How to Write a Synopsis for Screenwriters

Writing a Screenplay Summary for Submitting to Film Producers

May 25, 2009

Writing a Synopsis for Film, wikimedia commons

Many filmmakers or agents insist upon a synopsis of the screenplay. Writing a good synopsis is crucial in selling a script. But what is a good synopsis?

Completing a full-length screenplay is not the end. Some film producers, agents and publishers insist upon a submission package. Before even reading the script, they might insist upon any or all of the following items, namely:

A covering letter with the writer’s contact details
A tagline of the movie
A synopsis of the film
A film treatment
A list detailing the main characters
Sometimes even a personal statement

Outline of a Film

A synopsis is a brief plot breakdown of a story. This must be no longer than one to two pages. Where a tagline summarises the story in one sentence, and a film treatment shows a scene-by-scene outline of a film, the synopsis lies somewhere in between and is frequently requested within a submission package.

Summarising the Story of a Script

Some filmmakers and agents will request the synopsis before even looking at the script. If the synopsis does not stand up, the agent may send it back with a rejection letter. For this reason, the synopsis can be crucial for the writer. Like the opening of a screenplay, it is like a shop window for agents to look at. If it does not entice, the screenplay will get no further in the submission process.

Guidelines to Writing a Good Plot Summary

In writing a synopsis, the following guidelines should be followed:

At the top of the synopsis page, state that it is a “synopsis.” State the screenplay’s title and genre. The writer’s details should be given at the bottom of the page.
Give an idea of the plot setting, the time and the place and the problem. This is known as Act 1 of the three-act structure of storytelling.
Give a brief description of the main characters as they appear in the story.
Begin the synopsis at the beginning of the story and tell it in the same order as the screenplay. The three-act structure of the plot must be reflected within the synopsis.
Scenes that propel the story, including climatic scenes, known as Act 2.
No cliffhangers are allowed. The story’s ending must be revealed in order that the agent or filmmaker can see that the writer has provided a satisfactory resolution. The resolution is known as Act 3.
Synopses are often 250 words long. If the guidelines ask for this, stick to it. If not, complete one page, at the most two.
Use Times New Roman or Arial, unless otherwise requested. Use single line spacing and breaks between paragraphs within standard margins.
Tell the story in the present tense and in the third person.
When telling the story, do not include dialogue. Just tell the story as it is in a formal way.

A Summary of the Script

The main body of the synopsis will tell the story in fast forward, but it must be a captivating read. Imagine a tired and underpaid editor reading it. Since every word counts, it is unwise to use two if one will do. Getting straight to the point is the best approach and will give the screenwriter a professional feel when the synopsis is submitted. Allowing someone else to read the synopsis could highlight problems with it. Feedback is always important for the screenwriter. The following should be addressed:

Does the synopsis flow?
Is it engaging?
Does it accurately reflect the screenplay?

If there are any doubts about the wording, it might be wise to put it away for a week or so and to read it again with a fresh viewpoint.

The copyright of the article How to Write a Synopsis for Screenwriters in Selling Scripts is owned by Rachel Wills. Permission to republish How to Write a Synopsis for Screenwriters in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.