How do I write a movie screen play or script using the assignment guidelines below? Here's a suggestion: write the screenplay from the...

The guidelines here are very detailed and give an excellent picture of the entire story you need to create. Here are a couple of tips to get you started: 

1. Think visually.

This source explains the visual aspect of screenplays compared to other types of writing, and gives examples and advice on how to approach this type of work.

Unlike an essay where you would be required to cite facts and give an historical presentation, this assignment is more creative and allows you to have some fun with history.

So start by visualizing the period, characters, etc., and figure out how you would like to present them.

2. Organize your data to tell the most interesting and effective story possible. 

Think about the types of movies you like to watch and base your screenplay off those. What would be most effective? Do you want to start from the very beginning of the character’s life? Or would you rather jump right into the middle of the action and explain his past with flashbacks?

The assignment guidelines give you the overall structure of his life, so you can decide whether you want to tell it chronologically or in a mish-mashed way. Do whatever sounds the most exciting/interesting to you, and what you think would be visually stimulating for viewers. 

Create a simple outline (for example, I. Childhood, II. Getting Acquainted with Master, III. Parents Sold, IV. Civil War Begins; or choose a fragmented storyline that vacillates between past and present).

Just start with the order of things. You already have the basic story. Now take a moment to figure out the order of events.

3. Convert the Outline into a Screenplay

Now that you have an outline, turn the points into scenes. Use descriptive words so that a film director can see the scene and recreate it with actors, costumes, sound effects, and visuals.

Here is a fleshed-out example from the earlier outline:

II. Getting Acquainted with Master

1. First memory of master


2. Master’s story about buying protagonist’s father


3. Master explains history, education


4. Master’s opinion on slavery/Abraham Lincoln

Taking “B. Master’s story about buying protagonist’s father”, create a mini scene:

First, describe the setting briefly but vividly. Where does this conversation happen? Who is present? What is the weather? Example: MASTER is at the table. A slave fans him, as he is sweating. PROTAGONIST comes in.

Second, begin the dialogue. Who speaks first? And remember to keep it moving.

There is a lot to remember, but don't feel overwhelmed. Keep the guidelines of the assignment in mind. How long does it need to be? You can tailor it accordingly (i.e. you don't have to go super deep if it isn't supposed to be a lengthy work).

So take the storyline you have, create an outline in the order of your choice, and then flesh out each point with a visual scene. Since you don’t have to write a report or essay, you can really use your imagination and creativity to craft a story with visual elements.