Writing a strong screenplay is important, but being able to convey the heart of the story in a one-page synopsis is a skill in itself. For many producers, the synopsis is the first gateway to assess the potential of the story before reading the full script. This is where you need to be able to write concisely, concisely, and still evoke emotions. The article Writing a Movie Synopsis: A Guide for Screenwriters will take you through the function, structure, and how to write a movie synopsis effectively.
What is Movie Synopsis?
A movie synopsis is a narrative summary of the entire story, usually 1 paragraph to 1 page long. Unlike a one-sentence logline, or a premise that explains a concept, a synopsis conveys the main character’s emotional journey from beginning to end. It is written using present tense narration without dialog. The main goal is to convey the essence of the story with a clear flow, from character introduction, main conflict, complications, to resolution.
Why is synopsis important in the movie industry?
A synopsis is not just a summary; it is the most concise and effective selling tool. In many pitches, festivals, or production house selections, the synopsis is the first thing to be read. If the synopsis is not evocative, chances are your script will not be read further. A synopsis can also be a clarifying tool. By writing a synopsis, you will be forced to distill the gist of the story clearly-this is helpful even during the screenplay development stage.
Basic Structure of Movie Synopsis
1. Opener: Who, Where, and What is the Problem?
The beginning of the synopsis introduces the main characters, the setting, and the initial conflict. This is where the audience or reader understands the world of the story.
Example:
A former street racer, Dominic Toretto, lives a carefree life in Los Angeles until he meets Brian, a mysterious man interested in his world.
2. Conflict and Escalation
After the introduction of the story world, the synopsis should begin to show the main challenges, complications that arise, and how the characters change or deal with pressure.
Example:
When Brian turns out to be an undercover cop uncovering a theft case, their relationship is tested between loyalty and duty.
3. Climax and Resolution
The synopsis should ideally also show how the story reaches the climax and how everything is resolved without the need to reveal all the final details.
Example:
In the final confrontation, Brian must choose between securing the villain or saving the man he has begun to think of as a brother.
Technical Tips for Writing an Effective Synopsis
1. Write in Present Tense
Use the present tense narrative form: “A child discovered…”, not ”A child has discovered…”
2. Focus on Main Characters
The synopsis doesn’t need to explain all the characters, just focus on the protagonist and maybe one other key character.
3. Avoid Dialog and Technical Descriptions
A synopsis is not a place to show visual shots or lines of dialog, you simply narrate the storyline in a straightforward style.
4. Avoid Excessive Spoilers, Unless Necessary
If you’re writing for a producer or competition that requires a full synopsis, you can write the ending. If it’s for the public, you can write a cliffhanger ending.
5. Show Emotions, not Just Events
A good synopsis narrative should convey the character’s fear, dilemma, suspense, or triumph. Instead of “He won the race”, it should be “After nearly giving up, he finally crossed the finish line, proving that his faith was not in vain.”
Short Movie Synopsis Structure Example
Common Mistakes When Writing Movie Synopsis
- Too long and rambling
- Describes subplots that are not important
- Uses a poetic language style that is confusing
- Writes like a trailer, not a narrative
- Does not reflect the main conflict
Writing a synopsis takes practice to distill the essence of the story into its most compact and evocative form. It demands structural clarity, emotional sensitivity, and narrative efficiency. When you can write a strong synopsis, you’re not just selling the story-you’re showing that you fully understand it.
After you’ve finished reading the above discussion on writing a movie synopsis: a guide for screenwriters, are there any new things you learned? If you’re confused about the application, we can discuss with you in the comments section!
