Story Maps: How To Write A GREAT Screenplay - Daniel Calvisi [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to guide aspiring screenwriters through the process of crafting a compelling screenplay using the insights shared by Daniel Calvisi in his interview with Film Courage. By following these structured steps, you will gain a clear understanding of the story mapping approach and how to implement it in your screenwriting process.

Step 1: Develop Your Core Idea

• Start with a strong, central concept that captures the essence of your story.
• Ask yourself:
  • What is the main conflict?
  • Who are the primary characters involved?
  • What themes do you want to explore?
• Write a one-sentence logline encapsulating your idea. This will serve as a guide throughout your writing process.

Step 2: Create Character Profiles

• Flesh out your main characters by detailing:
  • Their background, motivations, and goals.
  • Key relationships with other characters.
  • Their arcs—how they change from beginning to end.
• Consider using character sheets to organize this information clearly.

Step 3: Outline Your Story Structure

• Use a story mapping technique to outline your screenplay. Focus on the following key structural components:
  • Act 1 (Setup): Introduce characters and establish the world.
  • Act 2 (Confrontation): Present the main conflict and challenges faced by the characters.
  • Act 3 (Resolution): Conclude the story and resolve character arcs.
• Break down each act into specific scenes, ensuring they have clear objectives and serve the overall narrative.

Step 4: Write a Treatment

• Create a detailed treatment that summarizes your screenplay in a few pages. Include:
  • Major character arcs.
  • Key plot points for each act.
  • Themes and subplots you want to weave throughout the story.
• This document should communicate your vision and help refine your screenplay before you begin writing.

Step 5: Draft the Screenplay

• Begin writing your screenplay using industry-standard formatting. Use software like Final Draft or Celtx for ease.
• Focus on:
  • Writing visually and succinctly.
  • Maintaining a consistent tone and style.
  • Keeping dialogue natural and character-specific.
• Aim for a complete first draft without getting bogged down by perfection.

Step 6: Revise and Edit

• After completing your first draft, take a break before revising to gain perspective.
• Focus on:
  • Structure: Ensure that your screenplay flows logically and maintains tension.
  • Characterization: Confirm that the characters’ actions align with their motivations.
  • Dialogue: Make sure it sounds authentic and serves the plot.
• Seek feedback from trusted peers or writing groups to gain insights into areas for improvement.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively harness the principles of story mapping to write a screenplay that resonates with audiences. Remember to stay patient and flexible throughout the process. Each draft is an opportunity to refine your story, so embrace feedback and continuously evolve your work. Happy writing!