5 Screenwriting Prompts to Kickstart the Writing Process

A screenwriting prompt is a question or short phrase to stimulate or inspire a writer’s imagination. Creative writing prompts can spark the beginning points for stories. Prompts are an excellent way to brainstorm, and once your imagination gets to work, the outline of a story might start to take shape.

Using a screenwriting prompt in the brainstorming phase of writing is best. Consider the following ways to find ideas for prompts:

1. 1. Revisit your favorite films. The movies you love can be a great source of inspiration. When embarking on a search for story ideas, revisit some of your favorite films, and make notes about the story and filmmaking, particularly what you like about them. Use your notes as a jumping-off point for the writing process.
2. 2. Follow your interests. Interests are great motivators in the creative process and will help you write a better screenplay. Your own level of interest will help stimulate your audience’s curiosity. Keep a running list of things that fascinate you and use them to kickstart story ideas.
3. 3. Make lists of ideas. Making lists is great for inspiration. Keep a log of story ideas, characters, genres you like—from science fiction to crime to comedy—and even current events that spark your interest. You can use your list to begin the writing process.

To start your writing process, consider the following list of scene-writing prompts and screenplay prompts:

1. 1. Tricky situations: Stories thrive on conflict. Try beginning with a tough situation. Imagine a character stuck in a challenging position, like a lawyer who learns that a conflict of interest might force them off the case, or someone who discovers their best friend has been keeping secrets from them for years.
2. 2. Character sketch: Character development is an essential part of scriptwriting. Start your writing process with a character sketch, such as “the most obnoxious person at the party” or “the seemingly innocent boy with a dark secret,” and then go from there, adding details along the way until the character starts to come to life.
3. 3. Alternate worlds: Playing with setting and world-building can also be great ways to develop screenwriting story prompts. Pick a historical time and place that interests you, then reset in an alternate universe, like a war on a distant planet.
4. 4. A line of dialogue: Many good story ideas spring from a simple line of dialogue. Dialogue prompts might include “I saw her for the first time in twenty years,” which could inspire a great romantic comedy. “What is your idea of the perfect murder?” on the other hand, could give rise to a story about a serial killer.
5. 5. Flashbacks: Playing with the chronology of a story can be an excellent prompt. Try something involving a flashback, such as the main character remembering a traumatic event, or even something from science fiction, like time travel, and see where it takes you.

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