Writing film scripts for the first time

Patrick Cooper · January 14

So I have some ideas for some movies of different genres going through my head. And Ive written down some notes and expanded on the ideas (( guess that's a good start.) I am considering writing some scripts based on these ideas. But I confess that I'm completely new to script writing. I'm finding this quite daunting (like the equivalent of writing a novel.) I can predict that writing one script for one movie is going to take me an insanely long time. I'm not sure of the best way to approach this. Is it better to get the whole thing done very rough so that I can complete it in a reasonable time frame? And then go back and refine, improve and polish it? Or would it be better to try and get it as good as I can from the very beginning?

Also - roughly how many pages would be needed for an average length feature film? I know this would vary a lot from film to film.

I know that in the US, a script is not much good on it's own (you need an agent to get it into the proper hands.) Do the film industries in most other countries operate in a similar manner?

Brian Drysdale · January 14

The standard script is roughly one minute per page. The usual method is to start with a treatment, which has what happens step by step without any dialogue. You use this to work out how you're telling the story and the structure.

How long it to write takes depends on how good and fast you are, that usually comes with experience and your background in creating drama or other literary experience. Starting and getting into production can take years.

There are factors that are involved in selling a script. Getting an agent is part of it, some broadcasters (eg BBC) have schemes to develop new writers - there's quite a turnover in soap writers. However, quite a few writers start in that format; it allows them to build up experience.

Patrick Cooper · January 15

Thank you for your detailed reply. Ah a treatment. That sounds like a logical first step and a good way to organise one's thoughts in regards to the narrative. Obviously, this shows how little I know about script writing and the related writing processes. Out of curiosity, are there any instances of treatments being pitched / submitted to studios by prospective writers which are then converted to scripts internally by studio employees / script writers working within the studio? Or is it the case that a studio would only accept a completed script as opposed to a treatment?

Edited January 15 by Patrick Cooper

Brian Drysdale · January 15

It's possible that a producer, if they like the story, but are doubtful about the abilities of the original writer, will option it and then hire a new writer for the screenplay. It's quite common to replace writers. Just bear in mind, that it's unlikely that a script will get made into a film, there are a lot of unmade scripts out there.

There are quite a few books on script writing, which can point you in the right direction regarding structure etc, written by various gurus. It's quite an industry. However, it's useful to know if you're interested in other career paths in the industry..

Stewart McLain · January 16

On 1/14/2025 at 5:22 AM, Patrick Cooper said:

Is it better to get the whole thing done very rough so that I can complete it in a reasonable time frame? And then go back and refine, improve and polish it? Or would it be better to try and get it as good as I can from the very beginning?

Screenplays always go through multiple revisions. There's no real harm in trying to "get it right" on the first try unless it prevents you from actually finishing. (Which is common) I know a lot of people who ascribe to the "vomit draft" theory - get out as fast as possible because it's going to get revised anyway. Then you have something real to work with.

There are a number of very good books about how to develop and structure your story. They all kind of get at the same things but you may find one speaks to you more than another. A very popular recent one is "Save the Cat" by Blake Snyder.

For everything there is to know about screenplay formatting, check out "The Screenwriter's Bible" by David Trottier. https://www.amazon.com/Screenwriters-Complete-Writing-Formatting-Selling/dp/1935247212

Best of luck!