Screenwriting : Outlining by Jaylan Jackson

It's really just a plan. Get your ideas and characters down as guide posts to see what will happen. The thing to remember is don't get anchored to it. Once you are writing the script if a new idea comes to you go ahead and let it happen. It's when the characters and story take on a life of their own it gets fun.

Bill Albert He’s on the right track, but to build on that—outlining isn’t just about structure; it’s a powerful tool for uncovering the emotional core of your story. Start with your characters and their arcs, think in sequences rather than isolated scenes, and ensure each beat reinforces your theme. But most importantly, stay flexible—some of the most compelling moments emerge when the story starts to shape itself.

I have to mention Save The Cat was kinda an easy way of understanding the structure and getting you an outline -- bc its all about the outline.

When it comes to my outline, I simply start writing down whatever ideas I have about the story. I write down what I know about my characters, what scenes I already have in my mind and how I can tie them together, what the opening might look like, what ending I want for my story, what's the climax? Sometimes I know more or less when starting but that's okay as I'll figure out the rest on the go. The scenes I have I'll put in order to have a structure to go with and I'll start writing. But it's definitely not set in stone. As I write, things can change and I let it happen to keep the flow. Also for my first draft I often go with what I have. I'll go for changes and refinements on the second and later drafts.

Sometimes it also happens that ideas strike me and I go into writing immediately and when I feel like it's turning into a bigger project I'll start planning and outlining. But that's just my opinion and how it works for me so far :)

Thank you everyone for the information, I needed that! This is absolutely great, the little nuggets!