The 90 Day Screenplay: From Concept To Polish - Alan Watt [FULL INTERVIEW]

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to developing a screenplay in 90 days, inspired by Alan Watt's insights from his interview on Film Courage. Whether you are a first-time writer or an experienced screenwriter, this structured approach will help you streamline your writing process from concept to polish.

Step 1: Define Your Concept

• Identify the core idea: Start by writing down the central theme or message of your screenplay. What story do you want to tell?
• Create a logline: Summarize your screenplay in one or two sentences. This will help clarify your vision and guide your writing.
• Research and inspiration: Explore existing works similar to your concept for inspiration and to understand the genre.

Step 2: Develop Your Characters

• Character profiles: Create detailed profiles for your main characters, including their backgrounds, motivations, and relationships.
• Character arcs: Outline how each character will grow or change throughout the story. This adds depth to your narrative.

Step 3: Outline Your Screenplay

• Three-act structure: Break down your story into three acts:
  1. Setup: Introduce characters and establish the setting.
  2. Confrontation: Present challenges and conflicts the characters face.
  3. Resolution: Conclude the story, resolving conflicts and showing character development.
• Scene breakdown: List scenes for each act, detailing key events and character interactions.

Step 4: Write the First Draft

• Set a daily writing goal: Aim for a specific word count or page count each day to keep you on track.
• Focus on completing the draft: Don’t get bogged down by perfection. The goal is to finish the first draft without self-editing.

Step 5: Revise and Polish

• Take a break: After completing your draft, step away for a few days to gain perspective.
• Read through your screenplay: Identify areas that need improvement, such as character development, pacing, and dialogue.
• Seek feedback: Share your screenplay with trusted peers or writing groups for constructive criticism.
• Final edits: Incorporate feedback and make final adjustments to enhance clarity and impact.

Step 6: Prepare for Submission

• Formatting: Ensure your screenplay follows industry-standard formatting. Use software like Final Draft or Celtx for ease.
• Create a query letter: Write a compelling query letter to pitch your screenplay to agents or production companies.
• Research submission guidelines: Each agent or company may have specific requirements, so tailor your submissions accordingly.

Conclusion

Writing a screenplay in 90 days is an achievable goal with the right structure and commitment. By following these steps—defining your concept, developing characters, outlining, drafting, revising, and preparing for submission—you can efficiently bring your screenplay to life. Embrace the process and enjoy the journey of storytelling!