Story to Screenplay in 20 Steps

 

Narrated by Vanessa Osman, a voiceover artist paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. Beyond an exquisite voice, your purchase helps someone rebuild her life: 100% of audiobook sales are donated to Vanessa. Consider buying multiple copies as gifts or hiring Vanessa for your own project. 

 
How to write a screenplay in 20 steps

REVIEWS

“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, direct, and engaging guide distilled from dozens of publications and years of production experience, designed to help new and more seasoned writers master the art of storytelling for film. It is a checklist I still use today for award-winning scripts. It is the book I wish I’d had my first day in filmmaking.

FREE FOR TEACHERS

PODCAST SERIES

Listen to in-depth discussions about each Step between Carlos and script-doctor/producer Timothy Gagliardo—something new to learn with every chat:

More added weekly

 

HIRE A SCRIPT DOCTOR

Hire writer/producer 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 is proof. Perfect for emerging and established filmmakers ready to elevate their script for production or funding.

 

ONLINE COURSE

Feeling stuck or scattered? This course gives you the structure, clarity, and motivation to finally 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



CHARTS & TEMPLATES

Character & Plot

Story Beat Sheet

Character Sheet Example

Courtesy Timothy Gagliardo

 

FURTHER READING

Story by Robert McGee
Creating Character Arcs by K.M. Wieland
Psychology of the Unconscious by Carl Jung

 

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.


 

*Links and attribution provided as a courtesy. All supplemental material is offered as a courtesy and provided as-is. Copyrights and trademarks are property of their individual owners.