Screenwriting : The right way. by Bardi Osobuanomola Catherine

Yes and no. You have to do what works for you. When I come up with an idea, Ill do an outline first, then start writing the script, once I have a majority done, then Ill come up with a logline, after Ive completed the script, I may or may not even do a synopsis unless I'm asked for one.

Hi Catherine. As others have posted, there's no one right way. The way I do it is mostly the way you had originally posted: Logline - outline - synopsis - script.

As other have said - the "right" way is what works for you. Mine is:

Theme

Characters

Plot outline

Scene beats

Script

Logline

Synopsis

No. Don't look to write a screenplay. Look to tell a compelling story.

Right, I'll start my work. Thank you all.

I go.

Idea

Sample

(if it survives)

Dot points (outline I guess)

More script

Logline (if someone asks or to check I know what it is about)

More script

Synopsis (to send people)

Final script.

As a spec writer I get started and see if there is interest. If someone asked me to pitch it would probably follow your plan.

Yeah, I do logline, outline, synopsis, treatment, script

For me, it starts with an idea, or question, character or situation. I don't write anything at first. It marinates & I think about it. Once the idea forms more I get maybe an opening scene or a few scenes/situations that I think are good, maybe a little dialogue and also something that seems like a fitting ending. Once I have a little something with an ending that seems appropriate at the time then I will start to write. I'll jot down some scenes, ending, basic synopsis, and then start to outline and then write the script.

I personally only even think about a logline when I have a draft I'm comfortable enough with that I'm ready to send it out to people to read. I don't see how I should almost box myself in with a sentence or two before I see where the story takes me.

If you don't have a log line to start you'll wander all over the place. The story needs direction in the beginning. It's doesn't mean the log line might not change some, but it will push the story.

This is the way I do it: Outline, beat-sheet, script. Then I do a structural pass and finish with a language pass.

I'd listen to advice from people who write movies & tv for a living.

Not counting specs (nobody asked for them), writing jobs will require some sort of approved outline/treatment before the screenplay.

So practice now writing outlines, unless you want to write at your own leisure & hobby.

Whatever process works best for you. If you can write the script first, then do that.

I will do just that. I will work with is good for me

There is one question you must each ask & answer for yourself: Screenwriting - do you take it seriously as a potential career or is it just a fun hobby? (There's nothing wrong with eather.)

Doug Nelson exactly.

No. Draw a square, place "logline," "outline," "synopsis," and "script" at the four corners, then draw every possible connection between them. Each of these documents will necessarily co-evolve as the project moves toward completion.

Great post there, Tiffany.

Usually threads that try to spell out a "way" can have opposing views. Art creation is a subject that can get very touchy when people try to explain or suggest (even impose) favored ways to do things.

One thing that maybe everybody can agree on: we can learn a lot about ways and methods on how to create art, and even our original ways can become modified over time - and especially as we learn what works best for us along the way.

My apologies for not remembering the exact wording of a great quote on learning by a great student (Bruce Lee), but it went something like this; “Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own."

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Bardi, and stay safe!

I never imagined I would get so many response, thank you all.

When I started out I would just sit and start writing. Probably not the best way to do it. Then later on I would write a fairly brief three act synopsis and read whatever act I was working on every day before I started writing. That seemed to help me stay focused. I eventually did write a detailed outline to get a few writing gigs. Anyway do what works for you but stay focused and make people want to keep turning pages. Good luck!