I’ve experimented with many different approaches to screenwriting over the years, and eventually created my own formula which I am sharing today.
What I’ve put together is a step by step guide you can follow to develop a strong concept and take it through to a final draft.
It covers some conventional screenwriting tactics, but is specifically written with the no-budget filmmaker in mind. The goal is to help you write a script that you can actually make, not one that will sit in a drawer.
There is no one screenwriting approach that will work for everyone. But the workflow I’m sharing today has allowed me to consistently write screenplays (several of which I’ve made into feature films), and I think it might benefit some of you too.
It covers the writing process from three angles:
- Creative screenwriting (telling your best story)
- Practical screenwriting (writing with no-budget production in mind)
- Actions and workflow (daily steps to take you from idea to script)
How To Use It
Think of this guide as a reference manual. It’s short, to the point, and highly actionable.
I recommend reading it quickly in full, and then coming back to each chapter throughout your writing process.
Each section covers one important stage of the writing process and ends with an action item. For instance, the first section covers concept development and tasks you with creating a variety of story concepts.
Start at the top, read through each section and complete the action items. If you complete each task all the way through, at the end you will have a completed screenplay that is ready to be made.
No-Budget Screenplay Workflow
Below you can access the download link for my No-Budget Screenplay Workflow. I hope you find it to be a helpful tool, and use it to create a film of your own.
If you enjoy it, please let me know by leaving a comment here on the blog and sharing it with a friend.
Download: No-Budget Screenplay Workflow
For those of you looking to turn your script into a feature film, I also have you covered with this step by step video course, designed to help you make a movie without any financing.
When you’re ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:
1. Make a feature film today: The No-Budget Feature Film Blueprint
2. Build your network and sharpen your craft in our community: The Backlot
3. Color grade & polish your footage with my post-production tools on: Cinecolor
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