Screenwriting is the art of writing scripts for visual media like films, TV shows, and video games. A screenplay is more than just dialogue, it’s a blueprint for everything that happens on screen, including action, setting, and pacing.
Here’s what makes screenwriting unique:
- 🧠 It’s visual storytelling, show, don’t tell.
- ⏱️ One page of script typically equals one minute of screen time.
- 🎭 It includes character development, plot structure, and scene direction.
- 🛠️ It follows strict formatting rules to ensure clarity for directors, actors, and crew.
There are different types of screenwriting:
- Spec scripts: Written without a commission, hoping to be sold.
- Commissioned scripts: Written under contract for a studio or producer.
- Adaptations: Based on existing books, plays, or real events.
If you’re just starting out, resources like StudioBinder’s guide and Industrial Scripts’ 10-minute breakdown are great places to learn the basics. And if you want to dive deeper into the craft, the Wikipedia entry on screenwriting offers a comprehensive overview.
Whether you’re dreaming up your first short film or polishing a feature-length script, the World-Wide Q&A community is a great place to ask questions, share drafts, and connect with fellow storytellers.