How to Write a Screenplay Synopsis: 7 Tips for Screenwriters

Screenwriters, do you want to know how to write a screenplay synopsis but don’t know where to start?

You’re in luck! This guide will teach you how to write an excellent story synopsis that sells your script and intrigues potential buyers! Let’s get started!

What is a Movie Synopsis?

A movie synopsis (also called a “one-page” or “single-page”) is a summary of the film’s major plot points. It should give the reader an idea of the film and what to expect.

A synopsis should not give away any major spoilers or twists but should instead provide a general overview of the entire script.

A compelling movie synopsis will also briefly mention the film’s key characters (especially the protagonist and antagonist) and setting. In addition, a synopsis should try to capture the film’s tone and overall theme.

For example, a synopsis of The Shawshank Redemption would outline key story elements, such as that it is a period piece prison drama about two men – one wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife, and the other a long-term prisoner – who form a bond through their 20 years together under terrible conditions.

It would then describe some of the critical moments in the script, such as Andy’s brutal treatment by guards and prisoners alike, his adaptation to become accepted by both groups, his inclusion into the Warden’s inner circle, and finally, his eventual chance at freedom. In addition, it might mention that it is a film about hope, friendship, and redemption.

In short, a synopsis should give the reader a good idea of what the film is about without giving away too much.

Why Does Your Screenplay Need a Synopsis?

If you want to sell your screenplay, you need a synopsis. Why? Because that’s what producers want to see when they’re considering whether or not to option your script!

A synopsis is typically a one-page script summary from beginning to end. It should include all the major beats of the plot, as well as introduce the main characters and their character arcs. Most importantly, it should be exciting and make the reader want to read the script.

So if you’re wondering why your screenplay needs a synopsis, the answer is simple: because that’s what the people in charge want to see.

How Do I Write a Film Synopsis That Stands Out?

The synopsis is vital when you’re trying to get someone interested in your screenplay. An excellent movie synopsis will give the reader an engaging overview of your story without giving too much away.

A well-crafted short synopsis can be an invaluable tool for marketing your screenplay or movie idea to agents, producers, and other industry professionals. However, simply summarizing the plot is not enough – your synopsis must also be well-written and engaging.

Here are a few movie synopsis writing tips for your next project:

Start with a strong hook. The first paragraph of your synopsis should grab the reader’s attention and give them a taste of what’s to come.

The first part of your synopsis should introduce your main character and emphasize character development. What does he or she want? What’s standing in the way? This is your protagonist’s goal, which should be clear from the start.

Give a brief overview of the major plot points, but don’t give away the ending. You want to leave the reader wanting more.

Highlight the conflict and stakes. What happens if your protagonist doesn’t achieve his or her goal? Raising the stakes will make your story more compelling.

Highlight the themes of your story. What are you trying to say with your script? Make sure that your synopsis conveys the central messages of your narrative.

Use strong verbs and active language. Write in the present tense, and make sure your synopsis is easy to read.

Keep it brief. A synopsis should be no more than one or two pages. Any longer, and you risk losing the reader’s attention.

By following these tips, you can write a film synopsis that will grab attention and leave readers eager to read more!

How to Use a Synopsis to Sell Your Screenplay

A synopsis is a brief summary of a screenplay that highlights the key storyline and characters.

Producers often request a movie synopsis before they decide to read a complete screenplay, as it gives them a quick overview of the story and helps them to determine whether it is something they are interested in. A well-written synopsis can be the difference between a producer taking an interest in a screenplay and passing it over.

A good synopsis should be no more than one or two pages long and should provide enough detail of a film’s storyline to give the reader a clear understanding of the plot and characters without giving away too much. Remember, film professionals prefer brevity, so always aim for a one-page synopsis!

When writing a film synopsis, it is essential to focus on the key elements of the story and avoid including unnecessary details or subplots. The goal is to give the reader a flavor of the screenplay without spoiling the ending.

The Differences Between a Synopsis, a Logline, and a Treatment

So you want to write a script. But before you can start writing, you need to know what exactly you will be writing.

In the film industry, three main types of outlines are used to describe a story: the synopsis, the logline, and the treatment. Although they all serve the same essential function — to give an overview of the entire screenplay — each one has its own unique format and purpose.

A movie synopsis is a one-page script summary of the entire story, including character development, plot twists, and setting details. A synopsis is usually written after the script is finished and is used as a selling tool to entice industry professionals to read the screenplay and convince producers to invest in the project.

A logline, on the other hand, is a one-sentence script summary. Its purpose is not to summarize the entire story but simply to give a brief overview of the plot. A logline is typically used early on in the development process when writers are still working on refining the idea for their story.

Finally, there’s the film treatment, which is the longest and most complex in detail. A film treatment is a scene-by-scene breakdown that describes the key elements of a proposed film or video project. This includes the plot, characters, setting, and other essential details.

A script treatment is typically used to pitch a project to potential investors or partners. It can also be used as a roadmap for the project’s development. Treatments vary in length but are usually between 5 and 20 pages.

How to Format a Screenplay Synopsis

A few essential elements must be included in a movie synopsis, such as the title, genre, and logline.

The title should be in 16-point font and centered at the top of the page.

Directly underneath, insert contact info (name, address, phone, email). Your Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) registration number is optional.

The genre should be listed next, followed by the logline.

The body of the synopsis should describe the plot but avoid giving away too much information:

The first part (Act 1 or Hook) should introduce the main characters and setting, as well as the inciting incident that leads to the main conflict and antagonist.

The second part (Act 2 or Body) should focus on the central conflict, obstacles, and essential details.

The third part (Act 3 or Conclusion) should detail the climax or final challenge for your heroes without giving away the ending (resolution). Be brief and leave the reader wanting more.

Overall, stick to the main plot points and main characters. Leave the subplots and supporting characters for the treatment. Remember to write in the present tense and third person.

Also, remember to proofread your synopsis before submitting it to any agents, producers, or screenwriting competitions! Check their submission guidelines to make sure you are following their conventions.

You can also use professional screenwriting software programs to help ensure that your synopsis is appropriately formatted.

Commonly Asked Questions About How to Write a Screenplay Synopsis

What is a script synopsis?

A script synopsis is a summary of a script, typically one to two pages in length. It provides potential buyers or investors an overview of the story, characters, and conflict. A synopsis should not give away too much detail, as it should only briefly introduce the project.

However, it should be enough to give the reader a good sense of what the script is about and what kind of tone it will have. A script synopsis can be a helpful tool in getting feedback on a script and drumming up interest in the project.

How long should a script synopsis be?

A script synopsis should be around one to two pages long (ideally one page). This is because a synopsis is meant to be a brief overview of the story, not a detailed scene-by-scene breakdown. The purpose of a synopsis is to give the reader a general sense of the plot and characters without getting bogged down in too much detail.

How do you write a synopsis?

A synopsis is a brief summary of a larger work, such as a novel, film, or play. In writing a synopsis, your goal is to provide a clear, concise overview of the story, giving the reader a general sense of what to expect. Here are some tips on how to write a film synopsis:

Start with a basic summary of the plot. What are the central conflict and story resolution?

Introduce the main characters and their arcs.

Keep it brief! A synopsis should be no more than a couple of pages.

Use active voice and clear language.

Edit ruthlessly. Every word should serve a purpose.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to write a one-page synopsis that will give potential readers or buyers a good sense of what your work is about.

What are the three parts of a synopsis?

A film synopsis typically has three parts: the hook, the body, and the conclusion. The hook is the first part of the synopsis and grabs the reader’s attention. It should be engaging and concise and give a brief overview of the film’s premise. The body is the second part of the synopsis and contains a more detailed description of the film’s plot. The conclusion is the third and final part of the synopsis and includes a brief summary of the film’s resolution. A well-written synopsis will give readers a clear understanding of the film’s story and help them decide whether or not they want to see it.

Where can I find a movie synopsis?

A synopsis is a brief summary of a movie’s plot. It should not give away any major spoilers and should give the reader a general sense of what the film is about. You can usually find a synopsis on the back of a movie’s DVD case, on the website where you rent or purchase the film, or on the film’s IMDb page. If you still have trouble finding a synopsis, you can try searching for the film’s title and the word “synopsis” online. This should bring up several websites where you can read summaries of popular films.

Should I give away my ending in the synopsis?

The vote is split on this question when it comes to industry professionals. Some want to see how the story ends before they invest the time to read the script, but others feel that knowing the ending ahead of time spoils the script. In other words, they say, “If I know the ending, why should I bother reading it?”

In the end, it depends on the recipient of the synopsis. If it is a producer or investor, they may insist on the ending to have an idea of the budget before they read a single page of the script. On the other hand, if it is an agent, actor, or director, then not knowing the ending may entice them to read the screenplay, if only to find out.

How long should a synopsis be for a screenplay?

A well-written synopsis is usually one to two pages in length.

How do you write a short film synopsis?

A short film synopsis is a summary of a short film that tells the story in a concise and straightforward way. It should include the film’s main characters, conflict, and resolution. The synopsis should be no more than one page long and written in the present tense.

When writing a short film synopsis, it is important to keep in mind the purpose of the synopsis: to give readers an overview of the film so that they can decide whether or not they want to watch it. As such, the synopsis should not give away too much detail or spoil the film’s ending.

Wrap-Up – How To Write a Screenplay Synopsis

Whether you are a first-time screenwriter or an experienced pro, it is important to know how to write a great plot synopsis. This document can make or break your chances of getting your script read and considered by producers, agents, and other industry professionals.

By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article – and using examples from some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters – you can create a synopsis that sells your story while still staying true to your original vision.

Are you looking for more information about how to write a screenplay? Check out these other articles:

How to Write Effective Screenplay Action Lines [7 Best Practices and Examples from Popular Films]

Logline Examples from Movies [15 Well-Written Loglines]

How to Write Dialogue in a Script: Tips for Screenwriters