[Film] How to Write a Synopsis

How to Write a Synopsis 

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  First off, what is a synopsis and why write one? Professionals in the film industry – those intrigued by your concept, won't always ask to read your script. Why? They simply do not have the time so instead, they ask you to send over or leave a synopsis or one-sheet. A synopsis hits on all the important beats, moments, or elements in your screenplay.

 

  The good news is that being able to write a synopsis is crucial when it comes to leaving a one-sheet if your pitch is successful. One-sheets are usually no more than a page in length and have more than just your synopsis on them but the synopsis part is definitely one of the most important elements contained on it aside from your contact information.

 

  Knowing how to write a synopsis is part of the trade. A writer definitely limits themselves if they do not have this ability. In fact, consider this “how-to” as the first step in becoming an expert at writing a synopsis... Read more articles and experiment with different techniques until you feel both comfortable and confident that your synopses are doing their job. Becoming an expert comes with practice. A great exercise is to pick a few of your favorite films and write out both a logline and synopsis for them.

 

  A synopsis is really nothing more than a short description of your screenplay. The typical synopsis consists of a plot summary of the screenplay on one side of a sheet of paper and usually contains no more than 400 words. It highlights your main characters and what they go through during your story. A good synopsis will focus a lot of attention to conflict and resolution. 

 

  Many synopses are written after completion of the screenplay but it's often a good idea to write out a synopsis before you even begin with FADE IN on your screenplay especially if you're trying to sell an idea to a producer ahead of time.

 

  A good synopsis a very good tool to help writers develop an idea for a screenplay and eventual movie. A synopsis does not try to tell the whole story... Rather, it focuses on a few characters and the most important parts of the story. A good synopsis makes the person who reads it want to see the movie.

 

 

 Elements to be aware of when writing a good synopsis...

 

• Limit your synopsis to one page or less.

• Include a sentence or two about your beginning scenes.

• Describe where the story happens and at least the major character.

• Other characters can be introduced, but don’t make the synopsis too detailed.

• Include the most important conflict or events in the story.

• Use the present tense except for events that come before the story.

• Link synopsis paragraphs to one another in a logical way – so they flow.

• Write your synopsis paragraphs so anyone can understand your story.

• Try to convince your reader that your story is interesting and would make a great movie.

• Include a sentence or two about your ending scenes.

• Let your voice or style come through in your synopsis.

• Always proofread your synopsis for correct style, grammar, and usage.

   

   

  The test your synopsis, ask yourself the following questions...

• Does my synopsis give a producer an accurate view of my story?

• Based on my synopsis, could a producer easily pitch my screenplay to others?

• Can my synopsis be easily understood or is it too complicated of a read?

• Is my synopsis bogged down with too many unimportant or unnecessary details?

   

   

  Checklist for Writing a Screenplay Synopsis if using it to pitch your screenplay...

• At the top of the page, you want your title... Underneath your title, it's a good idea to let anyone reading your synopsis that it is in fact, a synopsis... So underneath your title, skip a line and on the next line, type, “Synopsis by” without the quotation marks. Now skip another line and type your name and underneath that, your contact information.

• Let your reader know what kind of setting your story/screenplay takes place in. Give them both the time and place, along with a little bit of background information.

• Use third person to tell your story in three acts i.e., follow the order of your story/screenplay.

• Use present tense to write the story in your synopsis.

• Briefly describe your main characters as they appear in your story.

• Be sure to include any key or important scenes and culminating events.

• Do not include any dialogue from any of your characters unless absolutely necessary.

• When revealing your ending, be sure to tie up all loose ends.
  
  

 

Film <1917 (2019, Sam Mendes)>