Screenplay development is a complex journey from concept to final draft. Writers brainstorm ideas, outline their stories, and craft multiple drafts, refining their work through feedback and revisions.
Script coverage plays a crucial role in the industry. Readers evaluate submissions, providing concise reports that help executives identify promising projects. Collaboration between writers, producers, and studios shapes the development process.
Screenplay Development Process
Screenplay development process
-
Concept development: Brainstorm ideas sparked by personal experiences or current events, research historical events or scientific advancements to refine concept
-
Outlining: Create beat sheet breaking down major plot points and character arcs, develop treatment expanding on story structure and themes (10-30 pages)
-
First draft writing: Follow industry-standard screenplay format (Courier 12pt font, proper margins), focus on three-act structure, character development, and engaging dialogue
-
Rewriting and revisions: Incorporate feedback from trusted readers or writing groups, polish dialogue for authenticity, adjust pacing to maintain tension
-
Final draft preparation: Proofread meticulously for typos and formatting errors, ensure consistency in character names and story details
Elements of script coverage
Logline: One-sentence summary capturing essence of story (Star Wars: "A farm boy joins a galactic rebellion against an evil empire")
Synopsis: Detailed summary of plot (1-2 pages) highlighting key story beats and character arcs
Analysis: Comments on plot structure, character development, dialogue quality, and thematic depth
Marketability assessment: Evaluate commercial potential, target audience, and genre fit
Recommendation: Pass (reject), consider (potential with revisions), or recommend (strong potential)
Role of script readers
Evaluate submissions using specific criteria (originality, marketability, writing quality)
Write concise coverage reports summarizing strengths and weaknesses
Act as first filter for production companies and agencies, reducing executives' workload
Identify promising scripts and writers for further consideration
Collaboration in screenplay development
Writer-producer collaboration: Regular notes sessions to align creative vision with commercial goals
Studio involvement: Provide development funds, set project milestones (first draft, revisions)
Rewrite process: Address studio notes, potentially hire additional writers for script polishes
Legal considerations: Negotiate option agreements, determine writer credits (WGA guidelines)
Development hell: Projects stuck in prolonged development due to creative differences or changing market conditions