A film is a story told visually. Whether from an existing novel or an original screenplay, these stories need to be first written in hardcopy. The difference being, a screenplay or script also gives directions for the actors, instructions for lighting and sound; as well as camera shots.

A screenwriter is someone who writes the plot and action of the story. Many screenwriters began their careers as playwrites and even novelists. A play is written a bit differently than a screenplay, as most of the action in a play is by the dialogue; whereas in a film, it's more visual and they prefer shorter scenes.

Playwrite to Screenwriter

Most writers start out with articles, or novels, poems and the like. They are good experience, as they give you the means to hone your craft. You learn how to edit, proofread and make sure what you are writing about is actually interesting and people would want to read it.

A lot of writers do go to University or college to learn the craft of writing. Majoring in English studies or journalism will let you learn how to gather facts and arrange them in interesting and informative ways. Editing and proofreading are skills you will learn here, as well as how to make the article or book stand out.

Once you gain writing skills and maybe have an article or two under your belt, you might try for being a playwrite. Plays are very similar to Screenplays in the way they are written. Plays give the dialogue to the actor, directions and instructions to how it should be performed. The difference being, the scenes tend to be in Acts and are longer than scenes in a movie. Since you must depend on your speaking in a play more than anything else, there is much more of it.

Screenplays are more visual. There is less dialogue and more visual describing of what's happening in the scene. Your second scene in a film should be longer than the first and have some sort of conflict arise during the end of the first scene or beginning of the second.

The Screenplay

Let's assume it's an original work and you have to develop the characters and plotlines entirely. First you will decide what the story is about. When you begin writing it, you will need to get the plot across pretty quickly as movies move faster than books do. Make sure the pacing is fast and interesting and that you move the story along in every scene you write.

Develop your characters completely, making them realistic and engaging. Create your scenes and dialogue carefully, remember to keep it short and conversation like; and make sure your scenes aren't too long.

Once you have everything for the story in place you will need to format it. It will need to be in professional screenplay format if you wish for it to be picked up for a film.

The format tends to be creating scene headings. These are headings to tell you what's happening in that scene. For example "INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT". This tells you it's an interior shot, in a restaurant at night. It sets the scene so to speak for the director to know where this scene takes place and at what time of day.

Whenever you are speaking of a character who has a speaking role, if they are walking, talking or sitting, you will begin with their name capitalized; then continue with what you are making them do.

For dialogue, you will type their name in capitals, then underneath, you will create your words. A screenplay is centered on the page, except for directions and scene explanations. Also, with dialogue you will also write out the type of emotion that character is feeling at the time; and how they deliver their lines.

The other important part of a screenplay is direction. You must write in directions of how the scene is to play out; and how the camera shots and lighting are to be done.

Some common phrases are: Wide Shot (a Panoramic view of the scene), Close Up (Close up of the character or object), Fade In, Fade Out (The scene slowly comes into view using a fading effect, or goes out of view using the same effect.)

Screenplays are pretty technical to write and it's a good idea to take some time learning about them, before taking one on. There are plenty of good resources you can read online and several good books. One thing to remember, keep the screenplay short; at most 120 pages especially for a new screenwriter. Studios won't look at ones any longer than that.

Selling Your Screenplay

Now that you're done writing your screenplay, you want to get it sold. You will need to get a producer to see it. A studio won't look at it and it's the producer who brings the entire package to the executives to get the movie made.

If you are just starting out, a smaller independant filmmaker is probably the way to go. They are more likely to take a look and if they like what they see, you could have a sale. You can create a good portfolio of work this way and possibly catch the attention of a larger producer.

There are many websites where producers will advertise like Indieacess.com or others. You can also reach out to a film school for would be producers and directors to take a look. They are usually looking for new ideas to create their own portfolios; you may not make much on your first script, but it will get made.

If you decide to go the producer route, you may need to contact their agent first. Finding out who their agent is may be a feat, but it's possible. If they are listed on legitimate websites, often times their agents are listed with them. Some producers don't look at unsolicited writer's work, but there is a chance you can find a few who do.

If possible get your own agent. Don't try for the larger agencies as you aren't likely to get into one. Go for a smaller agency and earn your stripes as they say.

Becoming a successful screenwriter isn't easy and will take a lot of time. If you have patience and talent, don't give up and try for the smaller films at first. It's possible you will get a break, and land a blockbuster movie.