If you're thinking about writing a cinematic story and not sure where to start, this article is for you.
Writing a story for a film is different from writing for a novel, theatrical production, television show, or other media. Each has its own unique forms, techniques and expectations. A cinematic story needs actions, images and external conflict.
For example, a novel may describe in several paragraphs what a character might be thinking or their inner conflict while exploring external conflict. In a screenplay, however, most of the story is externalized. Of course, story elements like voiceovers and dialogue can be used. However, take care that your story doesn't fall into the realm of a theatrical play.
In a theatrical stage play, it is all external conflict and heavily dependent on dialogue and characters talking to each other to get the story across to the audience. For a visual cinematic story, we have to find the right formula to resonate with the audience through the images we choose and the external conflict our characters express through actions.
Finally, unlike the television programme, the cinematic film doesn't have the luxury of time. A television show can develop a story and its characters over several episodes and seasons. Of course, some exceptions deviate from the norm, like the Harry Potter series, Hush trilogy, or Netflix films, for example, in more recent developments. However, even in these serial type films, they still have clear beginnings, middles, and ends.
Therefore, if you are thinking of a traditional feature or short film, you need to ask yourself, can this story be told within a certain timespan? Short films can generally range anywhere up to 40 minutes and feature films 60-120 minutes.
So. You have a story idea, but is it a cinematic story? Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your story:
Is this a visual story driven by the images and actions the audience is seeing?
Can you see a clear beginning, middle and end in your story?
Is it dramatic?
What world is your story set in?
What obstacles are your protagonist or main character confronting while pursuing their goals?
Whether your film is 5 or 50 minutes or even a trilogy, ask yourself, are your protagonist's goals compelling enough to hold the audience's attention?
Remember when we said a cinematic story needs action? Well, are your characters active?
Even before thinking about the audience, are you excited about your story idea and committed to it? The cliché writing is rewriting is a cliché for a reason, and you will be spending some time devoted to it until the final draft.
Finally, what about your story compels you? Pinpointing a few things that draw you to it will certainly help when story pitching comes and keep you focused while writing.
If you think you're ready to share your idea with others for feedback but aren't sure how to do it concisely, lookout for the next story basics article on loglines. Until next time, happy writing!
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