Q&A for How to Write a Story for Movie

If it's supposed to be a comedy, be proud, but if not, be brave and take note of why they are laughing. Make sure that the people you show your drafts to are willing to offer sincere feedback so you do not get involved with someone who wants to mock you instead of help you.

Have a clear picture about what you want to write. Start an outline, but be sure not to include too much, as your story can become convoluted with too many characters and events; your story should focus on a central storyline. Write a draft, set it aside for a week or so to distance yourself from it a bit (so that any errors become more evident to you), review it, and keep editing and polishing it until you're happy with it. Once you feel it's complete and at its best, begin submitting to editors.

Yes. Talk to a teacher for advice or find someone in your community to help you through the process.

Read horror stories for inspiration, research the supernatural, visit scary places and incorporate these experiences into your movie storyline.

Not usually. There are (in Hollywood productions) specific people called writers/scriptwriters whose job it is to write the script. The director should have some knowledge in this area, especially in regards to interpreting the script. In lower budget productions, the director may play a larger role in the writing process or perhaps have written the story himself.

A regular story can be adapted into a movie, but writing scenes is a good way to really set the stage and include details that will make your movie realistic.

The sequel (provided the first movie is your own creation, or you have the rights to the first movie) can be created one of a couple way. If you're currently writing the first part/movie, set up the potential for a follow-up plot to begin shortly after the conclusion of the ending of the first. Or, If the content has already been released, you have to be extremely dedicated to the original source material. Don't try to create a new universe, instead, opt to add onto the current one.

Many projects use a working title, just to be able to refer to the project while making it. While you're immersed in the project, keep your antennae out for possible good titles. Make a shortlist. Perhaps try out a few titles on small test audiences. If nothing comes to mind, brainstorm and include others if necessary. On the other hand, most good titles are fairly simple, so don't get too carried away. The name of your main character, the city where it takes place, or a single key word might do.

Try ineedaprompt.com. They provide random ideas that can help with story ideas.

Of course. You can use your laptop or PC for it.

Use a flashback. Maybe someone is telling this story from the past. Or, possibly you could get clues throughout the story for the audience to find out.

No, not necessarily. However, keep in mind that your story will have to be long enough to make a full movie out of it.

A synopsis is basically just a very short summary, so focus on highlighting some overall themes and major scenes from the film (avoiding spoilers whenever possible).

Unless you are a very famous and acclaimed screenwriter, you don't need to be on set while they are shooting. But, then again, where they need screenwriters to fix something with the script, they might ask you but it would be most unusual for that to happen while shooting.

Of course! It doesn't matter how old you are. Anyone can create an animated movie series.

To publish books, you can contact publishers online. There are many companies who distribute books made by independent authors. However if you want to self publish, you will need to produce physical copies of your book and market it as much as possible. You could ask bookstores if they want to stock your book, or you could sell them online. See Publish a Book and related articles.

Start by breaking down your story, plot, or treatment into scenes. Make sure each scene moves the story forward and has a purpose. Afterwards, you can use this as a base to write your script.