So you’ve got an idea for a screenplay—a thrilling concept that’s been buzzing around your brain. But the gap between having an idea and completing a full script can feel like a daunting chasm. What if you could bridge that gap in just 30 days?
With the right plan, focus, and a little bit of discipline, you can take your idea from a rough concept to a finished first draft in just one month. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it happen.
Week 1: Build Your Foundation
The first week is all about planning. Diving into your script without a clear roadmap can leave you stuck in the dreaded “act two swamp.” Spend this week laying the groundwork.
Day 1–2: Develop Your Logline
Your logline is your North Star. It’s a single sentence that sums up your story’s core concept, stakes, and hook.
Example: “A paraplegic marine on a distant planet becomes torn between following orders and protecting the world he feels is his new home.” (Avatar)
Pro Tip: Test your logline with friends. If they’re intrigued, you’re on the right track.
Day 3–5: Outline the Three Acts
Most successful scripts follow a three-act structure:
- Act One: Set up your world, protagonist, and inciting incident.
- Act Two: Your protagonist faces escalating challenges.
- Act Three: The story climaxes and resolves.
Tool to Try: Use Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat! beat sheet to outline key story beats, such as the “Catalyst,” “Midpoint,” and “Final Image.”
Day 6–7: Create Character Profiles
Your characters drive the story, so spend time fleshing them out. Focus on their goals, flaws, and arcs.
Character Worksheet:
- Name, age, and background
- Primary goal and what’s at stake if they fail
- Key flaw they’ll overcome by the end of the story
Example: In Knives Out, Benoit Blanc’s meticulous nature and moral clarity make him the perfect foil for the chaotic Thrombey family.
Week 2: Draft Act One
Now it’s time to start writing. Act One typically takes up the first 25–30 pages and establishes your story’s foundation.
Day 8–9: Write the Opening Scene
Your first scene needs to hook readers immediately. Start with action, intrigue, or emotional stakes.
Example: The opening scene of The Social Network introduces Mark Zuckerberg’s character and sets the tone for the entire film through sharp, tension-filled dialogue.
Pro Tip: Avoid exposition-heavy openings. Show, don’t tell.
Day 10–14: Complete Act One
Focus on:
- Introducing your protagonist and their world.
- Establishing the stakes and inciting incident.
- Ending with a “doorway of no return” moment that propels your protagonist into Act Two.
Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers as tribute—a decision that changes her life forever.
Week 3: Conquer Act Two
Act Two is the longest and often the most challenging section. This week is about building tension, raising stakes, and deepening character development.
Day 15–17: Write the First Half of Act Two
This section introduces challenges and allies while building toward the midpoint. Keep the pace tight and the stakes rising.
Example: In Mad Max: Fury Road, the first half of Act Two is an adrenaline-fueled chase that introduces Furiosa’s goals and the stakes of her rebellion.
Day 18–19: Craft the Midpoint
The midpoint is a turning point that changes the direction of your story. It’s often a major twist or revelation.
Example: In Get Out, Chris discovers the horrifying truth about the Armitage family during the “bingo” auction scene.
Day 20–21: Write the Second Half of Act Two
Escalate the stakes and bring your protagonist to their lowest point. This is where everything seems lost.
Example: In The Dark Knight, Batman loses Rachel and feels the full weight of his failure to stop the Joker.
Week 4: Write Act Three
The final week is about bringing everything to a satisfying conclusion. Act Three resolves the story and delivers the payoff for your setup.
Day 22–24: Write the Climax
The climax should be the most emotionally and visually impactful scene in your script. It’s where your protagonist faces their greatest challenge.
Example: In Avengers: Endgame, the final battle brings together every major character for an epic showdown while delivering emotional closure.
Day 25–26: Write the Resolution
Tie up loose ends and show how your protagonist has changed. Leave your audience with a lasting impression.
Example: In La La Land, the bittersweet ending shows Mia and Sebastian’s lives apart, leaving viewers both heartbroken and hopeful.
Day 27–28: Revise and Polish
Your first draft won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Use these days to fix glaring issues, tighten dialogue, and ensure your script flows smoothly.
Tool to Try: Use Highland 2 for easy formatting and revising.
Day 29–30: Get Feedback
Share your script with trusted readers or fellow writers for constructive criticism. Platforms like The Script Lab or writing groups on Stage 32 can help.
Pro Tip: Ask readers specific questions, like, “Did the midpoint surprise you?” or “Did the ending feel satisfying?”
FAQs About Writing a Script in 30 Days
Q: Is it realistic to write a script in 30 days?
A: Absolutely! With proper planning and discipline, many writers have completed first drafts in a month. The key is consistency.
Q: What if I fall behind?
A: Adjust your timeline. Even if it takes longer, the 30-day framework ensures you stay on track.
Q: Do I need screenwriting software to start?
A: While tools like Final Draft or Celtx help with formatting, you can start with Google Docs or Word. Just be sure to format correctly later.
Final Thoughts: From Idea to Script in 30 Days
Writing a screenplay in a month might sound daunting, but it’s entirely achievable with focus and a plan. Whether you’re chasing a high-concept blockbuster or an indie character drama, this guide gives you the tools to turn your idea into a completed draft—one page at a time.
Fresh Resources to Keep You Writing
- Save the Cat! Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody for story structure tips.
- No Film School: Articles and advice for screenwriters.
- Writing Screenplays That Sell by Michael Hauge for insight into commercial storytelling.
