How to Start Writing your Screenplay

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[@d.k.bondad6720]

I'm currently writing a feature-length screenplay and I have some tips: 1. Trust the process, love the struggle, appreciate the hardship 2. Read "Story" by Robert McKee 3. Be passionate about your story! 4. If an idea comes to you out of nowhere, that means you have an inner calling meaning only YOU can tell this unique idea 5. Stories are an exploration of the trials and tribulations of being a human being 6. Read "The Art of War" by Steven Pressfield 7. Don't settle for average. Aim extraordinarily high. Be ruthless with yourself as a writer and an artist. 8. Write every day. Every day. Being an artist means doing the work even if you don't feel like doing it. 9. Find your "Why?" | WHY are you telling this story? 10. Don't think of awards...the real source of happiness comes internally. The real source of happiness is PROGRESS.

[@RADFLIKINCRRQT13]

#6 such a simple mistake, makes for a hilarious incidental joke (see this a lot)

[@mishael8579]

10 is most important

[@CarlineFrancois]

Thank you for the motivation and the tips.🌟

[@firefox9541]

thanks

[@timely4805]

Fantastic friend

[@vernardfields7044]

I have to say this. It was Film Riot that got me started with filming over 9 years ago. I've been following you guys forever and to this day I gain something new when I watch your content. You've taught me VFX, DIY filming, and so much more. Because of your sharing, I'm now a very successful content creator for many businesses, large and small, and I'm able to put food on my table for my family, clothes on our backs, and keep a roof over our heads. Thank you, thank you, thank you! You may not get a lot of people that come back to say this but you HAVE to know. Your work has touched and transformed many lives such as mine and I'm appreciative of it. One day I'll be able to repay you on my journey but till then this is the least I can do. Thank you.

[@filmriot]

That is truly incredible! Thank you so much for the kind words! And congrats on all your success!

[@kirankumardodamani6507]

@@filmriot sir im from india sir.. please put subtiles in english...

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

@@kirankumardodamani6507 Actually this video already has subtitles in English. Just click the *CC* button at the bottom right of the KZbin video player. I just checked it and saw that they are present. Ask and you shell receive, somebody once said.

[@kirankumardodamani6507]

@@RobertShaverOfAustin thank you😊

[@JeremyWilliamson]

Same here!! My beginning was 2013 and I learned so much from Film Riot since then!

[@GLYPHYX]

I’m currently working on my screenplay, this couldn’t have been time more perfectly

[@gambello1195]

Same here!

[@dodapictures2141]

Me too!

[@72p.barath]

Same here

[@JoshiiWah]

Me too! good luck everyone

[@averybishop1568]

I just started writing my pilot!

[@MrVtimesTwo]

Writing that title page really does help you feel like you’ve accomplished something. It’s like making your bed in the morning, it’s a small gesture but it helps set the tone to be productive

[@gabrielmachadobsb]

My process is kinda the opposite. I just sit down and write. Scenes just come naturally, building on what came before. When I'm done, only then, I'll outline the scenes and analyze it as a structure. Let it sit for a couple days and reread it with fresh eyes. Usually in four to seven treatments it's nearly as good as it gets. Interesting to see that your process is the other way around :)

[@filmriot]

I love that. I honestly wish I could do it that way. I know Scorsese’s process is similar. Such a cool way of discovering while you go. 🙌🏻

[@CGP_Films92]

That’s similar to how I wrote my short screenplay. I’d been writing ideas for scenes down in my phone and one night sat down and started writing and nearly wrote my first draft in one go. I started writing it way back in September/October and just recently finished my third draft at the end of March.

[@Ziggz47]

Wow we have a similar process. Whenever I try to plan behind just writing out the script I tend to over complicate it. I love to just know my general idea and characters then just get to writing the script. The scenes come to me with the flow of writing

[@neena2695]

I also like to write like this...

[@IntrovertFilmmaker]

I was always scared to write a full feature length screenplay. This helps a lot. Thanks filmriot!

[@filmriot]

Start small and build. Let it be a fun journey of discovery!

[@stanleyturner6494]

@@filmriot Great advice! I'm working on writing my first feature right now and this video really helps! Love you guys' work, been watching for years! Keep up the good work

[@none53]

@@filmriot u talked about slugline that worked only with mac what about windows???

[@mpikturesmpk]

I was wondering how to write my screenplay and the video just came out at the same time

[@amitsinghrawat15]

Same here🤓

[@ShermanWilliamsVideo]

Staring at a blank page right now. Went to procrastinate. Here I am.

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

I can't remember a time when I wasn't trying to start writing my screenplay.

[@ismoilkarimov5124]

they're watching you

[@mpikturesmpk]

@@ismoilkarimov5124 i knew it x)

[@zmangaart6722]

10 years old filmmaker you inpired me to be a filmmaker thank's

[@jakeyboy7779]

Awesome! I wish you well in your career! I’ll be supporting you!

[@jennygurlxx123]

I'm a 2nd year college and is actually dreaming of becoming a writer. Thank you for this! It helped me a lot🥺❤️

[@Vandan9166]

I appreciate this video, because I've started writing a script 12 years ago. I fell into the trap of writing my first 40 pages 10 times after reading another script book. I've got a stack of books but no script... I have so much info in my head and 30 word documents. Now that I am retired the thought of visiting my story excites me. Thanks again...

[@mayyursudarsan3274]

This is the video I'm unintentionally waiting for all this quarantine procrastinating to write. Thanks saviour!

[@stevansanchez5788]

No offense, I really didn't like your other screenwriting videos. However, this one is forever gold in my life.

[@filmriot]

So glad this one has helped!

[@ShutterAuthority]

Great video as always! Can't wait to try this approach on our next short

[@grimeskols1997]

Factz

[@driven_films]

1) this episode is a God send 2) Can you guys do an episode just like this, but scale the concepts down for short films? 3) who the hell would dislike this video??

[@br3ttlee]

I was actually trying to develop a screenplay when this video popped up, nice timing!

[@OlgaKuznetsova]

Having a structure and knowing what has to happen in each step of the structure has actually opened up my creativity. It's kinda funny, but when you have endless possibilities, you get stuck reeling it all in. But when you have a concrete goal for each section, the inevitable beats just flow through. I'm all about that pre-planning and structure!

[@MrPDonOmo9ja]

Hi

[@MridulDhar]

I was just thinking about this today! The timing couldn't be any better! Thanks filmriot :) Have been following you since 2011

[@WhirlOmar]

I've seen so many videos on screenwriting. Though, recently I have been going away from the three act structure and plot points falling on certain pages, this video has helped greatly. This very structured approach, to help you get started and have a ready built scaffold from the get-go to set the foundation that can build rebuilt and reshaped on. For months I have been stuck with starting because I didn't come up with the premise, yet. But this video, has given me the confidence to really get started now.

[@StephenSE9]

Syd Field's Screenplay is my go-to book. All my screenplays, even two series of a sitcom, are based on his three act and two plot-points paradigm. It really helps especially when one has writer's block.

[@dobsashimself]

I have an idea for a series, I can see the main characters in my head. I even have some of the stories but I don't know to start writing it out as a script

[@island-dreamer5638]

This is my first time working on a screenplay for a pitch. This is perfect what I need.

[@dmattei760]

Great tips & thoughts. I finished my first feature screenplay this quarantine, and things like Save the Cat's outline helped so much in the initial stages. "Tricking Yourself" into avoiding the blank page hits so close to home, because starting really is the most intimidating part. Can't wait to see Ricky's coming work!

[@SirSeabass]

I'm fortunate enough to work as a writer/producer making corporate videos, but yeah, it's the absolute worst, just getting started writing. I know it's a different struggle, but I totally get it.

[@KnottieBoys]

Probably the most helpful channel on KZbin, all quarantine I've been having trouble writing and I've just been absolutely unorganized and un motivated. You guys are life savers, I needed some serious help

[@filmriot]

So glad it helped!

[@drizzle2009]

I really enjoyed this video. I have followed Film Riot for years and owe allot to you guys. Going from editing for my church to starting my own channel you guys have mentored me in huge waya. Keep up the good work.

[@Arowrath]

I have written five feature length screenplays and it never gets easier. I might try some of these techniques!

[@thatswhatithought6519]

Do you have any whores in your screenplays?

[@yakheen581]

@@thatswhatithought6519 dude what

[@thatswhatithought6519]

@@yakheen581 we should see more movies with women who bang everybody around them, it is fun

[@ImaginaryShadows1]

I'm writing my first feature film. I rather write the whole feature film treatment instead of bunch of outlines. I feel like I can write the whole screenplay through a treatment. It makes the process so much faster. Thanks for the little tips.

[@abigail2647]

I've some good ideas ,need to discuss with someone . It will be better if we all work together n help eachother to write a screenplay . Contact me on instagram my username is jdnsight

[@charismashow3770]

What a treatment

[@urbanstylecaptures8716]

This is good. I’m writing screenplays as well, and this was great advice. I can’t emphasize enough, the importance of knowing the material that you are writing out of yourself. Research is the very important key. And customizing the story to yourself is the very distinguishing component that sells the material.

[@Jack-ik5lh]

I can’t wait to see this guys name on the big screen... I will have a big smile and a tear in my eye

[@normaknowles-bastien3914]

So glad I watched this, Ricky. I've been writing a lot lately; mostly working on projects I had created many years ago. Your methods seems to make the task of writing a screenplay less daunting. Thanks!

[@ryanschaeffer3384]

I’ve been watching you guys for literally half my life. I love your stuff

[@engardegus6530]

I’ve been trying to get the motivation to really commit to writing my screenplay and this was just what I needed. Thanks

[@happywaterstudios6526]

While righting my screenplay right now I kinda blindly did all the steps up to the treatment without knowing if it will work, so I am glade to hear that for others it does!

[@derricksmith6315]

I was planning on starting a stupid little project with my family during quarantine but starting a script even with an idea is so daunting so thanks for this video

[@movienerd13]

I love every script that have a plot twist in it 🤘

[@AlwaysStayGeeky]

Jordan Peele’s Keanu is literally Save the cat. He said it once in a interview.

[@EWACPRODUCTIONS]

Was just thinking about this. Thank you!

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Thanks for sharing your process Ry-guy. Its always inspiring to hear from other writers and filmmakers. Nice to know Im not struggling alone.This can be a very lonely field of work, esp. in the quarantine.

[@coolkabe]

I delayed starting to write my screenplay in order to start watching this.

[@KendrickHarrisKenfinity]

I've been working on my first screenplay and two pilots for animated ideas for a little while now. So these tips are greatly appreciated. Keep it up!

[@sixfourtyoneStudios]

The way we write is just as diverse as the writers themselves and the methods they use. My method is quite different. I personally don’t even begin as a script or screenplay, I focus on just the story and write it almost as if I’m writing a book or a novel. However, I focus more on dialogue and getting the story down rather than trying to format it correctly right off. Visually seeing it play out in my head and hearing the words spoken even speaking them aloud to myself. This helps you build the world and the characters. The dialogue really doesn’t tend to change drastically from this point for me. This also works as a map where you can sort out the order of events, flow of the story, and overall structure. Then I’ll take what I’ve written after many many months of workshopping it and tweaking it, and taking notes. I’ll transport that into a proper screenplay that is formatted correctly and focus more on making it a clear and easy to understand screenplay rather than doing major re-writes unless I feel it’s completely necessary. Of course some minor things change here and there, but ultimately most of the major changes are done when building the story. This is just how I do it, and I know there’s no right or wrong way. This method just always seems to work best for me personally.

[@alenseli7573]

Film writing and acting has always been my thing. Thank you for this

[@ImaginaryShadows1]

I have been writing during the quarantine. I’m working on my treatment first. So I can make the screenwriting process a lot easier for me. I like using outlines as notes. Every writer has a different process.

[@Whoischrislewis]

It’s crazy the quality of content we can learn for free, love the channel

[@MythopoeicNavid]

It's the shower isn't it? No wonder... I haven't been showering all quarantine, and so that explains why i haven't written that award-winning screenplay yet!

[@lysander789]

You're a life saver for all aspiring screenwriters!

[@smileyguy9]

I am about to start my first feature screenplay. This video gives me a lot of hope and inspiration. Thank you for this video, I went to film school in Las Vegas where I took one screen writing class and learn some of it but just watching this video was a greater experience.

[@gregjones7196]

Watching Film Riot is like continually going to a film school who's theme is "Don't give up, you can do this!" Love you guys!!!

[@veryamazingandcreativename]

This was a great video full of awesome info! Thanks again Film Riot team!

[@zeebrook]

As a relatively new writer, this was good advice from several points of view. I read out loud what I have written over and over. Getting words on the first page is I think the hardest. I don't mind rewriting as it does improve as you rewrite. Thanks guys.

[@audunystgaard]

Wow absolutely loved the style of this episode!

[@ClarenceDouglas]

I’m so happy I stumbled on to this episode you guys just gave me a jump start. I just subscribed to the podcast. Thank you sooooooo much.

[@floridianofhawaii7841]

This whole video was full of good ideas, every minute was “why haven’t I thought of this before”

[@gxulet]

Really needed this video to get started. Thank you Ryan (as usual)!!

[@keshav_p]

this was gold! the only one well on this topic .. soo well presented! on point! thankyou!

[@terryholdredge6393]

My best to you and Ricky. Nice job.

[@thespianstudios580]

Thanks for the reminder that it's where you're going not how you get there, much overlooked advice. So excited to be writing again

[@gamatography]

Very useful & well constructed video🦾. The best part that the ideas presented applies to all type of screenplays, even for short movies\vids. Keep up the good work guys.

[@locorexproductions4282]

Great inspiration to get back into writing, something I had a passion for a long time!

[@kevinnguyen7876]

Planning to do a screenplay for a uni project and this randomly pops out. Ryan, you're a pretty good mind reader.

[@virgilpillay]

Just thinking about Quinton Tarintino's scripts, he probably spends a lot of time time in the shower. His water bill must be through the roof 🤔

[@random.638]

His alone time might not be only at shower, maybe somewhere else where he can spend time with his thoughts.

[@Cesar_09_]

He has a pool, he said he thinks a lot in there

[@hakimitus]

I really, REALLY appreciate this episode.

[@ConstantClockStudios]

This is surreal! Currently writing a feature and THIS HELPS A LOT. THANK YOU FILM RIOT, thank you. :)

[@JahazielCastillo]

I have ideas for screenplays, specially one that I will tackle at some point. What I really enjoy doing is writing for tv. I have written 2 pilots. One for a very adult show and one for an animated show. Currently working on the story bible for the adult show but over the years, film riot has helped me so much. Going from editing/filming, to writing. It’s been a lot of fun over the years.

[@KositarFilm]

12:00 Love to hear it! I always force myself to work one way only even when it seems impractical just because the big boys do it that way, and it got annoying! I always feel like I am doing something *wrong* , good to hear that there's no wrong, unless your film is crap.

[@ruhaanchopra8878]

Great Timing!!! Me and my friends have jus started our screenplay !!

[@IgorDoval]

Im always learning great things here. Keep it up, guys! Love ya!

[@dannycage88]

Thank you so much for all your insights! I’m inspired!

[@anthonydoyle637]

Thanks Ryan, that has actually helped me. Been struggling for what seems like forever with this idea for a screenplay - feel its about time I got on with it. Signed up for Pod as well Thanks again

[@solotastic4193]

Thank! These tops will really help me set off in the right direction

[@rashedfaraj67]

it was an honor for me to learn from you guys every aspect of FILMMAKING, i created my very first film under your instructions, i am a youtube beginner, wanted to be a filmmaker, my number one go to is ( Film Riot ) channel honestly. Thank you for every little details you all have put effort to, thank you ryan, thank you josh and all the team. hope one day see you ryan standing in hollywood stage receiving OSCAR award.

[@CarlineFrancois]

Working on finishing my screenplay and these tips are pretty good. Thanks for sharing this vid.🌿

[@JavaLatteJesus1]

I’m currently working on a screen play! This video helped me so much! Thank you for the great advice on writing! Screen plays!

[@portraitsofafilmmaker]

Thank you guys for this. Perfect resource for me to stumble upon at this time! Super motivated to keep writing my first feature 😤

[@meirchaimo6960]

Listening to Film Riot podcast and showering combo! 👍

[@KGBeast.]

Perfect just what I needed thank you Film Riot

[@sammydummies5419]

i love this channel thank you so much you deserve much more

[@TheFunDimension]

I made two shorts for challenge #3. Can't wait for the next one.

[@saudahmazyck5145]

I love this video so much it was so helpful 🥺😭 I feel a lot more confident on starting my screenplay ❤️

[@joannkelly7994]

Liked this: How to get started and get right to the point approach. Thank you for sharing.

[@patotooonlineministry1084]

I am so doing this. Thank you for this video. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@vermontmike9800]

Holy carp, yes! The shower is where is get my ideas. I thought I was alone. I even have a dry erase marker in the bathroom drawer to write my ideas on the mirror when I get out.

[@uncutgemsadamsandler6064]

Needed this. Thank you 👍

[@jadesmyspiritanimal886]

Writing my first feature script this video really helped and enlightened me!

[@Film_It_Yourself]

I love the Save The Cat books! They are all so good!

[@justinwolfordfilms9907]

Thanks film riot I do short films and this helps me understand writing a lot better

[@raynardoshedrick7186]

This was such a much needed video for me! Thanks.

[@saiyedkashefshahbazi8844]

2:56 It’s a most useful 🔑 though out of order

[@roxzezeyletyourlightshineprod]

Thank you so much. I finished writing my feature movie and I'm writing another but I want to see if I'm doing it wrong because sometimes it take too long but I'm happy that what you're doing that's exactly what is helping me to write my movie. 🙏

[@a.wademcgee13]

Hey this really helps me think about writing in a better perspective. Thanks!

[@MartinKusimo]

Ahh what a surprise to see Ricky in this vid, he's even cooler than I thought. I have seen his film :) Thanks for the advice guys.

[@PuppetShortFilms]

I was thinking all day today to start a new script for my next shortfilm this is very encourging thanks for the tips.

[@jackr_4382]

Hi, right now i just started writing the first page...i'm 16 and i truly appreciated those advices from people with much more background than i have...

[@MightyMikeincgallant]

Big fan of the writing videos !

[@Ruele_Okeyo]

Had a writer's block as i am writing something about the courtroom then boom you mention courtroom and ideas come rushing in at 3:00am hehe

[@user-xp2ge9sn6m]

a video I needed - just started writing my first feature film screenplay!

[@theman2017inc]

I am currently writing stageplays cause I love the theatre as well as working with ensemble of actors, which must be a similar process. Will be attending film to learn more about the screenwriting process.

[@raneethan1329]

Best time to write

[@timalexander3390]

I’m am about to write a screenplay and I stumbled on this video and it could not come at a better time

[@TimRG]

Glad to see that others found the shower a great place to think through a story.

[@chaitanyadheeraj724]

you guys are helping me a lot thank you.