11.1 Feature film writing

Feature film writing is a complex art that combines storytelling, structure, and visual elements. Writers craft compelling narratives that engage audiences emotionally and intellectually, using various techniques to create a cohesive story world.

The process involves developing themes, characters, and conflict while adhering to industry-standard formatting. Writers must balance creativity with technical skills, considering genre conventions and narrative techniques to bring their stories to life on screen.

Elements of feature film writing

• Feature film writing involves crafting a compelling story that engages the audience emotionally and intellectually
• The elements of feature film writing work together to create a cohesive narrative that draws the viewer into the world of the story

Theme and premise

• The theme is the underlying message or central idea that the story explores (love, loss, redemption)
• The premise is the basic setup of the story, often expressed as a "what if" question (What if a man woke up one day and realized he was living the same day over and over?)
• The theme and premise should be established early in the script and woven throughout the narrative
• The characters' actions and decisions should reflect and reinforce the theme

Three-act structure

• Most feature films follow a three-act structure, which divides the story into setup, confrontation, and resolution
• Act One introduces the main characters, establishes the world of the story, and presents the inciting incident that sets the plot in motion
• Act Two raises the stakes, introduces obstacles and complications, and forces the protagonist to confront their flaws and make difficult choices
• Act Three brings the story to a climax, resolves the main conflict, and ties up loose ends

Characterization and development

• Characters should be well-rounded, with clear goals, motivations, and flaws
• Protagonists should undergo a transformative arc, learning and growing as a result of their experiences
• Supporting characters should have their own distinct personalities and serve specific functions in the story (mentor, love interest, antagonist)
• Backstory and exposition should be revealed gradually, through action and dialogue rather than lengthy explanations

Conflict and stakes

• Conflict is the engine that drives the story forward, creating tension and keeping the audience engaged
• Stakes refer to the consequences of failure for the protagonist, and should be both personal and external
• The main conflict should escalate throughout the story, with increasing obstacles and higher stakes
• Subplots and secondary conflicts can add depth and complexity to the narrative

Dialogue and subtext

• Dialogue should reveal character, advance the plot, and convey theme and emotion
• Subtext refers to the underlying meaning beneath the surface of the dialogue, often conveying characters' true feelings and intentions
• Effective dialogue is concise, natural-sounding, and specific to each character's voice and personality
• Avoid on-the-nose dialogue that states exactly what characters are thinking or feeling

Scene description and action

• Scene description should be vivid and cinematic, using sensory details to create a clear picture in the reader's mind
• Action should be described in present tense, using active verbs and visual language
• Avoid excessive description or camera directions, focusing instead on what is essential to the story and characters
• Use formatting elements like ALL CAPS and (parentheticals) sparingly and strategically

Pacing and rhythm

• Pacing refers to the speed and flow of the story, and should vary depending on the genre and tone of the script
• Rhythm refers to the pattern of beats and scenes, and should create a sense of momentum and anticipation
• Use a mix of long and short scenes, dialogue and action, to keep the reader engaged and the story moving forward
• Pay attention to the balance of exposition, rising action, and resolution within each scene and act

Screenplay formatting

• Screenplay formatting is a standardized way of presenting a script, with specific rules for margins, font, and layout
• Proper formatting not only makes the script easier to read, but also conveys a sense of professionalism and industry knowledge

Scene headings and sluglines

• Scene headings, also known as sluglines, indicate the location and time of day of each scene
• They are written in ALL CAPS and follow the format: INT./EXT. LOCATION - DAY/NIGHT
• Scene headings should be brief and specific, avoiding unnecessary details or description
• Use CONTINUOUS or LATER to indicate when scenes take place in immediate succession or after a short time jump

Action and description

• Action lines describe what is happening on screen, including character actions, settings, and visual details
• They should be written in present tense and avoid excessive adjectives or adverbs
• Each line of action should be no more than 3-4 lines long, with a blank line between paragraphs
• Avoid directing the camera or describing shots, focusing instead on what the audience will see and hear

Character names and dialogue

• Character names appear in ALL CAPS the first time they are introduced in the script, and in regular case thereafter
• Dialogue is centered on the page, with the character's name in ALL CAPS above their lines
• Use (O.S.) or (V.O.) to indicate when a character is speaking off-screen or in voiceover
• Avoid using parentheticals excessively or to convey subtext that should be apparent from the dialogue itself

Parentheticals and transitions

• Parentheticals are used sparingly to indicate a character's action or tone while speaking
• They appear in (parentheses) below the character's name and above their dialogue
• Transitions indicate how one scene flows into the next, and include CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:, and FADE IN/OUT
• They are written in ALL CAPS and are used to convey a change in time, location, or tone

Page layout and margins

• Screenplays are typically 90-120 pages long, with one page roughly equaling one minute of screen time
• The top and bottom margins should be 1 inch, with 1.5 inch margins on the left and right sides
• The header should include the page number in the top right corner, and optionally the script title or author's name
• Use a standard font like Courier or Arial, with 12 point size and consistent spacing throughout

Font and style conventions

• Screenplays should be written in a plain, easy-to-read font like Courier or Arial
• Avoid using bold, italics, or underlining for emphasis, as these can be distracting and unprofessional
• Use a consistent style throughout the script, with the same margins, spacing, and formatting on every page
• Proofread carefully for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors before submitting the script

Narrative techniques in feature films

• Narrative techniques are the tools and strategies that writers use to tell their stories in a compelling and effective way
• These techniques can help to create suspense, reveal character, convey theme, and engage the audience emotionally and intellectually

Linear vs non-linear storytelling

• Linear storytelling presents events in chronological order, with a clear beginning, middle, and end
• Non-linear storytelling jumbles the order of events, often using flashbacks, flash-forwards, or parallel storylines
• Non-linear storytelling can create mystery, reveal character backstory, or show the impact of past events on the present
• Examples of non-linear films include Pulp Fiction, Memento, and The Usual Suspects

Flashbacks and flash-forwards

• Flashbacks show events that happened before the main storyline, often to reveal character backstory or motivation
• Flash-forwards show events that will happen in the future, often to create suspense or foreshadow later developments
• Flashbacks and flash-forwards should be used sparingly and strategically, avoiding confusion or disrupting the main narrative
• Examples of films that use flashbacks effectively include The Godfather Part II, Casablanca, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Voiceover narration

• Voiceover narration is when a character's thoughts or commentary are heard over the action on screen
• It can be used to provide exposition, reveal character inner life, or offer a different perspective on events
• Voiceover should be used sparingly and avoided if the same information can be conveyed through action or dialogue
• Examples of effective voiceover narration include Goodfellas, The Shawshank Redemption, and Apocalypse Now

Montage sequences

• A montage is a series of short scenes or shots that are edited together to convey a passage of time, a character's development, or a thematic idea
• Montages can be used to compress time, show a character's training or transformation, or create an emotional impact
• The scenes in a montage should be visually and thematically related, with a clear beginning and end point
• Examples of memorable montages include the training sequence in Rocky, the opening credits of Watchmen, and the "Married Life" sequence in Up

Dream sequences and fantasy

• Dream sequences and fantasy scenes can be used to reveal a character's subconscious desires, fears, or motivations
• They can also be used to create a surreal or heightened reality, or to foreshadow later events in the story
• Dream sequences should be clearly distinguished from the main narrative, using visual and audio cues to signal the transition
• Examples of films that use dream sequences effectively include The Science of Sleep, Inception, and The Big Lebowski

Foreshadowing and setup/payoff

• Foreshadowing is when a writer plants clues or hints about future events in the story, creating anticipation and suspense
• Setup and payoff is when a seemingly insignificant detail or event is introduced early in the story, and then becomes important later on
• Foreshadowing and setup/payoff can help to create a sense of inevitability or surprise, and make the story feel more cohesive and satisfying
• Examples of effective foreshadowing and setup/payoff include the "Rosebud" sled in Citizen Kane, the "Red Right Hand" motif in Hellboy, and the recurring appearances of the number 23 in The Number 23

Genre considerations

• Different genres of feature films have their own conventions, expectations, and techniques that writers need to be aware of
• Understanding the tropes and clichés of each genre can help writers to subvert or play with audience expectations in creative ways

Comedy writing techniques

• Comedy often relies on surprise, incongruity, and exaggeration to create humorous situations and characters
• Techniques like misunderstandings, role reversals, and fish-out-of-water scenarios can be used to generate laughs
• Comedy should be character-driven, with the humor arising from the personalities and relationships of the characters
• Examples of successful comedy scripts include Bridesmaids, Anchorman, and The Hangover

Drama and emotional resonance

• Drama relies on authentic, relatable characters and situations to create emotional resonance with the audience
• Techniques like inner conflict, moral dilemmas, and personal stakes can be used to create dramatic tension and impact
• Dialogue should be natural and specific to each character, revealing their unique voice and perspective
• Examples of powerful dramatic scripts include Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight, and The Shawshank Redemption

Action and adventure pacing

• Action and adventure films rely on fast pacing, high stakes, and visual spectacle to keep the audience engaged
• Techniques like ticking clocks, chase sequences, and cliffhangers can be used to create suspense and momentum
• Action scenes should be clearly choreographed and described, with a focus on character goals and obstacles
• Examples of well-crafted action scripts include Die Hard, Mad Max: Fury Road, and Raiders of the Lost Ark

Horror and suspense building

• Horror and suspense films rely on atmosphere, tension, and the fear of the unknown to create a sense of dread and unease
• Techniques like slow builds, jump scares, and unseen threats can be used to keep the audience on the edge of their seats
• The monster or threat should be introduced gradually, with a focus on the characters' reactions and emotions
• Examples of effective horror and suspense scripts include The Silence of the Lambs, The Conjuring, and Get Out

Science fiction world-building

• Science fiction films often involve creating a detailed, believable world with its own rules, technologies, and societies
• World-building should be integrated into the story and characters, rather than relying on lengthy exposition or info-dumps
• The science and technology should be grounded in real-world principles, even if they are extrapolated or exaggerated for dramatic effect
• Examples of immersive science fiction scripts include Blade Runner, Inception, and Children of Men

Romance and relationship dynamics

• Romance films rely on the chemistry and tension between the lead characters to create emotional investment and satisfaction
• Techniques like meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and grand gestures can be used to create romantic moments and obstacles
• The characters' personal growth and compatibility should be developed alongside their romantic attraction
• Examples of classic romance scripts include When Harry Met Sally, Casablanca, and The Notebook

Adaptation and original screenplays

• Adaptation involves taking an existing work (novel, short story, play) and translating it into a feature film script
• Original screenplays are stories that are conceived and written specifically for the screen, without any pre-existing source material

Adapting novels and short stories

• When adapting a novel or short story, the writer must identify the core themes, characters, and plot points that are essential to the story
• The writer must also make choices about what to include, what to cut, and how to translate descriptive passages into visual action and dialogue
• Examples of successful novel adaptations include The Godfather, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Shawshank Redemption

Biopics and historical events

• Biopics are films that dramatize the life of a real person, often focusing on a specific period or event in their life
• When writing a biopic, the writer must balance historical accuracy with dramatic license, choosing which events to include and how to structure the narrative
• Examples of compelling biopic scripts include Lincoln, The Imitation Game, and Goodfellas

Reimagining existing IP

• Reimagining existing intellectual property (IP) involves taking a familiar story or character and putting a new spin on it
• This can involve updating the setting, changing the genre, or exploring the story from a different character's perspective
• Examples of successful IP reimaginings include Maleficent, Sherlock Holmes, and Westworld

Crafting original concepts

• Crafting an original concept involves coming up with a unique premise, world, and set of characters that have never been seen before
• This requires a strong understanding of story structure, genre conventions, and audience expectations
• Examples of original concept scripts that have been successful include Inception, The Matrix, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Pitching and treatment writing

• Pitching involves verbally summarizing the key elements of a story in a concise, compelling way to producers, executives, or other decision-makers
• Treatment writing involves creating a detailed outline of the story, including the main characters, plot points, and themes
• The pitch and treatment should convey the unique vision and voice of the writer, while also demonstrating an understanding of the market and audience
• Examples of famous movie pitches include Alien ("Jaws in space") and Speed ("Die Hard on a bus")

Rewriting and revision

• Rewriting and revision are essential parts of the screenwriting process, involving multiple drafts and iterations of the script
• The goal of rewriting is to clarify the story, strengthen the characters, and refine the dialogue and action

Feedback and notes incorporation

• Feedback and notes can come from a variety of sources, including producers, executives, directors, and fellow writers
• The writer must be open to constructive criticism and willing to make changes based on the feedback they receive
• At the same time, the writer must also be able to defend their creative choices and maintain their unique voice and vision
• Examples of famous movies that underwent extensive rewrites include Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Jaws

Script coverage and analysis

• Script coverage is a written analysis of a screenplay, usually done by a professional reader or development executive
• Coverage typically includes a synopsis of the story, an assessment of the script's strengths and weaknesses, and a recommendation for whether to pursue the project further
• Script analysis involves breaking down the elements of a script (character, plot, theme) and examining how they work together to create a cohesive story
• Examples of famous scripts that received positive coverage include Good Will Hunting, American Beauty, and The Usual Suspects

Identifying and fixing plot holes

• Plot holes are gaps or inconsistencies in the story that can undermine the logic and believability of the narrative
• Common plot holes include characters acting out of character, events happening without sufficient motivation or explanation, and inconsistencies in the timeline or world-building
• Fixing plot holes often involves going back to the outline stage and reworking the story to address the issues
• Examples of movies with famous plot holes include Interstellar, Jurassic Park, and The Dark Knight Rises

Strengthening character arcs

• A character arc is the transformation or growth that a character undergoes over the course of the story
• Strengthening a character arc involves making sure that the character's choices, actions, and relationships are all in service of their overall development
• This can involve adding or removing scenes, adjusting dialogue, or reworking the character's backstory and motivation
• Examples of movies with strong character arcs include The Godfather, The Lord of the Rings, and Breaking Bad

Enhancing theme and message

• Theme is the underlying meaning or message of the story, the central idea that the writer is trying to convey
• Enhancing the theme involves making sure that every element of the story (character, plot, dialogue) is working together to support and reinforce the central message
• This can involve adding or removing subplots, adjusting the tone or style of the writing, or reworking the ending to drive home the theme
• Examples of movies with strong themes include The Matrix (reality vs. illusion), The Shawshank Redemption (hope vs. despair), and Get Out (racism and social inequality)

Polishing dialogue and description

• Polishing dialogue involves making sure that each character has a unique voice and perspective, and that their lines sound natural and believable
• This can involve reading the dialogue out loud, cutting unnecessary words or phrases, and adjusting the rhythm and pacing of the conversation