Why Outlining Is Essential In Screenwriting - Naomi Beaty

BUY THE BOOK - THE SCREENPLAY OUTLINE WORKBOOK: A step-by-step guide to brainstorm ideas, structure your story, and prepare to write your best screenplay - amzn.to/38uXIGA
BUY THE BOOK - LOGLINE SHORTCUTS: Unlock Your Story And Pitch Your Screenplay In One Simple Sentence - amzn.to/2xF7JP3
Naomi Beaty is a writer, screenwriting teacher, consultant and owner of WRITE+CO., along with the author of LOGLINE SHORTCUTS: Unlock Your Story And Pitch Your Screenplay In One Simple Sentence and THE SCREENPLAY OUTLINE WORKBOOK: A step-by-step guide to brainstorm ideas, structure your story, and prepare to write your best screenplay.
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[@ConceptualVision]

Im 45, Ive written 12 drafts for books since I finished my first book at the age of 16. No publishers has wanted anything of it. About 5-6 years back I took a step back, read through lots of books on writing, and started to implement the outline, and I do find it highly creative in itself. I can get those sparks, but I can also easily change scenes around. What I used to do, is just start writing, with a few hit points in mind, and finish a book. When I was finished and found issues, it was so much re-writing I needed to do to get it in order. I really enjoy the process of outlining and just creating the characters before doing the actual writing of the book. Hopefully someone do want to publish me in the end, I have 17 books waiting to be written, but because of the outline I can easily just work on characters, scenes and the beat of each book even without doing the actual writing.

[@gbrogo7139]

Good luck man

[@CraWea]

I admire your writing stamina! I’m struggling with my first. Wishing you all the best

[@ConceptualVision]

@@gbrogo7139 Thank you :)

[@ConceptualVision]

@@CraWea Thank you, and I wish you all the best as well :)

[@ConceptualVision]

I did see parts of a deleted message here stating that I should quit, and that no one should read my ramblings. And that's a valid statement. I did quite writing in many ways when I was 25 and felt I had failed. Even though I finished more drafts after that, some I didn't even send to any publishers, my mind has already designated myself as a failure. And that state of mind, that internal noise, is something you also can more easily get clear of through outlines. You can be much more objective in working with an outline, than just writing. I'm not stating this for the sake of empathy-points, but rather to maybe motivate those who has that internal noise distracting them from actual work. Clear the noise, just get to work.

[@N0va]

Too many writers just write with no goals. This is a great tip. Outline, plan your beats, foreshadow. This is what finally got me a literary agent. Tackling my work with a more serious approach. Planned out plot points and think of the product as providing rewards to the audience for reading (instead of rewarding yourself for writing)

[@NinjaRunningWild]

*Fail to plan, plan to fail.* I don't understand writers finding outlining limiting. You get to flesh out your idea, &, amazingly, if you don't like it or come up with a better idea along the way, _you can change it._

[@G360LIVE]

I think it just depends on the writer. Some people are plotters, some are pantsers. I don't tell people they shouldn't outline because if that works for them, then it works. Personally, I'm a pantser. I write as I go. I get to know the characters as I go along and let them be themselves and allow the story to unfold before me. I enjoy discovering what happens along the way. I then edit to cut or add or move things around. But that's just the way I do it, and that's not for everyone, and that's okay.

[@avtpro]

I'm a new writer who discovered outlining very naturally after doing my first storyboard recently. I'm 60 as of this mid June. I've been a professional independent 3D artist and animator, but couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting any stories done until I started storyboarding. Then I was amazed at how storyboarding and outlining is so similiar that I started writing a script and then screenplay. I'm convinced I would never be the animator I truly wanted to be without outlining, beat sheets, note cards or storyboard. I can't believe I have been a 3D animator for so long independently with work in museums around the world and never knew the importance of such tools and methodologies. Ever since I've been learning the story process it's been revelations after revelation. I'm very grateful to reach this level. What is truly amazing to me is how script writing has informed my visual narrative into depths I had not fathomed. I'm having a real moment.

[@bloop6111]

Fellow 3D artist here! (Well, I’m still learning, just yesterday reached a retopology/uv unwrapping milestone haha) that’s awesome that you’re loving the process and best of luck on your future works!

[@fghdrdthtgfghjhdf2540]

I’m a writer and most of my creative process is about outlining. Otherwise I wouldnt be able to fill it with dialogue that makes sense for the story. I think it’s essential. And for me this is the most fun thing in all of this!

[@KEP1983]

I'm not a professional writer, but I was a professional artist/painter for 11 years. I painted highly realistic paintings and knew a lot of the best realist painters alive. I worked in the studio of a very famous one. Anyways, I find the similarities between painting and writing to be extensive. A lot of amateur painters just attack the canvas and believe they're being more creative that way. It's true that some great professionals paint that way, and they make exquisite work, too. But if you look at most professional artists, they plan everything ahead of time. We call it thumbnailing. Then we'll typically gather a lot of references (photos, from life, etc; much like a writer does research), and then it's put together into a final composition (in the old days they called it the "cartoon," but that's not to be confused with the thing kids watch). The cartoon is like a well developed, fleshed out outline. This was all done even before the final image was even touched. And if you think it stifled the artist's creativity: this was the majority process of the great Old Masters for centuries. Y'know, the ones who painted all those masterpieces hanging in museums around the world. Sure, some painters skip the whole process and just "go for it." But honestly, the people who paint more complex or complicated images aren't painting that way, generally speaking. And the "pantsers" (they're called alla prima painters) also have to throw out a lot more things that just aren't working than the classical "planners" do.

[@filmcourage]

Great commentary! Thank you for posting Keith!

[@immanuel7925]

This is very encouraging for a guy trying to learn to draw and write. I wanna write comics, but I have to learn things, a lot of things

[@RoseaNebulaLaeta]

This is actually so fascinating, I have a background in animation and I love storytelling. Some may think that storytelling/ narrative in television vs painting are so different but they have so much in common (like planning ahead, making the cartoon, really contemplating what you want the audience to take away from the work rather than solely going straight-ahead).

[@RawHeadRay]

The more exciting the idea the longer it takes me to start writing, mostly because I want the incubation period where the fragments start coming in, then I get a flavor and a tone, from there the characters arrive and we can start outlining the stuff

[@williamrobinson4265]

the outline IS my creative process all the details are painstaking work and research to furnish that architecture - writing details and dialogue is more methodological for me than the story building I get to do in the outline I couldnt imagine writing a story without at least some working outline I'll get random ideas and scenes but I wont waste my time writing anything until I actually have a vision worth a whole story even then its more of a story concept before it turns into outline maybe a couple scenes characters or dialogues and the outline grows around them but just writing feels more like something a professional writer who doesnt do anything else would do and it sounds like an industrialized creative process for profit either that or childish and untrained - mind you no one trained me but myself I hate wasting my work/time I'd rather be an artist when I have an idea and be a farmer when the weather is good

[@juju10683]

Try to draw something freehand vs drawing with a basic outline/plan beforehand. Doesn’t kill your creativity. Helps you execute.

[@albertabramson3157]

I've found that I can write faster going straight to a rough draft. If I need to do an outline, I'll simply write seen headings and 2 or 3 sentences of action describing what happens in each scene. In fact, many professional writers intentionally leave out all dialog to the very end so that the dialog doesn't carry the weight of telling the story.

[@Clouds4Cheap]

I like this no dialog thing. I'll try it sometime.

[@albertabramson3157]

Climax first. Dialogue last.

[@Clouds4Cheap]

@@albertabramson3157 Genius. Thank you. I must try it. Glad I read your comment.

[@RoseaNebulaLaeta]

That's a pretty cool approach, I like that and I feel this could help with my own projects especially in parts where I feel stuck because I want to get the dialogue just right before moving on to the next scene. Thank you for sharing your strategy

[@williamrobinson4265]

I hate dialogue

[@agehaynes7620]

Outlining can help me simplify a story that help script formatting on point. It helps minimize draft of typing and repolish errors less. It helps me straighten the thought without not knowing the same characters going through different scenes.

[@xensonar9652]

I need to know the ending before I can write a story. Without an ending, I don't have the beginning of a story.

[@jonesfuture]

I'm at the point where all I've done is outlining. They are huge and I ger a huge creative rush and spend hours working on them. I can't wait to do more and go to the next step of writing too though I'm happy letting it happen naturally.

[@KevinAndrewMan]

I would certainly agree that knowing where you want to go, what's your ending, should be roughly known before starting. But also, if the story doesn't have legs, no amount of outlining will create a worthwhile script. There are so many factors to writing a well-crafted story, to conceive the entirety of it before even starting page one is a recipe for never finishing. I just wrote a scene today that went entirely in a different direction than I intended, but I only went there because it was the most compelling place to go in the story. If I'd stuck with the outline, it would be unnatural to the flow of the story and where the character was emotionally at. The human brain is just not equipped to construct all the nuances that drive a story to where it ultimately goes without fully-realized scenes.

[@jbchannel88]

Naomi Beaty's The Screenplay Outline Workbook is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

[@sunshineeveryday10]

This interview was so helpful to me. I loved it. It makes me wish I was in your class. It also makes made me delve back into reorganizing some of the scenes in my script. Thanks!

[@filmcourage]

Love to hear it! Much more to come with Naomi!

[@ComicPower]

Writing without outlining is like driving to a place you never been before out of state with no map or GPS. You are going to get lost and get frustrated that you are and its going to take you way to long to get to your destination

[@ronineditor9920]

I know so many "wannabe" writers scoff at outlining... then complain about Writer's Block (because they can't solve their screenplay's issue) and they stagnate, move onto the next thing. Outline gives you a roadmap to fix the issues before you write 15 pages that aren't working, then you have to go back and redo it. It gets messy and takes the fun out of it. Every "working" writer I know outlines. In TV, you have to, based on the season's arc, but for screenplays, too, it's critical.

[@charlessmyth]

Outlining is effective and speeds the process. It is a lot easier to adjust an outline than many pages of a manuscript or script. The subconscious has something to work on overnight (John Cleese) that it would not have to work on. For TV scripts, the (7 x 4 grid) method described by Pamela Douglas and alluded to by Peter Russell is simple and effective. One which I use in the form of a sectioned and numbered column of text, which, although not as visual as a cork-board of cards, as employed by the writers room of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, for instance, is easier for me to use. Outlines rock :-)

[@Time_and_Chance]

There's wisdom in all this!

[@JrtheKing91]

Before I learned how to format a script, I used to outline my stories in notebooks.

[@lucasyates1893]

Reverse outlines are the best!

[@wexwuthor1776]

Different strokes for different folks. Try all the options. Keep what works. Also, this young lady is super 😍

[@filmcourage]

How long will you spend outlining before you begin writing pages?

[@SuperAudience]

It's the first thing that I realize I have a basic story. I could never be able to calculate when the first spark of idea had came from. After outlined, the process would take about 6 months to process the screenplay (maybe a very long time). Outline is finding "what" and the play is writing "how".

[@danieljackson654]

It depends on the level & stage of the writing process. I find they go hand in hand. I outline, write, reoutline, rewrite. It takes what it takes. I know that sounds like zen bs; but it is true. For me writing is a process much like the MGB I had as a kid--you drive, turn the wrenches, drive, turn the wrenches some more. I wrote a draft, more a collection of scenes, then began the process of rewriting BUT soon found each scene, ot sets of scenes required not merely rewriting. Rather they needed to be taken down to the bones for new outline structures. This way, I find unobserved logical connections that require explicit exposition either narrative or dialogue. It takes what it takes. Or, as my rebbe would say, "you have to be patient or you will BE a patient."

[@stiankallhovd7041]

Glad to see Film Courage is still around! Compared to my overall experience as a writer, these past seven months have been *magical!* I've written so many notes on my fantasy film series -- the characters are so alive to me now, the fictional worlds and places make sense, and I can really _feel_ the dramatic turns and emotional moments of the story in my gut! I'm so excited for the day that these ideas will become reality! :) For me, it made a HUGE difference to transition from the computer to my smartphone while planning the story. I've completed a TON! My hunch says I've done at least 50% of all the planning. I expect I'll do a bullet-point plan of each film in the series before I sit down to write the first script. I've already begun writing some challenging scenes on phone, and I'd like to figure out the hard parts of the script in advance, so to avoid discouragement while sitting at the computer. I don't know if I'll get to the script this year, but I know that all the planning I do for the overall series matters. A lot goes into understanding character motivations, political factions and organizations, historical events, etc. Plus, writing fantasy that is consistent and sticks with the established rules of the universe takes some effort.

[@bloop6111]

Too long lmao. World builders syndrome, plus whatever the outlining version of that is 🙃 but it’s what I enjoy. I’m not a strong writer when it comes to actually writing the prose line by line, but writing for visual novels is more my jam anyways, so it works.

[@jamesrogers9056]

Brilliant

[@stonecoldstonersllc9704]

Best advice from Naomi

[@filmcourage]

More to come!

[@ttentionpls]

I have been a full-time professional screenwriter for seven years and have completed nine feature-length screenplays, all of which are at various stages of development and production in the US and UK. This advice is good, however, in fairness, I've found different people and projects benefit from different approaches. A true life courtroom drama I was commissioned to adapt required a really robust outline - necessary and effective, but not something that came natural to me. A horror drama that functioned primarily as a exercise in tone, however, wasn't outlined. In fact, an outline would have been pretty counter-productive to the intended result, which, perhaps only by chance, turned out to be one of my favourite (and most personal) scripts. There are a hundred reasons to quit along the way to completion. Don't trip up on the first mistake of forgetting who you are. Look inward, to who you are not only as screenwriter, but a person. Studious. Expressive. Patient. Impulsive. Verbose. Measured. You know you. Personally, I'm wired to throw buckets of ink at 150 pages, reign in to 120, and recklessly mix my metaphors. It works for the way my brain works. Others struggle to get past ten pages because they're either not sure where to go next or are exhausted by the placement of every word on an imaginary altar. If you feel an outline will help, outline. If you're not sure, you should at least try. However, if the prospect of an outline diminishes your will to write, don't dare allow it to deny the rest of us a great story, albeit an ill-disciplined one. Hone your craft with the aim of being a good storyteller, not an effective plot generator. And every piece of good advice is one of many tools, not the job itself. Including this one.

[@Neomatrixology]

Ironically, most of my ideas don't start with the beginning, I usually see the ending first. Either way I advocate outlines. I'll even outline ideas for in depth KZbin videos just so my thoughts can be delivered in a proper order for the audience.

[@AlbowaSinema]

I started writing my scripts 10 years ago and honestly the best ones are the ones where I outline first. It helps in recognizing plot holes, unrealistic set ups etc etc. When writing the final script, it flows much much easier.

[@ronineditor9920]

EXACTLY

[@kojo7485]

Good Ideas💡 deserve to be found @Meta

[@gen-x-zeke8446]

I'm writing about my own life, but into fictional character. Although, I thougnt it would be easier, but it has become a serious challenge due to trying to get format correct. I am less than a technical writer, but down to the average guy struggling to make sense of anything.

[@michaelsix9684]

Final Draft has tool that helps you now do this much better, or you can start with index cards

[@hermes_logios]

Writing a screenplay is the cheap/efficient way to make a movie. Compared to production, paper is cheap and making changes is easy. Outlining is just another layer of efficiency. It's a writer's way of making efficient, easy changes to a story before it's written in a final form. It's like making a sketch before you start an oil painting. All of the great painting masters made sketches (which are cheap and easy to change) before committing to an oil painting (which are expensive and difficult to change).

[@AltairZielite]

I naturally created an outline process while writing my first spec... I basically used a spreadsheet to list scene titles. The problem I ran into was I started this around 70 pages already written. A structure problem developed and my 4th act is too dense. Years later I'm still stuck for a solution on that. - My second spec I outlined from the start. And the characters were already drawn, as this was a sequel, and it came out phenomenally well paced and balanced. I can not imagine writing a story without an outline, it's necessary for me.

[@RoseaNebulaLaeta]

That's so fascinating, using a spreadsheet as a tool. It reminds me of what Kurt Vonnegut said when planning Slaughterhouse V and how he made a "plot" or linear "map" of all the characters who ever lived in the story and where the end of their story was. The novel is non linear so his linear map tool served as a key reference when writing.

[@AltairZielite]

@@RoseaNebulaLaeta I sorta HAD to do that too, as the center of my story are two competing time travel paradoxes.

[@zubairnazir7981]

Please do a video on screenwriting practically where writers can show how to write any scene. You can show it on screen. Thanks

[@alexo82191]

I was hoping you guys can ask the importance of a pitch deck

[@shadeburst]

I like to write a few scenes and find out if it's exciting enough to motivate me to keep going. I find pages and pages of prose extremely boring. That's the way writers like Somerset Maugham used to write in the Nineteen-Thirties, lots and lots of telling.

[@michaelsix9684]

did 4 screenplays, didn't outline, big mistake, wound up doing lots of rewriting, outline, know your story, then write, will save you much rewriting later -- you have 120 pages or less to tell your story outlines will help you get it on the right path

[@fishhead9298]

100% agree! I have not written any screenplays or outlines, but just following the successful work of the filmmakers Nolan & Tarantino I quickly figured out how they are creatures of habits.

[@daneoman1000]

Someone send this to Disney

[@Davehatessocialists]

Apparently Disney are agenda 1st, agenda 2nd and agenda 3rd. Everything else, be it wisdom or morality, is a dirty inconvenience and gets in the way of queering peoples kids. Poor Walt must be turning in his cryo-tube.

[@theballisticboy]

Ideas come and go. The best fishermen that catch ideas on paper will usually write the best scripts.

[@Clouds4Cheap]

Ill play devil's advocate here. Ive completed 2 feature film screenplays and 1 TV Pilot (nothing produced of course or I wouldnt be here gathering inspo to keep on trucking) and what I found is, at first, I'd outline to get the story beats out, felt it would be easier, and will get done faster since the "concept" is staring me in the face every time, but when actually writing, you find most of those "initial" ideas/characters/locations don't work anymore the "the flow on the page" has taken you in a better direction. you've taken more time working on the outline than the actual script/pilot/concept So you end up never looking at the outline again. Sometimes outlines feel like you're kicking the tires of a car you'd never buy. Sometimes that initial rush of blood to the brain gets you moving in a way where you don't need an outline because you puked out the first 7-15 pages on the first day. Obviously whatever tip or trick gets the job done for you is the right one, just adding there's a reason why people dislike or avoid outlines

[@G360LIVE]

Same. I'd rather write the story than the outline. That's more interesting to me, taking the journey instead of just planning the trip.

[@Clouds4Cheap]

@@G360LIVE Feel the same. Great way to start writing if you're unfamiliar, Great way to brainstorm if you feel ideas aren't working, but once you get a few journeys under your belt you don't need to "google map the story" so often because you know the way forward

[@charlessmyth]

[10:11] "As a work-for-hire, I think we need to spend at least another 6-months on this opus maximus, and that will cost you way more $$$$$$$ of wallet fatigue. If you let me have an outline. . ." :-)

[@Devast8or2600]

I could listen to Naomi all day, a wealth of information, clear speaking...and easy on the eyes. (It helps my listening)

[@filmcourage]

Here's our first interview with Naomi - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKqxdWV5g816rdk And a lot more to come from this one!

[@emilymartin5418]

Creep

[@Devast8or2600]

@@emilymartin5418?

[@pulpfiction4521]

hey, do any of you guys want to collaborate on a script, just for practice? It would be a great experience and we could bounce off of each other's ideas..

[@danieljackson654]

I call this: "preaching to the choir."

[@CLEFT3000]

I think these videos are extremely helpful personally

[@Lukasafer]

As a pantser, I reject your hypothesis

[@MaxxDoberman]

Sad that so many good scripts will never see the light of day because of reboots, video game, comic book adaptations and wokeness.

[@jinchoung]

nice. i put her books on my amazon list just from watching this. she sounds like she knows what she's talking about.