Writing a screenplay in 60 days is an ambitious but achievable goal, provided you approach the process with focus and dedication. To help keep you on track, here’s a structured step-by-step plan to guide you through each day of writing your screenplay.
Day 1-7: Conceptualization and Planning
Day 1: Brainstorm Ideas
– Jot down concepts, themes, and genres that interest you. Consider what stories you’re passionate about and what messages you want to convey.
Day 2: Develop Your Logline
– Formulate a one-sentence logline that captures the essence of your screenplay. This should include the main character, their goal, and the central conflict.
Day 3: Character Development
– Create character profiles for your main characters. Outline their motivations, backgrounds, and relationships. Consider how they will evolve throughout the script.
Day 4: Outline Your Structure
– Use a three-act structure or any storytelling framework you prefer. Sketch a basic outline, highlighting key plot points and turning points for your story.
Day 5: Create a Beat Sheet
– Develop a detailed beat sheet that breaks down each act into scenes. Outline what needs to happen in each scene to drive the narrative forward.
Day 6: Research
– Gather any necessary information that will lend authenticity to your screenplay. This could include research on locations, historical events, character professions, etc.
Day 7: Finalize Your Outline
– Revise and finalize your outline and beat sheet. Ensure each scene has a clear purpose and contributes to character development and plot progression.
Day 8-30: Writing the First Draft
Day 8-10: Set a Daily Writing Goal
– Determine your daily word count goal. Aim for 1,500 to 2,000 words a day, adjusting based on your writing pace and time availability.
Day 11-20: Write Act One
– Focus on completing the first act. Introduce your characters, setting, and conflict. Aim for approximately 30 pages.
Day 21-30: Write Act Two
– Move onto the second act, developing the central conflict, character arcs, and conflict intensification. Aim for another 30-40 pages.
Day 31-45: Completing the First Draft
Day 31-38: Write Act Three
– Complete your third act, resolving conflicts and tying up character arcs. This will likely be the culminating action and denouement of your story. Aim for 20-30 pages in this act.
Day 39-45: Finish the First Draft
– Use this time to wrap up any remaining scenes, ensuring your screenplay has a complete narrative arc. Your first draft should be around 90-120 pages.
Day 46-50: Initial Revisions
Day 46: Take a Short Break
– Step away from your screenplay for a couple of days. This will give you time to clear your mind and view your work from a fresh perspective.
Day 47-50: Read Through & Self-Edit
– Read through your screenplay entirely. Take notes on areas that need clarity, pacing adjustments, and character development. Begin self-editing based on these observations.
Day 51-55: Get Feedback
Day 51: Share for Feedback
– Share your screenplay with trusted friends or fellow writers for constructive criticism. Be open to their suggestions for improvement.
Day 52-55: Revise Based on Feedback
– Use the feedback you received to make necessary revisions. Look for consistent themes, character motivations, and pacing.
Day 56-60: Final Polishing
Day 56-58: Polish Your Dialogue and Formatting
– Review dialogue for naturalness and character voice. Ensure the screenplay adheres to industry-standard formatting (using software like Final Draft, Celtx, or WriterDuet).
Day 59: Proofread
– Carefully proofread for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting inconsistencies.
Day 60: Final Review and Print
– Do a final read-through, make any last-minute tweaks, and prepare the script for submission, whether to producers, competitions, or fellow writers.
Additional Tips
- Establish a Routine: Set aside specific times each day to write, treating it like an important appointment.
- Stay Committed: Remind yourself of your goal regularly, keeping your motivation high with mantras, rewards, or accountability partners.
- Limit Distractions: Find a quiet space for writing, turn off your phone, and limit interruptions during your writing sessions.
- Embrace Imperfection: The first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on completing it, knowing you’ll refine it in subsequent revisions.
- Seek Resources: Use online resources, books, or podcasts on screenwriting to guide you along the way.
By following this structured plan and maintaining discipline, you can successfully write a screenplay in 60 days. Remember, the journey of storytelling is personal and rewarding—enjoy the process!
