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First Screenplay Workflow

Get from idea to screenplay in under an hour with BeatBandit's streamlined workflow. This detailed guide walks you through creating your first complete screenplay.

Overview​

This workflow is perfect for:

  • First-time users
  • Quick story development
  • Testing ideas rapidly
  • Learning the platform

Time Required: 45-60 minutes

Step 1: Create Your Project (2 minutes)​

  1. Click New Project on your dashboard
  2. Enter a project name (e.g., "My First Screenplay")
  3. Select Movie template
  4. Click Create
tip

Choose a descriptive project name - you'll be grateful later when you have multiple projects!

Step 2: Craft Your Logline (5 minutes)​

Your logline is a one-sentence summary of your story.

  1. Navigate to the Logline stage
  2. Click the logline card
  3. Write a clear, compelling logline following this structure: 
    When [inciting incident], a [protagonist] must [objective] 
    or else [consequences].

Example:

When a giant shark starts attacking beachgoers, a police chief must team up with a marine biologist and a grizzled fisherman to hunt it down, or his tourist town will be destroyed.

  1. Click Save
  2. Use Magic Suggestions if you need help

Step 3: Quick Character Setup (10 minutes)​

Create your main characters efficiently:

  1. Go to Characters stage
  2. For each main character (3-4 maximum for quick start):
    • Click Add Character
    • Fill in:
      • Name
      • Role (protagonist/antagonist/supporting)
      • One-line description
      • Key personality trait
      • Main goal
  3. Click Generate with AI for detailed bios
note

For your first screenplay, focus on protagonist and antagonist only. You can add supporting characters later.

Step 4: Story Beats (15 minutes)​

  1. Navigate to Beat Sheet stage
  2. Click Generate Beat Sheet from Logline
  3. Review the AI-generated beats
  4. Make quick edits to:
    • Opening Image
    • Catalyst
    • Midpoint
    • Climax
    • Final Image

Step 5: Scene Generation (10 minutes)​

  1. Go to Scenes stage
  2. Click Generate Scenes from Beats
  3. Let AI create scene outlines
  4. Quickly review and adjust:
    • Scene locations
    • Character presence
    • Basic action

Step 6: Write Key Scenes (15 minutes)​

Focus on three crucial scenes:

  1. Opening Scene

    • Click the first scene
    • Use Write with AI
    • Edit for your voice

  2. Midpoint Scene

    • Find your story's midpoint
    • Generate dialogue and action
    • Refine character moments

  3. Climax Scene

    • Navigate to climactic scene
    • Let AI draft the big moment
    • Polish for maximum impact

Step 7: Quick Export (3 minutes)​

  1. Click Export in the top menu
  2. Choose Quick Screenplay
  3. Select PDF format
  4. Click Generate

Results​

In under an hour, you'll have:

  • ✅ Complete story structure
  • ✅ Developed main characters
  • ✅ Scene-by-scene outline
  • ✅ Key scenes written
  • ✅ Exportable screenplay

Tips for Success​

Do's​

  • Trust the AI suggestions initially
  • Focus on story over perfection
  • Use Magic Suggestions liberally
  • Save frequently

Don'ts​

  • Don't overthink in the first pass
  • Don't write every scene in detail
  • Don't worry about formatting (AI handles it)
  • Don't skip the logline - it guides everything

What's Next?​

After your quick start:

  1. Refine Your Work

    • Return to flesh out scenes
    • Develop supporting characters
    • Add subplots

  2. Try Advanced Features

  3. Export and Share

    • Learn about exporting your work in multiple formats
    • Share with collaborators and industry professionals
    • Submit to contests and agents

Common Issues​

AI suggestions not appearing?

  • Check your credit balance
  • Ensure you've saved previous content
  • Try refreshing the page

Scenes feel disconnected?

  • Review your beat sheet
  • Ensure character goals are clear
  • Use the context panel to maintain continuity

Export taking too long?

  • Large projects may take 30-60 seconds
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try exporting fewer scenes first

🎬 Ready to start? Create your first project and follow this workflow!