write a screenplay
/raɪt ə ˈskriːnpleɪ/
Meaning
This phrase refers to the act of authoring the script for a film, television show, or video production. A screenplay includes not only the dialogue spoken by the characters but also the action descriptions and stage directions. It is a fundamental term in the film and television industries.
Examples
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It took her over two years to write a screenplay that a major studio was finally willing to buy.
It took her over two years to write a screenplay that a major studio was finally willing to buy.
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He decided to write a screenplay based on his grandfather's experiences during the war.
He decided to write a screenplay based on his grandfather's experiences during the war.
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If you want to write a screenplay, you need to learn the specific formatting rules used in Hollywood.
If you want to write a screenplay, you need to learn the specific formatting rules used in Hollywood.
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They collaborated to write a screenplay for a low-budget indie film that won several awards.
They collaborated to write a screenplay for a low-budget indie film that won several awards.
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She took a creative writing course to learn how to write a screenplay with compelling dialogue.
She took a creative writing course to learn how to write a screenplay with compelling dialogue.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He is writing a scenario for the movie.
✓ He is writing a screenplay for the movie.
In English, 'scenario' refers to a general outline or situation. The actual written script for a movie is called a 'screenplay'.
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✗ She wants to write a screen play about her life.
✓ She wants to write a screenplay about her life.
'Screenplay' is written as a single compound word, not two separate words.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Her ultimate dream is to ___ and see her story come to life on the big screen.
💡 author a movie script
Show answer
write a screenplay
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Before you can pitch a movie idea to producers, you usually need to ___ first.
💡 draft the full script of the movie
Show answer
write a screenplay