I was just wonderin if any of you have a specific kinda process you go through to develop your story once you have an idea,like do you go straight to writing a script or do you progressively make the story more detailed and complex until you pretty much have a script or what? just wantin to see how other people go about the writing process.

Basically I mean you have to start with the basics. your idea, What is the story about? The 5 W's kind of deal, plot outline and story arc... etc then twist up the first draft. A great book you should for sure check out is anything by Rabiger, Michael Thoma's book is solid too.

After having a concept, I focus on figuring out the plot points and defining the acts. For me, structure is key.

I've noticed that an outline really helps with the writing process. I never start writing (nor would I advice so) unless I have a solid idea of where the script is headed. Knowing the ending is essential because all the setup prepares us for those final moments.

Anyone works differently?

I like to take the secondary characters and see how they twist and change the perspective of the lead. They should promote or aid conflict in the leads journey. Also every character should have a unique motive. Once, again this promotes conflict, with the individual motives clashing against each other. I'm just trying to get at, that each character should forward the leads journey and build dimensions on the story.

If you want to start writing a screen play, must you have the ending in your head when you start? I mean, I would like to try to write on taking place at a Catholic girls college sort of away from society in a wooded area. A murder spooky story. I can see scenes in my head but I don't have the ending. Should I just start writing or must I come up with the ending first?

Roadmap it using the hero's journey. Get your head around it and it helps you pull out many of the vital plot points.