Screenplay Workbook
Welcome to our Screenwriting Workbook! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced writer, this exercise will provide a roadmap for crafting a compelling narrative that engages your audience.
We'll begin by discussing the fundamental components of any screenplay, including the importance of creating compelling characters, immersive settings, and a genre that appeals to your target audience. Then, we'll break down the story into 15 stages, each with its unique purpose and function in the narrative.
At each stage, we'll provide you with a prompt or question to help you apply the concepts to your own story. As you work through the exercise, you'll use the digital yellow sticky notes 🟨 to jot down the key elements of your story, including your characters, setting, and genre, as well as your plot points and themes. Remember to print the page once you are done, or your notes will be lost. If you run out of space, we encourage you to begin writing your notes in a film journal.
By the end of the exercise, you'll have an outline of your story, as well as a better understanding of the storytelling techniques and conventions that make for a successful screenplay. So grab your yellow sticky notes, and let's get started!
To start this exercise, you should have an idea for the story you want to tell. If you are struggling to develop an idea, you may use the Screenplay idea Generator below to get started. Remember, only use the generator as inspiration until creativity begins to flow!
Let's Begin!
Below you will see a list of 15 elements that traditionally go into a successful screenplay. In the yellow 'sticky notes' to the right, you will see a prompt or question to help you apply the stages to your own story. Use this space to write down your responses to the prompts. Remember to print this page once you are done, or your notes will be lost.
1.Teaser - The teaser is a short sequence that serves as a hook for the audience and introduces some aspect of the story or characters. It typically occurs before the opening credits and lasts around 1-5 minutes, depending on the film.
2.Set-Up and Dramatic Question - The set-up introduces the protagonist, their world, and their initial goals or desires. It should also establish the dramatic question - the central question or problem that drives the story and keeps the audience engaged. What is the dramatic question at the heart of your screenplay? How will you keep the audience invested in the outcome? This typically occurs in the first 10-15 minutes of the film or the first 15-20 pages of the screenplay.
Set-Up and Dramatic Question - In 'Jaws', the set-up introduces the protagonist, Chief Brody, who moves to a new town with his family to serve as the new police chief. The dramatic question is established early on when a shark attack occurs, and the community is divided on how to respond. Will Chief Brody be able to protect the community from the shark and restore peace? How will he balance the interests of the townspeople and his duty to keep them safe?
3. Inciting Incident - The inciting incident is the event that disrupts the protagonist's world and sets the story in motion. It typically occurs around the 10-15 minute mark in the film or on page 20-30 of the screenplay.
4. Debate (Refusal of the Call)- The debate is the moment when the protagonist must make a decision about how to respond to the inciting incident. It typically occurs shortly after the inciting incident, around the 15-30 minute mark in the film or on page 30-45 of the screenplay.
Debate - In "The Social Network", the debate is when Mark Zuckerberg must decide whether to partner with his friend or go solo with his new social networking idea.
5. Break into Two (Crossing the First Threshold) - The break into two is the moment when the protagonist takes action and sets out on their journey to achieve their goal. It typically occurs around the 30 minute mark in the film or on page 45-60 of the screenplay.
Break into Two - In "Up", the break into two is when Carl sets out on his journey to South America with his house attached to balloons.
6. B Story - The B story introduces a secondary character or subplot that ties into the main plot and provides additional emotional depth or comedic relief. It typically begins around the 30-45 minute mark in the film or on page 60-75 of the screenplay.
B Story - In "Toy Story", the B story is the relationship between Woody and Buzz, as Woody learns to share the spotlight and work together with a new friend.
7. Fun and Games - The fun and games section is the middle of the film, where the protagonist faces obstacles and makes progress towards their goal. It typically occurs between the 30-60 minute mark in the film or on page 60-90 of the screenplay.
Fun and Games - In "The Avengers", the fun and games section is when the team starts to work together to fight off the invading alien army.
8. Midpoint Crisis - The midpoint is a turning point in the story, where the stakes are raised or the direction of the plot changes. It typically occurs around the halfway mark of the film or on page 60-75 of the screenplay.
9. Bad Guys Close In - The bad guys close in section is when the protagonist faces increasing challenges and setbacks on their journey. It typically occurs in the second half of the film, around the 60-75 minute mark or on page 90-105 of the screenplay.
Bad Guys Close In - In "Die Hard", the bad guys close in section is when John McClane is trapped in the building with the terrorists and has to evade their attacks.
10. All Is Lost - The all is lost moment is the lowest point for the protagonist, where they experience a major setback or loss. It typically occurs around the 75-90 minute mark in the film or on page 105-120 of the screenplay.
All Is Lost - In "The Lion King", the all is lost moment is when Simba believes he is responsible for his father's death and runs away from the Pride Lands.
11. Break into Three - The break into three is the moment when the protagonist comes up with a new plan or strategy to achieve their goal. It typically occurs around the 75-90 minute mark in the film or on page 105-120 of the screenplay.
Break into Three - In "Finding Nemo", the break into three is when Nemo is captured by the dentist and taken away from his father, leading to a new phase of the story.
12. Dark Night of the Soul - The dark night of the soul is the moment when the protagonist questions their choices and beliefs, and must find the strength to continue their journey. It typically occurs shortly after the all is lost moment, around the 75-90 minute mark in the film or on page 105-120 of the screenplay.
Dark Night of the Soul - In "Rocky", the dark night of the soul is when Rocky realizes that he can't win the fight against Apollo Creed and must find the courage to keep going.
13. Finale - The finale is the climactic sequence where the protagonist faces their biggest challenge and overcomes it. It typically occurs in the final 15-20 minutes of the film or on page 120-135 of the screenplay.
14. Final Image - The final image is the last shot of the film, which should leave a lasting impression on the audience. What do you want your audience to remember about your story? It typically occurs in the final few seconds of the film.
You've completed The Screenplay Workbook and outlined your own unique story using the structure and elements of a successful Hollywood screenplay. Now it's time to take your ideas to the next level and start writing your screenplay. In the next module, we'll cover the fundamentals of scene construction, dialogue, pacing, and other essential techniques for bringing your story to life on the page. So stay tuned, and keep the creative juices flowing!