How to Outline A Screenplay

Importance of Outlining

• Professional screenwriters often create outlines before writing a screenplay.
• Outlines may be required by producers or studio executives.
• Most of the real work of screenwriting is considered to be in the outlining stage.

What is an Outline?

• A scene-by-scene breakdown of the screenplay’s entire story.
• Can range from simple story elements to detailed actions and dialogue.
• More detailed outlines facilitate easier and more effective screenplay writing.

Benefits of Outlining

• Allows changes without the pressure of rewriting the screenplay.
• Enables experimentation with plot points and structure without stress.
• Easier to fix problems in the outline stage than after screenplay completion.

Outline Length

• Varies depending on the writer’s needs or studio requirements.
• Personal outlines may be brief (~10 pages), studio outlines can be extensive (up to 40 pages).

Method of Outlining

• List every scene with as much detail as possible.
• Use headers for each scene as they would appear in the screenplay.

Example Scene Outline

• INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY: Introduces David, a professional screenwriter.
• INT. COFFEE SHOP GARAGE – LATER: David exhibits self-defense skills against a Wanna-Be screenwriter.
• INT. FERRARI – MOVING FAST: David, in a car chase, speaking to his agent.

Flexibility in Outlining

• Outlines serve as a guide but should not restrict creativity.
• Stay open to inspiration and let the story evolve beyond the original outline if needed.

Outlining with Final Draft

• Outlines remain with the screenplay and are customizable.
• Index Cards: Digital index cards without the need for paper.
• Beat Board: Visual organization space for ideas.
• Outline Elements + Editor: Interface to send outlines to script, providing a structural overview.

Additional Resources

• Explore Final Draft’s outlining tools here.