Write It, Pitch It, Sell Your Screenplay

Key Takeaways

1. Master the "1-3-5" Story Structure for a Sellable Screenplay

There's no shortcut around knowledge. Knowledge IS the shortcut.

The "1-3-5" System: This approach simplifies screenplay structure into three key components:

• The "1": Theme - The single issue your Main Character struggles with throughout the story
• The "3": Character Arc - The three stages of the Main Character's internal change (Rejection, Embrace, Sacrifice)
• The "5": Spine - The five external elements that establish the different landmark stages of your Main Character's journey

Industry Standard: Following this structure is crucial for first-time screenwriters seeking to sell their work. It provides a framework that readers and executives expect, increasing the chances of a "Recommend" rating.

Flexibility within Structure: While adhering to this structure, writers still have ample room for creativity in characters, dialogue, and specific plot points. The "1-3-5" system is a guide, not a rigid formula.

2. Craft a Compelling Theme and Character Arc

To make it simple, the theme of your screenplay is the single issue your Main Character struggles to learn a lesson about in your movie.

Theme Development:

• Choose one central issue (value or institution) for your Main Character to confront
• Ensure all major character choices revolve around this theme
• Examples: love, security, honesty, marriage, parenthood

Character Arc:

1. Rejection: The Main Character initially rejects the theme
2. Embrace: Midway through the story, the character embraces the theme
3. Sacrifice: By the end, the character sacrifices in relation to the theme

Emotional Connection: A well-crafted theme and character arc create a relatable journey for the audience, keeping them invested in the story's outcome.

3. Build a Strong Spine for Your Story

Story structure is how your Main Character arcs internally around a single theme, as represented by the character's external journey.

The Five Elements of the Spine:

1. The Set-Up: Establish the Main Character's normal world
2. The Unexpected Change: The event that disrupts the Main Character's life
3. The Reversal: The midpoint where the Main Character fully embraces the change
4. The Final Battle: The climactic confrontation with the Main Opponent
5. The Reward: The just outcome based on the Main Character's choices

Key Aspects:

• Ensure each element directly relates to the theme and character arc
• Increase stakes and conflict as the story progresses
• Make the Final Battle a face-to-face confrontation between the Main Character and Main Opponent

4. Develop Rich Story Elements and Characters

Your Main Character's World and his or her place in it creates the first moment of relatability for your audience.

Essential Story Elements:

• The World: Time period, location, community, and societal norms
• The Flaw: Main Character's limiting personal belief
• The Mission: Summary of the Character Arc
• The Core Conflict: Clash between the Main Character's internal values and external mission
• The Stakes: What the Main Character stands to gain
• The Jeopardy: What the Main Character risks losing

Character Development:

• Create a relatably flawed Main Character
• Develop a strong Main Opponent who causes the Unexpected Change
• Flesh out Supporting Characters with distinct desires and arcs

Avoid Stereotypes: Create original, complex characters that challenge common tropes and expectations.

5. Follow the "1-3-5" Writing Process

It is way easier to rework a beat sheet or a treatment than to motivate yourself to rewrite an entire screenplay.

The Writing Process Steps:

1. Identify the Original Element (character, relationship, setting, or issue)
2. Create Character Breakdowns
3. Develop a Beat Sheet
4. Write a Treatment
5. Draft the Screenplay (multiple drafts)
6. Gather and Incorporate Feedback
7. Finalize the Script

Key Considerations:

• Focus on action and visual storytelling in the Beat Sheet
• Get professional feedback on the Treatment before writing the full script
• Be open to revisions and addressing notes throughout the process

6. Create an Effective Pitch and Synopsis

Your pitch is not a theatrical trailer or a tease! You are asking people to part with thousands to millions of dollars.

Pitch Components:

1. Logline: 1-3 sentence summary of the entire screenplay
2. Synopsis: 1-2 page narrative of central plot and story highlights
3. Verbal Pitch: 3-minute entertaining and engaging presentation

Effective Pitching:

• Focus on selling the emotional, relatable arc of your script
• Include the ending in your pitch to show the full character journey
• Demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for your story

Practice and Refine: Continuously work on your pitch, getting feedback and adjusting to make it more compelling and concise.

7. Navigate the Screenplay Submission and Sale Process

Just know that if you wrote one screenplay that got to a point of final negotiation, if nothing else, your next screenplay is probably going to make it into the weekend pile at that company.

Submission Strategies:

• Target potential buyers based on platform, partners, and brand mandates
• Seek representation from a literary agent for industry-standard submissions
• Explore reputable writing programs and competitions for un-repped submissions

Handling Offers:

• Celebrate your success, but don't rush into agreements
• Hire an experienced entertainment attorney to negotiate deals
• Be prepared for potential rewrites or changes requested by buyers

Persistence and Professionalism:

• Learn from rejections and close calls
• Continue developing new scripts to capitalize on industry connections
• Always maintain professionalism in your interactions with industry professionals

Last updated: August 8, 2024

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