Hey,
I'm finishing up my first real script-script that I want to put out there. So I'm working on the logline and synopsis. How long is a synopsis supposed to be?
I checked Google and I keep seeing everything from 500 words, to "no more than 3 pages." So what's the deal with them?
Thanks!
I tend to write my synopsis using one to two paragraphs. 3 pages sounds like more than a synopsis.
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There's no fixed rule. The goal is to help the reader understand the key elements of the story quickly, with a little flavor that captures the tone (without being too cute or hyperbolic). It's a sales tool. Usually a page or less is appreciated. Think of it like telling your story at a bar to an audience. If the reader is interested, your script might get read. If the reader likes your script, your synopsis will help the reader "pitch" your script to his or her boss. It also shows you understand what your own story is about. If you as the writer can't write a nice clear synopsis, it's not a good sign.
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Your synopsis - what in the industry is referred to as your 'leave behind' - is generally in the two page format but there is no specific guideline.
Ask whoever you're sending it to how long it should be. Then tailor it appropriately.
Follow up question. Do you reveal the ending in a synopsis?
Christian - Yes. Unless if the movie's made and the synopsis is for potential viewers.
For every script I write, I write a "one-sheet" synopsis. All it has is the script's title, my name and contact info at the top, and then I boil the story down to fit on the rest of the page.
Alright maybe this will help. It's what Doug Nelson called "a leave behind" something to put up on my stage 32 account / site and also use to pitch and such.
So I'm hearing that there's no real guideline, but keep it short as possible. So far I have it boiled down to a page and a half. There's a lot of action and movement.
I saw an example of synopsis for Star Wars (ep IV) which was about that length so I'm thinking it might be ok. Or am I still being dense?
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This might be an idea that will raise some outrage, but hear me out.
If this is your first script, you might want to consider buying script reader coverage - as they will usually write a pretty good log line and synopsis AND do a pretty good critique of your script.
There;s lots of them. Just google. --- The readers can be very good, but it's hit or miss getting a reader that understands/likes your genre - and they might spend a week on your script or two hours.
The readers at the link I mentioned give a discount for your first script and are very professional. It's the best $100 or so you can spend for a script, but some writers say there are better ones out there - I just don't know who they are. Some are much more expensive though.