approach has its pros and cons and the method that works best for you depends on your writing style and experience.
Stream of Consciousness is best for when you have an idea that is not fully developed. It may be a logline, a premise, or just a few scenes. You just dive right in and write as ideas come into your head. This method lets you write a screenplay without having to form the full story, work out plot points and develop characters. Once you finish, you’ll have a better idea of what you really want to write about. This type of writing can help you focus on a story and a theme, triggering other ideas.
However, these plusses can quickly become minuses. Your screenplay probably will need a lot of editing. You might even find that you don’t even have a concrete plot. It may be weak if it’s there at all. You’ll most likely need to clarify and cut down the dialogue. Also, you’ll probably have to cut a lot of your writing which you may or may not be able to salvage for another project.
Analytical Approach is when you develop every detail about your story before proceeding to write the script. You work out the intricate details of the plot. You write an extensive outline. You know what you want your characters to do and experience. This approach can be great for new writers still learning the craft of screenwriting. Writing in this manner can mean fewer rewrites later on since everything was thought through in advance. However, this can backfire if you feel that your story is too contrived. Also, character development often suffers. There may be a great plot, but the characters will most likely be one-dimensional because you are more likely to have written them to meet the needs of your plot points. Put extra effort into developing your characters. Create biographies and backstories for them. This approach is good for disciplined writers.
Methodical Approach combines the best aspects of stream of consciousness and the analytical approach. Decide on your main character’s leading motivator and thread that premise through each scene of the screenplay. This carries character and plot throughout the story. Form a premise and then work on character development. This method helps you refine your plot and generally leads to a solid first draft. However, you can’t become too attached to the first qualities and traits you assign to your characters. You must be willing and open to changing your characters if you reorganize the plot.
Experiment with these different styles to learn which method works best for you. You may benefit from using a different approach depending on the project. Whichever you prefer, be sure to hold plot and character in the highest regard. Those are the keys to good screenwriting.