Screenwriting Research
Screenwriting research is absolutely crucial in my opinion, and in this article I’m going to explain why.
But first, let’s look at the big picture and where research fits in. For me, the process of writing a screenplay could be broken down into the following steps (in approximately this order):
If you’re looking at the entire cycle of not only creating but also selling your screenplay, you would add a few more steps: copyright registration followed by effective marketing.
But let’s go over the first step above – research.
Research does vary dramatically in subject matter and depth depending on what kind of screenplay you’re writing. But in my humble opinion, research is needed for every single screenwriting project.
Why? Well, some research is always needed – even if it just means researching similar films in your genre.
You should definitely be familiar with films that are already out there which are similar to the script you are creating. That is crucial research. I highly recommend making a list of films that are similar to the one you want to write, and then going ahead and watching them.
You see, there are general rules regarding planning and structure and tone and characters for all screenplays. But each genre really is different from the next. For example, whereas screenplays in general are 90-120 pages in length, animated family comedies are generally closer to 90-100 pages in length, with their First Act being shorter (usually only 12-20 pages as opposed to 20-30 pages generally).
Not to mention, of course, how each genre has a very distinct tone. Comedies and dramas. Horrors. Westerns. Romantic comedy. Different tones.
So, know your genre. And know the films that are similar to yours.
But beyond those things, with some scripts and genres you might think you don’t need to do any more screenplay research. Like a horror movie. Or a fantasy. You just dream up what you want in the film.
But even in those cases, a little bit of screenplay research could go a long way. For example, you watch a Youtube video and learn about a cannibalistic insect that sucks its prey to death, which you then incorporate as a unique trait for your villain in the script. Voila!
Or for your fantasy, you do a bit of research about myths and legends and discover some fantastic Gaelic myths about fairies that gives you a great idea for your script. Voila!
More research and more knowledge can never hurt you. It can only give you more options.
But first, let’s look at the big picture and where research fits in. For me, the process of writing a screenplay could be broken down into the following steps (in approximately this order):
- Researching
- Planning
- Writing
- Re-writing & polishing
If you’re looking at the entire cycle of not only creating but also selling your screenplay, you would add a few more steps: copyright registration followed by effective marketing.
But let’s go over the first step above – research.
Research does vary dramatically in subject matter and depth depending on what kind of screenplay you’re writing. But in my humble opinion, research is needed for every single screenwriting project.
Why? Well, some research is always needed – even if it just means researching similar films in your genre.
You should definitely be familiar with films that are already out there which are similar to the script you are creating. That is crucial research. I highly recommend making a list of films that are similar to the one you want to write, and then going ahead and watching them.
You see, there are general rules regarding planning and structure and tone and characters for all screenplays. But each genre really is different from the next. For example, whereas screenplays in general are 90-120 pages in length, animated family comedies are generally closer to 90-100 pages in length, with their First Act being shorter (usually only 12-20 pages as opposed to 20-30 pages generally).
Not to mention, of course, how each genre has a very distinct tone. Comedies and dramas. Horrors. Westerns. Romantic comedy. Different tones.
So, know your genre. And know the films that are similar to yours.
But beyond those things, with some scripts and genres you might think you don’t need to do any more screenplay research. Like a horror movie. Or a fantasy. You just dream up what you want in the film.
But even in those cases, a little bit of screenplay research could go a long way. For example, you watch a Youtube video and learn about a cannibalistic insect that sucks its prey to death, which you then incorporate as a unique trait for your villain in the script. Voila!
Or for your fantasy, you do a bit of research about myths and legends and discover some fantastic Gaelic myths about fairies that gives you a great idea for your script. Voila!
More research and more knowledge can never hurt you. It can only give you more options.
When do you know that you’ve done enough research for your screenplay?
That’s a very subjective answer, it’s really up to you.
Generally, it would be at the point where your planning is complete. When you have your premise, plot, characters and plot points very well mapped out. When you’re very certain about what you’re going to write.
Of course, if at any point of the screenwriting process, you feel uncertain about something in your script, you can always do some additional research in order to become more certain.
In fact, I believe research is the number one cure for writer's block. Any time you find yourself stuck, try doing some research and see where that takes you. I'm always getting ideas when I do more research. Some I throw away, some I keep. But it always helps move things forward.
I remember once being halfway through writing the first draft of a script and being a bit stuck with what to include in two separate sequences about a watch seller being robbed in Puerto Rico and Honolulu. All I knew was that someone had to rob him of his briefcase, but I wasn’t sure where to set these scenes. I wanted this watch seller’s briefcase to get taken from him in some interesting situations. But I had no experience and knew very little about Puerto Rico and Honolulu. So, I did some research about both. During my research I learned about Calle San Sebastián, the Puerto Rican version of Mardi Gras, a festival where crowds of locals line the streets while musicians, stilt walkers, clowns and people wearing giant paper-maché heads parade through the streets. Wow, what an amazing setting! And one where I could easily see a salesman getting distracted. So I put it in the script. The salesman was selling to a woman in a plaza in the middle of a crowd while they were watching the parade. Great!
Generally, it would be at the point where your planning is complete. When you have your premise, plot, characters and plot points very well mapped out. When you’re very certain about what you’re going to write.
Of course, if at any point of the screenwriting process, you feel uncertain about something in your script, you can always do some additional research in order to become more certain.
In fact, I believe research is the number one cure for writer's block. Any time you find yourself stuck, try doing some research and see where that takes you. I'm always getting ideas when I do more research. Some I throw away, some I keep. But it always helps move things forward.
I remember once being halfway through writing the first draft of a script and being a bit stuck with what to include in two separate sequences about a watch seller being robbed in Puerto Rico and Honolulu. All I knew was that someone had to rob him of his briefcase, but I wasn’t sure where to set these scenes. I wanted this watch seller’s briefcase to get taken from him in some interesting situations. But I had no experience and knew very little about Puerto Rico and Honolulu. So, I did some research about both. During my research I learned about Calle San Sebastián, the Puerto Rican version of Mardi Gras, a festival where crowds of locals line the streets while musicians, stilt walkers, clowns and people wearing giant paper-maché heads parade through the streets. Wow, what an amazing setting! And one where I could easily see a salesman getting distracted. So I put it in the script. The salesman was selling to a woman in a plaza in the middle of a crowd while they were watching the parade. Great!
Ideas for Screenplay Research
Some examples of what you can research (some of these are more relevant to certain genres than others):
But the subject matter of your research could really be anything.
- A setting (country, city, part of a city)
- Historical events,
- Historical figures,
- A character’s profession,
- Local customs,
- Technology,
- Weapons.
But the subject matter of your research could really be anything.
Conclusion
Part of a screenwriter’s job is to write something interesting and real. But we don’t always have something interesting to write. We don’t always have something we know about. Research is the bridge to that.
Research gives you options. For a screenwriter, options are always good.
Anything you don’t know about, you can get to know.
And you have no reason not to. With the internet, Google, Youtube, TV and your plain old book or library card, it's easier than ever before.
It is work. And it’s not always easy or exciting. But it’s essential.
So... do your research!
And use that knowledge to create a great script!
Next article: Plan Your Screenplay
Return to the main Screenwriting Tips page
Research gives you options. For a screenwriter, options are always good.
Anything you don’t know about, you can get to know.
And you have no reason not to. With the internet, Google, Youtube, TV and your plain old book or library card, it's easier than ever before.
It is work. And it’s not always easy or exciting. But it’s essential.
So... do your research!
And use that knowledge to create a great script!
Next article: Plan Your Screenplay
Return to the main Screenwriting Tips page