

If an outline contains a scene breakdown, action and dialogue, it will allow you to focus on making each scene as good as possible, and the actual writing of your screenplay will become an easier, more effective process. A general rule of thumb is that the more detailed your outline is, the better it will serve you when it comes time to write your screenplay. An outline can be as detailed as the writer needs it to be: it can be a simple breakdown of story elements, or it can be more comprehensive, including action and even lines of dialogue.

But what exactly is an outline, and what is the most effective way to create one?Īn outline is a scene-by-scene breakdown of the entire story of your screenplay. A lot of industry professionals will tell you that most of the real work of screenwriting is done in the outline. As your screenwriting career progresses, you may also be asked to provide an outline to producers or production company and studio executives before you commence writing a project for them. Many professional screenwriters recommend creating an outline before you begin writing your screenplay.
