Hi all. I was wondering about what goes into a One-Sheeter and if anyone can provide me or direct me to some good examples. I'm curious about how much you give away about your story. It's for an action concept I'm currently working on. Thanks in advance!
Screenwriting : One Sheeter Examples by Christian Conte
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The whole thing if it's a requested one-sheet or synopsis. Even the twist ending/big reveal. If you are cold querying, then you can go as far as you want with it but my advice would still be the same.
For Starters, I don't necessary limit myself to one-page. I do however never exceed two pages. I include the beginning, middle (and I say always) include the ending. Additionally, I make my synopsis somewhat journalistic. That doesn't mean you don't want to use some colorful language. I don't go overboard giving character names and I never put dialogue into my story summaries.
Here is an article, 6 Tips For Writing A One Page Pitch For Your Script or Novel, from Bang2Write (Lucy V Hay): http://www.bang2write.com/2012/11/6-tips-on-writing-a-one-page-pitch-for.... ;)
Here are some examples from William Martell's website. Just click on "Read the One Pager" links that continue after the title and mini-synopsis: http://www.scriptsecrets.net/screenplays/avail.htm. ;) Hope that helps!
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And another article with one-pager tips, this one from Danny Manus: http://www.nobullscript.net/creating-the-perfect-one-sheet/. ;)
Thanks All! One thing I noticed about William Martell's examples. He doesn't reveal the endings. Kinda leaves it a cliff hanger and I've hear and read that's a no-no. But these are great for me to start.
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Do give the ending. On some of Martell's pitches, he does. Yeah, I was a little surprised to see that no-ending-only-questions approach too. But there's really no "right" way to do a one-pager. As Danny Manus shared, some one-pagers may include on one side, basically, a concept/tone/movie poster (no photoshopping in actors!) and the other side is the synopsis, information, etc. Risky? I dunno. I would only do that if done extremely well. A one-pager not only needs to be well written it also needs to look appealing. Anyway, happy to hear that helped, Christian!
In Danny's blog he also suggests not giving away the ending: "Much like the query letter, you should not give away your ending, but you should tease and intimate your awesome ending – let the exec know that your story builds to something exciting."
When you're actually pitching, I've always been told to include the ending too. Hmm. Maybe a pitch and a one-pager should just be seen as different beasts? But then wouldn't it be strange to give the ending in the pitch and then not give it in the one-pager? What say you Danny Manus ?
Thanks all!