The Super Easy, Step-by-Step Template for Writing a Screenplay Outline
by Noi Sabal • April 5, 2023
Today, let’s talk about the importance of writing a screenplay outline. We’ll define what it is, explore why you need one, and discuss the steps you should take to develop a killer outline that can work for any feature script. So let’s dive in!
Writing a screenplay outline is one of the most important steps in the scriptwriting process… yet amateur screenwriters so rarely do it! Developing a script outline and knowing your story BEFORE you write is the foundation for your overall story structure. It serves as a roadmap that helps you stay on course as you write your script, providing a clear and organized structure that ensures your story stays on track.
A script outline is an essential tool for any screenwriter, whether you’re a first-time writer or an experienced pro.
Okay, now that you know you need one… what is it?!
What is a Script Outline?
A script outline is a document that details the critical elements of your story and act structure. It’s a step-by-step guide that helps you organize your thoughts, develop your world and characters, and generally ensures your script has drama & conflict and your screenplay story structure has a beginning, middle, and end — all before you write! And that means, once you start writing, you’ll never be stuck for where to go next!
Writing a screenplay outline can help you avoid many time-consuming challenges screenwriters (of all experience levels!!) can face while writing. Having an Outline allows you to develop your story, identify plot holes, and ensure that your screenplay has a clear structure and narrative.
Top 3 Reasons to Create a Screenplay Outline
- Your screenwriting structure will be stronger
- You’ll write faster because you know where you’re going
- You’ll never get Writer’s Block!
5 Reasons a Script Outline is Important to Screenwriting Structure
- It helps you develop and track characters. An outline enables you to identify your characters and their motivations, allowing you to create more compelling and believable characters
- It saves you time! Writing a script without an outline can be super time-consuming and frustrating. With an outline, you have a clear roadmap guiding you as you write, so you know where you’re going and can get there faster.
- It helps you avoid plot holes. When you have a basic story planned out from beginning to end, you can easily see if there are any gaping holes or inconsistencies in your storyline before you start writing the actual script. This means a more robust story structure (which means less rewriting!)
- It helps you develop a strong story structure. A well-written outline enables you to organize your ideas and structure your story in a way that makes sense and strengthens your story from the very first draft.
- It helps you stay focused while writing. With an outline, you can stay focused on the main plot of your story, avoiding unnecessary subplots and distractions.
Here’s a simple script outline template to help with your screenwriting structure:
Script Outline Template
I. OPENING SCENE: Introductions
– Introduce your main character(s) and their world
– Set the stage for your story with a unique opening scene
II. ACT ONE:
– Establish the world of your story
– Introduce the Theme: What is your story really about
– Introduce your Main Character’s Goals & Motivations
– Introduce the Conflict: what’s stopping them from achieving their Goal?
III. ACT TWO
– Intensify the conflict
– Add complications and obstacles
– Further develop the characters, testing their resolve
IV. Act Three
– Push your main character to the edge
– Resolve the conflict
V. Finale
– Conclude the story: does your character achieve their Goal?
– What’s the last image?
Writing a screenplay outline before you write allows you to see the big picture of your story. It ensures that your screenplay’s structure, plot, characters, and world fit together — before you start the actual writing process. Your outline is super valuable because it helps you organize your ideas, plot points, and characters in a way that makes sense and creates a cohesive story.
But, as always, remember that there is no one right way to write — so there are many different ways to create an outline! Check out the great video below from Behind the Curtain, “How Professional Screenwriters Outline.” There you can see how TONS of different screenwriters brainstorm, outline, and structure. There is no one way! So experiment with different formats and workflows and find the best screenplay outline for you.
In this video you can see how TONS of different screenwriters brainstorm, outline, and structure. So do it on paper, some use cards, some create an outline halfway through writing…. There is no one way! So experiment with different formats and workflows and find the best screenplay outline for you.
And, just so you know, we have two ways to write an outline — for free! — in our online story development platform, making it really easy to create professional quality screenplays.
Screenwriting Ninja has lots of interactive templates and Brainstorm Boards® that will help you create the best possible version of your story. Wanna see? Come and play with our super fun screenwriting tools by grabbing your free-forever trial now.
Want to learn more about screenplay writing? Learn more about screenplay structure on our Ninja Blog.
Or you can check out what the fine folks over at Masterclass say about writing a screenplay outline here.
