4 Key Elements of a Winning Screenplay

Hollywood, CA is the city where most people go to follow through on their aspirations to become the next Meryl Streep or Steven Spielberg. With nothing in their pockets but a dollar and a dream, inexperienced filmmakers travel to Hollywood with high hopes. They bank it all with an story idea they believe will be the next great box office hit. But, unfortunately, these young Spielberg’s don’t make it far because of a poorly written (and explained) story concept and synopsis.

Every industry, be it music or film, has certain standards and a way to do things. Aspiring music artists are told to press up CDs, create a press kit, etc to show off their professionalism. Labels want to see if the artist has invested in his or her career. In the film and television world, filmmakers and script writers must do the same. For writers, there are several components necessary to development a professional screenplay. According to WikiHow, in order for your screenplay to be sold to producers over at Screen Gems, Paramount, MGM, and so forth, a winning screenplay must include the following four key elements:

Treatment

A treatment is your marketing tool and what you will use to sell your screenplay.This is the most important document you will create that will help producers decide if they want to read in full and/or purchase your screenplay. Treatments include three components: Title, Logline, and Synopsis.

Title

Titles tell it all. A great title triggers the imagination, and suggests what the movie is about. A clever twist on a familiar phrase, such as “Meet The Parents”, is loaded with expectation. We understand the inherent drama, conflict or anticipation of meeting a fiance’s parents, and our imagination starts delivering the possible scenarios. Very blunt or direct titles also work. “The Matrix”, or “The Beach” are straight forward titles that make us want to know “what is that world or story about?”. Screenplays that explore character studies, such as “Forrest Gump”, are unique to their story and character. The reader and audience are willing to explore what its about.

Logline

Regardless of title and story, the most important element in pitching your screenplay is the Logline. This is the short pitch. A one or two sentence description of the basic concept, and unique hook that your story has. This is what Producers will read and know if they have confidence to take the time and read the script, as well as being able to market the script to studios.

Synopsis

A detailed synopsis of your screenplay should be 3 to 7 pages, and illustrate the most important plot points in your storyline. Focus on the exploits of your main character, as well as defining the three main acts.

• Act 1 typically sets the unique circumstances that propel our story and character’s agenda.
• Act 2 is split into two smaller acts (a, and b).
• 2a brings momentum to the challenges your main character faces, as the various plots are woven.
• 2b typically brings a surprise conflict or challenge that must be overcome. This is the “twist” that may put your character’s agenda at risk, and complicate it to a point of being compelling and entertaining to watch.
• Act 3 brings resolution to your plot and character’s agenda. Themes of redemption, revenge, confirmation of love, victory, or acceptance are all common themes.

Your screenplay should identify the concept of the story. When pitching your idea to producers, the story and all of its key elements must make sense and be appealing. Don’t be discouraged if your “great idea” is shot down by producers. Spielberg nor John Singleton wasn’t born in a day. Take your time on the screenplay. Make sure it is Hollywood ready and keep pitching the story until someone recognizes your talent.

Good luck!