Without a script there is no movie. So if you want to make your first film, the most important thing that you will need is a script! Now where you get this script is completely up to you, whether you write it yourself, hire a writer to write for you, or find a spec script all of these will work just fine.
It is so important that the script you choose to go with has a story that is interesting and keeps your audiences attention. To see if your script is truly a great script, measure it using the screenwriting formula. The screenwriting formula is the idea that every GREAT script has 5 uh-ohs, 5 oh-shits, and 1 oh my gosh! If your story can be told in 90 pages fulfilling the screenwriting formulas requirements you have a great script on your hands!
If you are going to buy a script there are many points that you should be sure to mention in your deal memo. First you should clearly state your purchase price. If you are going to option the script note the time period the option is in effect (never option a script for less than twelve months) along with the option price. Lastly be sure to include the terms for renewal and any necessary payment schedule.
If you think you have the creative juices to write a feature length script go for it! It is important to remember from the second you dream up your movies concept that ideas aren’t protectable, treatments are protectable. What this means is that you should take your movies concept and compose a treatment and get that registered with the Writers Guild so your idea is now protected.
Writing your own script’s first draft can easily be done in three weeks. The first week you begin scriptwriting; focus on creating the title of your story. This is so important as this is really what will set the tone for the story. Next write the heart or major theme of the movie. In other words what do you want your audience to leave the theater with? Now you can dream up the perfect logline for your film. This usually hits the major key points: the good guy, bad guy, settling, situation and continues to say “and complications arise when…” With your idea all organized begin to compose the treatment you need to protect your idea. This includes the beginning, who, what, when, where, and why, and the ending. Be sure to stick to the formula and know how the rollercoaster ride will play out through the film. Lastly outline the structure of the entire story. Using 4x5 index cards, one fore each scene, create 40 to 60 scene descriptions and place them on your wall in the form of the rollercoaster.
After your week of really ironing out the idea, the following weeks can be used to create subplots and the actual dialogue for the film. As for your dialogue writing remember to write like people talk!! Once you have your first draft, work it over a few more times to finalize it, then grab some friends and make a movie!
