Story to Screenplay in 20 Steps
“Thoughtfully written. Clear, concise, and engaging. An exceptional road map for writers hoping to build timeless, well-crafted stories...”
“I would recommend this book to anyone who has a story idea and wants a clear guide on how to make that story something more.”
“A compelling resource. The twenty-step format makes it easy to break down the process into manageable chunks and to track progress.”
“This book is an absolute gem for aspiring screenwriters!”
THE BOOK
This is a clear, engaging, and structured guide designed to help students of all levels master the art of screenplay writing, while also serving as a checklist for more seasoned writers. Through approachable language, it breaks down the creative process into manageable, actionable stages rooted in timeless storytelling principles, encouraging simultaneous creative freedom and disciplined craft. It is the book I wish I’d had my first day in filmmaking.
FREE FOR TEACHERS & LIBRARIES
Book Carlos for a free drop-in at your class or library
DONATE TO STUDENTS
Help me inspire our future screenwriters! Gift bulk copies shipped directly to the school of your choice. The book integrates archetypal story patterns with modern screenwriting techniques, empowering students to develop original, compelling scripts while fostering critical thinking and creativity.
ONLINE COURSE FOR WRITERS
Feeling stuck or unsure where to start? This course gives you the structure, clarity, and motivation to finally tell the story and write the screenplay you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re starting fresh or rewriting, these companion lessons will take you from blank page to solid draft—step by step.
20 recorded lessons (1 per Step)
Expanded exploration of each Step
Printable worksheets for each module
Lifetime access, including all future updates
Learn at your own pace, anytime, anywhere
Coming soon! Get notified at launch
SCRIPT DOCTOR FOR FILMMAKERS
Hire Tim Gagliardo one-on-one to refine your screenplay and unlock your full storytelling potential. More than just feedback, this is a masterclass in screenwriting—personalized, practical, and unlike anything you'll get in a traditional workshop. The podcast below is proof. Perfect for emerging and established filmmakers ready to elevate their script for production or funding.
FREE PODCAST
Listen to in-depth discussions about all 20 Steps, between Carlos and script-doctor/producer Timothy Gagliardo. Learn something new with every conversation! Download and share anywhere you like.
Carlos and Tim kick off the podcast by digging into what makes a story idea truly extraordinary. They swap stories about concepts that grabbed execs in seconds and break down why originality alone isn’t enough—it has to move people. This episode is a roadmap to finding a concept that’s both creatively rich and market-ready.
In this episode, Tim shares how diving into obscure research saved one of his scripts, while Carlos reveals how historical facts inspired emotional truths in Blanca. Together, they explore how research—when done right—becomes more than homework: it becomes fuel for character, setting, and soul.
Carlos and Tim dissect what makes a character unforgettable, from contradictions to inner wounds. They riff on antiheroes, flawed leads, and why “likable” is overrated—what matters is depth. By the end, you’ll be itching to rebuild your character from the inside out.
Tim jokes that outlining is like building a haunted house before you fill it with ghosts. Carlos agrees—and shows how a strong step outline gives you total creative freedom in the draft. This episode lays out a flexible structure that saves you time, rewrites, and sanity.
Carlos and Tim geek out over their favorite cinematic reversals—those oh shit moments that flip the game. They talk structure, audience manipulation, and how to earn a twist without cheating. It’s a lesson in surprise that’s about more than just shock—it’s about storytelling momentum.
What really turns an act? Carlos and Tim map out where the energy of a script should pivot—and why many act breaks fall flat. They analyze big-screen examples and share simple tools to find your story’s natural hinge points.
Carlos and Tim debate genre snobs, audience expectations, and the power of knowing your cinematic lineage. From elevated horror to grounded sci-fi, they show how understanding your genre can sharpen tone, structure, and stakes—without boxing in your originality.
This juicy episode dives into what characters hide and why audiences love it. Tim breaks down a reveal that blew his mind, and Carlos explains how secrets add tension, empathy, and meaning. It’s all about layering your script with anticipation and payoff.
More added weekly. Get notified
FURTHER READING
Story by Robert McGee
Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Wieland
Psychology of the Unconscious by Carl Jung
CHARTS & TEMPLATES
Character & Plot
Story Beat Sheet
Character Sheet Example
Courtesy Timothy Gagliardo
SUPPORT THE MAKING OF BLANCA
Become part of an extraordinary project! Donate $150 or more to the filming of Carlos’ award-winning screenplay Blanca and receive a signed copy of this guide.
*There is no connection between Carlos Graña and the authors or their products listed above. Links and attribution provided as courtesy. All supplemental material is offered as a courtesy and provided as-is. Copyrights and trademarks are property of their individual owners.