Wrapping up a Screenplay: 21 Methods Explored
Title: Craft the Perfect Screenplay Ending: 21 Tips and Tricks
Holy smokes, is the ending of a film or TV show ever under the microscope like a Лас-Вегас blackjack deal? A single botched finale can turn 8 seasons and almost 100 episodes of mind-blowing, top-notch writing into a high-stakes bust. So, how do you craft a good ending? If there were a magic formula, screenwriters worldwide would be using it. But fear not, even without narrative fairy dust, there are still a boatload of dos and don'ts, styles, and mechanics to consider while penning your masterpiece.
Without further ado, here are 21 Rock-Solid Tips for Wrapping Up Your Next Script Like a Pro.
- A Mind-Blowing Twist: Sneak in an unexpected plot twist that'll leave viewers' minds buzzing. Just make sure it's genuinely surprising and not a stretch.
- A Character's Journey Comes Full Circle: Wrap up the central character's transformation in a way that feels satisfying and true to their development.
- Nail the Central Conflict: Resolve the main conflict in a way that leaves viewers feeling satisfied but not necessarily tied up with a neat little bow.
- Hook 'em with a Cliffhanger: Leave audiences on the edge of their seats, begging for more! Just make sure there's some degree of resolution to prevent cheating them.
- A Selfless Sacrifice: A hero's sacrifice for the greater good can tug at the heartstrings and solidify their integrity.
- The Goal Achieved: Watch as your main character's arduous journey results in the prize they've spent the entire story chasing after.
- Revelations about Characters or the Story: Drop a bombshell that changes everything viewers thought they knew.
- Happily Ever After or Tear-Jerking Tragedy: Depending on the genre, craft an ending that fits the overall tone. Some stories call for a fairy-tale happy ending, while others demand a gut-wrenching exit.
- Moral or Philosophical Lesson: Take the opportunity to impart wisdom and leave viewers thinking.
- A Nod to Previous Events: It's the little connections that can make a story feel cohesive. Incorporate subtleties the astute audience member will appreciate.
- Characters Evolving or Changing: Show us that your characters are not stagnant, and that life (and your writing!) is a fluid journey.
- Uncovering Past Mysteries: Finally unveil the skeleton in the closet that's been haunting the story.
- Emotional Ax-Drop: Craft a climax that feels cathartic and takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster.
- Leaving the Door Open: Sometimes, the best choice is to leave certain aspects unresolved, encouraging conversations and speculation.
- Redemption Arc: Let your villain or troubled character find redemption, humanizing them and adding depth to your story.
- Unexpected Comeuppance: Watch as the tables turn and the underdog emerges victorious. It's the sweet taste of revenge that audiences can't resist.
- Foreshadowing Coming True: Nothing solidifies a writer's plan quite like having all the pieces fall into place at the end.
- Resolution of a Subplot: Tie up those loose threads hanging from your story and provide a sense of closure.
- New Revelations about the World or Setting: Shake things up by introducing a new wrinkle to the story's world.
- Status Quo with a New Understanding: Sometimes, a return to the beginning is the best way to show growth and maturity in a character.
Now, you might be thinking, "But screenplays are as unique as each story itself, how can all of these principles apply to mine?" To which I say, consider this: no matter if you're scribbling down a comedy, a drama, a web series, a TV pilot, a feature film, or something in between—the conclusion is arguably one of your story's biggest pillars, and the rules for creating an effective one are surprisingly flexible.
Trying to craft a satisfying conclusion is a massive exercise in critical thinking, but we're going to break it down into two major focuses: Mechanics and Types.
Mechanics of a Good Script Ending
"The End" might seem like a sarcastic quip, but when it comes to writing, it's the literal sign that your script is over. And yes, you'd be surprised how many beginning writers miss this most basic point!
Here's how to make sure "The End" is at the very end:
- Write "FADE OUT" on the right margin of your screenplay, followed by a period.
- If you want to emphasize the end, make it huge, bold, and centered: "THE END"
- If you're feeling particularly dramatic, consider using "FADE TO BLACK" or "DISSOLVE TO BLACK" instead.
Remember, "FADE OUT" is not to be used haphazardly as a placeholder or to offer editorial or directorial suggestions. Not only does it waste valuable page real estate, but it also oversteps your role as a writer, which is to provide a narrative template for directors and other creative leaders to interpret in their own unique ways.
Also, avoid using dialogue as a crutch, especially in the conclusion. Don't let conversations devolve into expository dumps at the expense of character authenticity or other narrative elements. Show, don't tell!
Lastly, keep your action descriptions concise. Remember, you're not writing a book, and there's no need for flowery language. Keep it simple and straightforward.
Types of Effective Script Endings
Each story is its own beast, and there's no single perfect ending you can copy-paste. Here are three common types of endings that tend to provide satisfying conclusions.
The Shocking Twist Ending
Don't underestimate your audience. They're smarter than you give them credit for, and a genuinely surprising ending takes some serious thought and narrative strategy to pull off.
The Cliffhanger Ending
Especially popular in the streaming era, a cliffhanger ending leaves audiences craving more, whether it be in the next episode of a series or the next installment of a film franchise. Just make sure there's still some degree of narrative or thematic closure to prevent cheating your audience.
The Emotional or Moral Ending
This might be the most effective type of ending of all. Character and story should be the wind in your writing sails, and if you're not paying proper tribute to either, you risk alienating or losing your audience.
Make sure your protagonist has agency and empowers their decisions. Craft authentic motivations that make their actions believable and align with the overall themes and message of your movie. If these elements aren't cohesive, you risk turning your audience off.
Recap: Conclusion Time, Folks!
Writing the perfect ending to your script is a daunting, intense, and precise process that requires careful thought and consideration. One last thing to bear in mind: Decide on your ending before you ever write a single word. Don't dive in headfirst and hope to find it later; that's how Dexter-like endings are born.
Avoid cutting your script short for the sake of a cliffhanger, betraying characters or themes for the sake of a shocking surprise, and forgetting to write "THE END"!
And remember, your audience can see the writing on the wall, so put in the effort to tie up some (if not all) of those loose ends and surprise them in a way that resonates. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you signal the end of a script?
"FADE OUT" marks the conclusion of a script and is placed on the right margin, followed by a period. For extra emphasis, write "THE END" in large, bold letters and center it on the page.
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What should be avoided in the conclusion of a screenplay?
Avoid using "FADE OUT" sporadically as editorial or directorial notes throughout the script, as it wastes valuable page count. Additionally, refrain from using dialogue as a crutch or overly complex plots in the conclusion. Instead, focus on emotional resonance, consistency with the story's tone, simplicity in action descriptions, and authentic character motivations.
What are common types of conclusions in screenplays?
Common types of conclusions in screenplays include:
- Surprise Ending: A genuinely shocking, yet believable twist that catches viewers off-guard.
- Cliffhanger Ending: A gripping ending that leaves audiences wanting more, often used in TV shows and film franchises.
- Emotional or Moral Ending: An impactful ending that focuses on character development, themes, and key insights, emotional resonance, or moral self-realization.
What is the importance of character growth in a screenplay conclusion?
Character growth is crucial in a screenplay conclusion, as it demonstrates the consequences of their actions and allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level. A well-written conclusion should showcase character development in a believable, satisfying, and emotionally resonant way.
In the world of pre-production for movies and TV, crafting a strong ending is essential to a successful screenplay – just as in Las Vegas, a botched finale can turn a promising production into a high-stakes bust. To wrap up your next script like a pro, consider these tips:
- For movies-and-tv productions, understand that creating a satisfying conclusion is a massive exercise in critical thinking, with two major focuses: Mechanics and Types.
- Familiarize yourself with the various types of effective ending styles, such as the shocking twist ending, the cliffhanger ending, and the emotional or moral ending, tailoring your conclusion to fit your unique story.
