Developing Story
From seed to draft, story development is the process of crafting a narrative from start to finish. From identifying key points of conflict and tension to distilling notes into cogent loglines, understanding how to develop story is vital for writers at every stage of the screenwriting process. Whether you’re starting from scratch or pitching to producers, mastering this critical skill can help build your career as a writer.
Developing story begins with identifying the core concept behind your idea. Whether it’s a compelling character, a transformative event, or a gripping situation, this central concept serves as the skeleton around which your story will be built. For example, a young inventor with a quirky obsession for creating contraptions that always backfire could serve as the basis for a story about resilience, innovation, and personal growth.
Once you have your concept in place, it’s time to begin building the plot. This starts with determining your story’s goal, motivation, and conflict (GMC) and mapping out the progressive complications that will lead to your characters’ climax. Using the GMC as your guide, you can then identify and fill in the gaps in your story with powerful subplots.
At the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that developing a story is a collaborative process. When the notes from producers and other members of the production team begin to pour in, you need to be ready to work as a team member by listening, responding professionally, and making changes. This is how you boost your reputation as a writer in Hollywood and keep the production process moving forward.