Part 1: "Development 101 – More Than Just an Outline

Part 1: Development 101 – More Than Just an Outline

When we think of screenwriting, the first thing that often comes to mind is the outline. It’s a roadmap for your script, giving you direction from point A to point B. But what if I told you that screenwriting development goes *way* beyond that? Think of your outline as the skeleton – development adds the muscle, skin, and heart.

Development

Why Development Matters

The development process is crucial because it helps you shape your story before writing the first draft. A well-developed script minimizes plot holes, ensures strong character arcs, and builds a cohesive narrative that flows seamlessly from scene to scene. Skipping this process often leads to weak scripts that need massive rewrites later.

Development lets you explore your story from multiple angles – discovering new subplots, uncovering character motivations, and refining your theme. In short, it’s where the magic happens. Want a killer script? Spend time in development.

Tip: Keep a notebook of alternate ideas while developing. Sometimes those side thoughts are golden later on.

Pun Alert: You can't just "wing it" – unless your script is about a bird.

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Our Concept to Script course takes you step-by-step through developing your idea into a polished first draft. Work at your own pace and receive personalized feedback along the way.

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