Writing A Screenplay: What Happens Next?

September 3rd, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting

I’m working away at my new feature script and I’m nearing the end quickly. I’ve reached the point where I definitely know the I want the story to go. I just needed a good great way to get there.

My outline has provided me with a fantastic road map but I’ve never been a fan of writing every single detail in advance. I like to discover the little details of a story as I write.

So I asked myself…

What happens next?

It’s one of the most exciting questions a screenwriter can ask. The question causes you to lean back in your seat and answer:

What does happen next?

The question can be intimidating but I find it exciting. I can make up whatever I want and if I don’t like it? I can make something else up.

The trick is to follow up What Happens Next with:

How can I make my script more interesting?

More entertaining?

So I left my office and retreated to my living room couch with my notes in hand. I knew the broad strokes to the remaining 30 pages or so. I just needed to iron out the little details.

It was time to answer the question.

The process is inspiring. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about these characters and the decisions come naturally now. I know their motivations and no choice I made conflicts with who they are.

Within an hour I had no longer had to answer What Happens Next…

It’s time to challenge myself to make my screenplay as interesting and entertaining as possible.

Back to work.