7 Essential Screenwriting Tips for Indie Filmmakers

Creating a compelling screenplay is crucial for indie filmmakers seeking to make their mark in the industry. With the right tools and techniques, you can enhance your storytelling and create captivating narratives that resonate with audiences. Here are seven essential scriptwriting tips to guide you on your journey to indie film success!

1. Start with a Strong Concept

A compelling screenplay begins with a strong concept. This is the foundation of your story and should be clear and engaging. Ask yourself:

• What is the core idea of your film?

• How does it resonate with your target audience?

Highlighting your unique angle will make your screenplay stand out. For instance, consider the film Get Out (2017), which brilliantly combines horror with social commentary, addressing themes of race and identity. Writer/Director Jordan Peele explored a very unique concept – what is it to be objectified or colonized by an alternate consciousness? And while that has been done with alien films, this was done by a group that has a history of objectifying the black race which is one of the reasons the film garnered such attention. It was an interesting concept we hadn’t seen before. 

2. Develop Your Characters

Characters are the heart of any story. Create rich, complex characters that audiences can relate to. Focus on:

• Character Goals: What do your characters want? Their goals drive the plot.

• Backstory: Give depth to your characters by crafting a backstory that influences their motivations.

• Develop Interesting Character Arcs: Developing interesting character arcs helps bring growth and transformation, making characters feel real and relatable.

Good Example: In Lady Bird (2017), the protagonist has a clear goal of escaping her hometown while navigating her tumultuous relationship with her mother. This drives the narrative and creates emotional depth. Good Will Hunting (1997) also illustrates these principles; Will’s journey of self-discovery is driven by his painful past and longing for belonging. 

Similarly, The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) showcases how goals and personal challenges shape a character’s arc, providing viewers with an inspiring journey of resilience and ambition.

Bad Example: A flat character with no clear desires or development, such as a stereotypical “love interest” with no backstory, can make your screenplay feel uninspired.

3. Embrace Conflict

Conflict is essential for a compelling narrative. It propels your story forward and keeps viewers engaged. Consider:

• Internal Conflict: Characters struggling with their own desires or morals.

• External Conflict: Challenges faced from other characters or the environment.

Types of Conflict:

• Man vs. Self: The character grapples with personal dilemmas (e.g., Black Swan).

• Man vs. Man: Conflicts with other characters (e.g., The Godfather).

• Man vs. Society: Characters face societal pressures (e.g., 12 Years a Slave).

• Man vs. Nature: Struggles against natural forces (e.g., The Revenant).

Suggestions for Writers:

• Develop key conflicts early in your screenplay and ensure they align with your characters’ goals.

• Use conflict to explore deeper themes and character growth.

Examples of Conflict-Driven Themes:

• A Beautiful Mind uses internal conflict to explore mental illness and love’s redemptive power.

• The Dark Knight juxtaposes Batman and the Joker in a philosophical battle over justice, chaos, and morality.

• Parasite uses societal conflict to critique class disparities, weaving its theme through each character’s struggle.

4. Structure Your Script Effectively

While traditional three-act structures are common, feel free to experiment with different paradigms. However, ensure your script includes:

• Set-up: Introduce characters and the world they inhabit.

• Confrontation: Present the main conflict and obstacles.

• Resolution: Bring closure to the story arc.

Alternative Structures:

• Non-linear storytelling: Disrupt the chronological order to enhance engagement (e.g., Pulp Fiction).

• Circular narratives: End where you began to emphasize character growth (e.g., The Lion King).

Examples of Poor Structure:

• A script that lacks a clear set-up, leading to confusion about character motivations and story direction. Avoid structure issues like:

• No Character Goal: Without defined goals, characters lack direction, making the story feel aimless.

• No Climax: A missing climax can make the plot feel incomplete and leave viewers unsatisfied.

5. Write Natural Dialogue

Dialogue should sound realistic and serve a purpose. To achieve this:

• Listen to Real Conversations: Observe how people speak in everyday life.

• Read Screenplays by Writers You Like: Aaron Sorkin, Taylor Sheridan, Tennesse Williams are just a few examples of writers whose dialogue jumps off the page.

• Character Voice: Ensure each character has a distinct voice and style of speaking.

Tips for Writing Dialogue:

• Keep it concise.

• Avoid exposition-heavy dialogue.

• Use subtext to convey deeper meaning.

Good Example: The dialogue in Before Sunrise (1995) feels organic and relatable, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the characters. The Social Network (2010) uses quick, sharp dialogue to highlight character intelligence and underlying tension. Good Will Hunting (1997) offers emotionally charged exchanges that reveal each character’s vulnerability.

Bad Example: Overly scripted dialogue that sounds forced or unnatural can disconnect the audience from the characters. Avoid repetitive lines or dialogue that explains the obvious, as seen in weaker films that rely on characters restating information.

6. Show, Don’t Tell

Visual storytelling is a powerful tool in film. Instead of explaining, show your audience through action and imagery. For example:

• Actions: Use gestures and expressions to convey emotion.

• Setting: Create a vivid atmosphere that reflects the story’s tone.

Good Example: In Moonlight (2016), the story unfolds through powerful visual metaphors, allowing emotions to resonate without excessive dialogue. A Quiet Place (2018) effectively uses silence and subtle movements to create suspense and reveal character dynamics. Drive (2011) relies heavily on visuals and mood, using few words to convey intensity and relationships.

Bad Example: A script that relies heavily on narration to explain emotions rather than illustrating them visually loses impact. For instance, a film where characters continuously verbalize “I’m so sad” rather than showing sadness through actions or setting lacks depth.

7. Revise and Seek Feedback

Once your draft is complete, take the time to revise and refine. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to gain fresh perspectives. Remember:

• Multiple Drafts: Great scripts are never written in one go. Aim for several revisions.

• Feedback: Be open to constructive criticism and make necessary changes.

Suggestions for Seeking Feedback:

• Organize script readings with trusted colleagues or mentors.

• Use feedback to identify areas of confusion or potential character development.

By implementing these seven scriptwriting tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating an engaging screenplay that resonates with audiences. Keep experimenting and refining your craft, and don’t forget to watch how successful indie films utilize these principles to tell compelling stories.

Ready to elevate your script writing skills? 

Explore our in-depth resources to further enhance your screenwriting expertise and find out more about the independent filmmaking process! For even more insights on storytelling, check out Transformational Screenwriting, available now on Amazon. This book is designed to help you navigate the intricacies of writing for independent films, ensuring your story captures the imagination of audiences everywhere.

Start your filmmaking journey today!