How (and Why) to Outline Your Screenplay | (delusional) #6

Some writers outline every detail before writing. Others prefer to find their story as they go. So... is outlining necessary? Not always. But it’s an important skill that every screenwriter should learn. In Week 6 of the (delusional) 15-week screenwriting course, we’re breaking down how to create an effective outline, when it’s useful, and why there are times when it's essential if you’re writing professionally.

Key topics:
✅ Why outlining can help clarify your story, structure, and pacing
✅ Different screenplay structures (Three Act, Four Act, The Sequence Method, and more)
✅ Different types of outlines (Treatments, Beat Sheets, Index Cards, etc)
✅ Why an outline is essential when you’re hired to write a script
✅ How to balance structure and creativity so your outline works for you

Even if you prefer to write organically, learning how to outline will make your storytelling stronger and more intentional—and in Hollywood, it’s a skill you’ll need.

Chapters:

1:45 - Getting your document started
3:05 - How I like to describe characters in my outlines and treatments
4:06 - The 4 types of documents in this space
6:24 - How should you approach YOUR outline?
8:26 - Simple is good
8:56 - The Beginning, the Middle, and the End
11:00 - Limitations
12:18 - Four Act Structure
16:24 - The Sequence Method
18:02 - Other Methods
20:45 - Conventions and rules
22:12 - Assignments for week 6

All course materials are in the google drive linked below, including Christopher Vogler's memo, a link to Dustin Lance Black's video, and the syllabus, which has a link to Michael Arndt's video:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/fo...

http://www.delusionalcreatives.com

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