Screenwriting Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Screenplay

Front Cover
Maria Johnsen, May 5, 2023 - Performing Arts - 268 pages

I am thrilled to introduce my comprehensive guide, “Screenwriting Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your First Screenplay”. With my extensive experience in script coverage, analyzing over 388 scripts for filmmakers and film students, and my contribution as a ghostwriter for numerous short and feature films, I am certain that this book will prove to be an invaluable resource for aspiring screenwriters.

In this book, I provide a detailed explanation of the screenwriting process, breaking it down into specific points and delving deeper into each step. This approach is part of my pedagogical method in accelerated learning practices in educational systems, designed to facilitate fast and effective learning. If you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed or frustrated, I encourage you to take a break, relax, and return to the book when you are ready to continue reading.

As an experienced screenwriter, I offer practical advice and detailed instruction to help readers gain the skills and confidence needed to write a successful screenplay and navigate the complex entertainment industry. I understand that the world of screenwriting can be daunting, but I believe that with the right tools and insights, anyone can craft compelling stories that capture the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.

Throughout the book, I share my tried and true strategies to help aspiring screenwriters get their foot in the door and provide examples of screenwriting across various genres. I firmly believe that screenplay writing doesn’t have to be complicated, and I offer strategies for making your screenplay viable for production.

Whether you’re a first-time screenwriter or looking to refine your skills, my book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in screenwriting. I invite you to explore the world of screenwriting and to use this book as your guide on your journey towards success.

 

Selected pages

Contents

Introduction
7
Collaborating with Others Chapter 19 Copyrighting Your Screenplay 19 1 Common Misconceptions About Copyright
19
Developing Characters
43
Research and Preparation
65
Revising Your Screenplay
102
Developing Your Screenplays Theme
115
Creating Tension and Conflict
122
The Golden Rule in Storytelling
135
Building a Screenwriting Career
192
Adapting Books and Plays
199
Writing for Television
206
Writing Short Films
216
Collaboration in Screenwriting
224
SelfEditing
231
Working with a Script Doctor Chapter 35 Funding for Your Screenplay Chapter 36 Writing the Treatment Chapter 37 Writing the Logline
252
Final Thoughts
260

Finding Representation
183

Common terms and phrases

About the author (2023)

Maria Johnsen is a film and television writer, director and producer. She has published 43 fiction and nonfiction books, which are on sale in bookstores and online. Some of her non-fiction books are academic and educational materials on post graduate level at universities in North America and Europe such as: “The Business of Filmmaking: Building a Business and Networking Strategies in the Movie Industry”, "The Art of Investing in Film: Strategies for Success", The Search Engine Revolution: From Past to Present and Beyond, “The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Marketing: The next big technological break”, “Blockchain in Digital Marketing: A New Paradigm of Trust”, “Multilingual Digital Marketing: Managing for Excellence in Online Marketing”,” Sales in The Age Of Intelligent Web”. Maria has also written books in German, French and Dutch Languages.

Maria runs Golden Way Media Films, a production and development company in London, UK.

Maria Johnsen is also director and founder of Golden Way Media an award-winning multilingual digital marketing company in Norway. In 2016, she was ranked #6 digital marketing influencer in the world by Onalytica Company who runs Influencer Relationship Management (IRM) solution in the UK and U.S.A. She was also ranked among top 100 global artificial intelligence A.I. and Fintech influencer by the same company.

Maria Johnsen holds a degree in political economy, Beauty Arts from Sorbonne University in Paris, BA in Information technology, BA in informatics, Master of Science degree in Computer Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

Johnsen graduated from Royal Holloway University of London, where she received an M.A., in Film Production, with an emphasis in Writing, Directing and Producing Film and TV.

In 2019 Maria received The International Star Award for quality leadership, innovation and excellence. The convention was held in Geneva, Switzerland.

Maria wrote, directed and produced successful films which are streaming on Amazon Prime in North America, UK, Germany and Japan. Maria ‘s short films are streaming on the following platforms in Australia, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, United States, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala and Panama via Tubi, It is streaming in Brazil nationwide.