Q&A for How to Write a Simple Screenplay (for Kids)

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How do you start a screenplay?

Melessa Sargent
Professional Writer
Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry. Under Melessa's leadership, SWN has won numbers awards including the Los Angeles Award from 2014 through 2021, and the Innovation & Excellence award in 2020.

Melessa Sargent

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Make sure you know your idea. Write exactly what you want to your script to be about in paragraph form, and really understand your characters as well. Once you've written it all out, you can start to to transfer your ideas and and put them on paper using the correct formatting.

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Question

Can anyone write a movie script?

Melessa Sargent
Professional Writer
Melessa Sargent is the President of Scriptwriters Network, a non-profit organization that brings in entertainment professionals to teach the art and business of script writing for TV, features and new media. The Network serves its members by providing educational programming, developing access and opportunity through alliances with industry professionals, and furthering the cause and quality of writing in the entertainment industry. Under Melessa's leadership, SWN has won numbers awards including the Los Angeles Award from 2014 through 2021, and the Innovation & Excellence award in 2020.

Melessa Sargent

Professional Writer

Expert Answer

Anyone who puts their mind to writing a screenplay can do it. Using script writing software can be a great help. Consider using Final Draft, as it is very easy to use and follows industry standards.

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Question

How do I convince people to join the cast?

Community Answer

Make roles which fit their character, as they might want to cooperate if you have a character which will fit them.

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What if I need ideas?

Community Answer

Use books, music, poems, movies, and real life to inspire you.

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Question

How do I choose the characters?

Community Answer

You can choose the characters any way you want. They can have silly names, unusual features, or anything you want. They're your characters, so it's up to you.

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Question

Do I need to print a script?

Community Answer

No, but it helps.

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Question

How do I find enough actors if I'm just a kid?

Community Answer

You could give give the play to your teacher, and if they approve of it, they could help you find people in your school to act it out with you.

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Question

How do you get people to join your play?

Community Answer

Put up a poster at school and invite them to be in it.

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Question

Do I need to use punctuation marks for speech in a screenplay?

Community Answer

Yes, as it will help the performers know where they have to stop for a pause, what kind of emotion to put into their delivery, etc.

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Question

How can I think of names?

Community Answer

Go to websites and ask for funny names. Otherwise, you could always just take a few words and put together, like Bubble and Cheese. Bubblecheese!

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Question

Can I write the script in my rough notebook?

Community Answer

Yes you can, but afterwards you should print it up or write on lined paper.

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Question

How do I come up with an idea for a screenplay?

Community Answer

You could look online for writing prompts. You could also look online for pictures of settings or objects to spark your inspiration.

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Question

Do I need makeup for my actors?

Community Answer

It can be useful, however, it's not necessary, and you can make a great movie without it.

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Question

Can kids in the drama club write a script?

Anna Dayton

Community Answer

Anyone can write a script, but it takes talent and effort to create a script that is entertaining and worthwhile.

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