Have you ever wondered why movies and television series can get you completely hooked? Do you find yourself wanting to stay at home more often and do nothing else but binge-watch your favorite shows? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

Humans, by nature, are emotional beings. That’s why an engaging film can make you react strongly and feel for the characters. The plot twists, suspense, and all other elements can keep you on the edge of your seat. 

It’s easy to get invested in a character, and it’s sometimes hard to let go of a show when it’s about to end. But have you ever thought about what it’s like to be working behind the screen? Have you ever thought of making your own movie and invest in unique characters that you created yourself? If you want to create an engaging screenplay, check out some useful tips below:    

• Be Inspired

To get started in film making, you need to gather inspiration from your favorite films, shows, and directors. You can do this by simply watching movies, or reading scripts and novels that were successfully turned into screenplays. 

Analyze and break down all the elements that make your favorite movies. This includes the plot, characters, settings, and even some stereotypes used in the stories. Take these elements and tweak them to make it your own. If you’re creating a crime drama, for example, you can study different kinds of stealing scenes in popular movies and shows, then draw inspiration from them.

You can also experiment with different styles and aesthetics. Successful directors are usually known for their distinctive styles. Martin Scorsese, Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino, and Steven Spielberg are just some of them. These directors are known for specializing in a certain niche, theme, or directing style that recurs throughout their work. This makes them unique, but easily recognizable.

• Make It Personal 

To evoke emotions in your film, you must make it personal and invest your time, fears, hopes, questions, and emotions and ensure that all of these reflect in the screenplay. This would take much thought, so it’s best to not rush the process. 

As a director, your main job is to translate the screen writer’s intentions and emotions to the big screen. If writing is not your forte, read this article about how to hire a ghostwriter so that you can have someone who can help breathe life into your project.

• Introduce Your Characters In Style 

Whatever your film’s genre may be, you must always introduce your main characters in style. This is a great way to hook your viewers because it helps them resonate with the characters right off the bat. For example, romantic comedy films like The Kissing Booth, are a hit because the characters are so relatable. Anything about the ups and downs of young love can easily hook young and old audiences alike.

Taking viewers deep into your character’s mind makes your film more compelling to watch. Your viewers should be emotionally engaged with the characters to keep them thrilled and invested in every twist and turn of the story. 

You may consider establishing the character via a first-person narration or point of view storytelling. This is a format that worked well for many shows and movies. That’s because aside from the narration of events in the story, the viewers also get to know the thoughts and perceptions of the character.

• Build Your Climax  

There are various ways to steer your movie towards an explosive climax. For that, you have to start learning the art of building suspense by stirring the audience’s sensory processes. Slow down some important scenes and single out elements that can foreshadow an impending event. Use this in moderation, though, as it can bore your audience too.    

While it may be tempting to end your movie in a predictable manner, this style won’t really make a lasting impression among the audience. Going against the tide, however, makes your film more memorable. This way, viewers will be discussing the themes and ending of your film, and would even inspire more discussion and interpretation among your audience.

• Practice. Practice. Practice

Practice may not make everything perfect, but it can sure help your films improve over time. As with everything else in life, you don’t need to come up with a flawless screenplay for a movie. It’ll take years and perhaps tens of films before perfecting your style. The most important thing is to be open to changes and to evolve.  

When you’ve finished creating a manuscript, have a close friend or family member read it, and ask for feedback and insights on how you can improve the storyline. If you can, have an experienced scriptwriter and filmmaker review it. That’s how you can make points for improvement and eventually refine and master your craft.

The Final Cut

All the elements of filmmaking involve art, and screenwriting is no different. As a form of art, it involves infusing imagination and skills for your piece. You need to build inspiration, refine your storytelling skills, master a unique style, and develop your characters. All these would eventually reflect on your work on the big screen.