Actors: Stop Waiting for Roles—Start Writing Them With These Screenwriting Tips
- Neil Mulac
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
If you’re an actor tired of sitting by the phone, endlessly refreshing casting websites, or auditioning for the same roles over and over, it might be time to flip the script—literally.
More actors than ever are taking creative control by writing their own material. Whether you're crafting a short film, a web series, or a monologue to film for your demo reel, learning the basics of screenwriting not only empowers you—it can get you noticed.
Why Actors Should Write Their Own Roles
In today's entertainment landscape, original content is king. Thanks to platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, and short film festivals, actors no longer have to wait for permission to be seen. Some of the most successful modern performers—like Issa Rae, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and Michaela Coel—jump-started their careers by writing and performing their own work.
✨ Key Benefits:
Showcase Your Strengths: You know what roles you play best—write those.
Expand Your Network: Collaborate with filmmakers, editors, and other actors.
Get Festival Exposure: Original shorts are great for submitting to festivals and competitions.
Build a Reel: Custom content can replace generic demo clips.
Stay Creative Between Gigs: Writing keeps your artistic muscles warm.
Screenwriting Basics Every Actor Should Know
Now that you're inspired, let’s dive into what you actually need to know to start writing.
📚 Learn the Format
Professional screenplays follow strict formatting standards. Using proper screenplay format shows that you respect the craft and makes your work readable for anyone in the industry—actors, directors, producers, and film festival readers.
🔤 The Basics of U.S. Screenplay Formatting:
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll use the most:
Element | Description | Example |
Scene Heading (Slugline) | Indicates where and when the scene takes place | INT. COFFEE SHOP – DAY |
Action Line | Describes what’s happening on screen | JANE sips her coffee and checks her phone. |
Character Name | Centered above the dialogue | JANE |
Dialogue | The words spoken by the character | I can’t believe he ghosted me again. |
Parentheticals | Optional—used to clarify how a line is delivered | (whispers) |
Use a program like Final Draft, WriterDuet, Celtx, or even Highland 2 (Mac) to make formatting painless.
Writing Tips Tailored for Actors
Even if you’ve never written a scene in your life, these tips will help you start strong.
🎯 1. Write What You’d Want to Be Cast In
Think about the roles you wish casting directors would see you in. Are you the tough but tender detective? The sarcastic best friend? The layered villain? Create a story that highlights your essence.
Example: If you always get cast as the "quirky sidekick" but want to show your range, write a scene where your character drives the action or experiences a deep emotional arc.
✂️ 2. Keep It Short and Focused
Start with a 1-3 minute scene. One to two pages is enough to showcase your acting chops. Focus on a single moment: a decision, a confrontation, or a realization.
Example: A woman debates whether to tell her friend a life-changing secret over coffee. That’s a full scene in itself—and perfect for your reel or short video.
🧍 3. Limit Characters and Locations
If you’re filming your work, think small: fewer characters, simple settings, and minimal props or effects. A conversation in a park or living room can be just as compelling as one in a courtroom or spaceship.
🧠 4. Start With Structure in Mind
Even short scenes benefit from basic story structure:
Setup: Who is the character, and what do they want?
Conflict: What’s standing in their way?
Resolution: What changes as a result?
This three-beat structure can help make even a 2-minute clip feel satisfying and complete.
🗣️ 5. Write with Performance in Mind
Since you're both the writer and actor, don’t be afraid to give yourself rich, layered moments—subtext, emotional beats, and active choices.
Avoid long monologues of exposition. Instead, write dialogue that reveals character through conflict, need, and subtlety.
Not this:“I’m sad because my dad left and now I feel alone.”
Try this instead:“You know what? Forget it. I’ll just figure it out. Like always.”
Common Mistakes First-Time Actor-Writers Make
Avoid these rookie missteps to keep your work professional:
❌ Overwriting Action Lines Keep them short and cinematic. Don’t write what can’t be seen.
❌ Using the Wrong Format Don’t try to format in Word manually—use screenwriting software.
❌ Writing Stage Plays Instead of Screenplays Film is visual. Think of what the audience will see and hear.
❌ Telling Instead of Showing Show emotion through behavior, not explanation.
Filming Your Work: What Happens Next
Once you've written a scene or a short, consider filming it. It doesn’t need to be fancy—just well-lit, clearly shot, and focused on performance.
🎥 Production Tips:
Use natural light or soft LED panels
Record clean audio (external mics help!)
Choose quiet, uncluttered locations
Rehearse like a real scene—you’re showcasing your acting!
Don’t forget to include your scene in your demo reel, post it to social media, and submit to short film festivals (many accept ultra-short content now).
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just an Actor—You’re a Creator
You don’t have to wait to be discovered. You can start building your career by creating the work you want to be seen in. Writing your own content gives you freedom, visibility, and creative control.
Remember: Your next big role might not be written for you, but it could be written by you.
🔍 Bonus Resources
Free Screenplay Templates: StudioBinder
Podcast: Scriptnotes (John August)
Screenwriting Software (Free & Paid):
Final Draft (industry standard)
WriterDuet (free tier)
Highland 2 (Mac)
Books Worth Reading:
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Alessandra
The Actor's Life: A Survival Guide by Jenna Fischer
For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!
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