🎬 How Austin Shivaji Kumar Writes a Film Screenplay – A Complete Bollywood Workflow

Whether you're a beginner or looking to level up, this is the exact process I follow to take a screenplay from idea to polished script, ready to pitch, register, or produce. This guide outlines my personal screenwriting approach, step by step.

1. Ideation & Conceptualization

Everything starts with a spark. I collect ideas from anywhere, random thoughts, dreams, conversations, or even a line of dialogue that hits me out of nowhere.

Once something sticks, I ask:

• What if?
• Why am I drawn to this story?
• What theme or message do I want to explore?

That’s how I begin shaping the emotional core of the story.

2. Premise and Logline

Once I have a grasp on the concept, I distill it into two things: a premise and a logline.

The premise is a one to two sentence version of the story. It outlines the main character, their situation, and the central conflict.

The logline is even tighter. I refine it until it clearly states:

• Who the protagonist is
• What they want
• What stands in their way
• What’s at stake

This step is vital not only for pitching but for me as the screenwriter. It becomes the North Star that guides my decisions throughout the writing process.

3. Defining Genre and Audience

Before outlining or writing, I always defines:

• The genre: Is it a psychological thriller, comedy, sci-fi, or grounded drama?
• The audience: Is this story for adults, teens, families?

Knowing the tone and who it’s for helps me shape character depth, pacing, and even language. Additionally, it helps me maintain a consistent tone and structure throughout the film.

4. Worldbuilding

If the story takes place in a fictional, sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopian settings, I build out the world first.

I work on defining:

• Rules (technological, magical, or social)
• Geography and environment
• Political or economic systems
• Cultural norms or dialects

Even if the setting is realistic, I still define the "world" in detail so it feels specific and lived-in.

5. Character Development

This is where I get obsessed.

I believe strong characters are the backbone of any lasting story. Detailing is not optional at this stage, it's essential. I approach character development with the same intensity I apply to structure and plot, because if the characters do not feel real, nothing else will resonate.

I treat every character like a real person, with contradictions, wounds, and growth potential.

Even flat or static characters deserve intentional design. They may not evolve, but their role, tone, and contrast should still support the story's structure and theme. Thoughtful simplicity adds depth to the world and highlights the arcs of dynamic characters.

It's all about staying true to your passion for screenwriting and filmmaking, and you can create magic that lives forever on screen. (Austin Shivaji Kumar, 2020)

For every character, I clearly define:

• Who they were before the story begins
• What they want vs what they need
• Their flaws, fears, and motivations
• Their relationships with other characters

I spend just as much time on the antagonist as I do on the protagonist. Everyone has an arc, even if it's subtle. When characters change, the story resonates more.

6. Plot Structuring

Before writing a single scene, I lock in the story structure using one of my favorite frameworks:

• Three-Act Structure
• Save the Cat
• The Hero’s Journey
• Dan Harmon’s Story Circle

This helps map out the emotional highs and lows and keeps the pacing tight.

7. Beat Sheet and Outline

Next, I create a full beat sheet to see the story laid out clearly.

I break the story into major beats:

• Opening image
• Inciting incident
• First act break
• Midpoint
• Climax
• Resolution

This stage ensures that the story has a logical flow and emotional progression before I begin writing actual scenes.

8. Scene List and Index Cards

Once the beats are locked, I break them into individual scenes. I either use index cards or professional screenwriting software programs like Trello or Final Draft’s Scene Navigator.

Each card includes:

• The purpose of the scene
• Who’s in it
• What the turning point is
• Any emotional shifts

This is my favorite way to test the flow and rearrange scenes quickly before committing to the script.

9. Writing a Treatment (Optional)

When needed, I write a treatment. This is a prose version of the story, usually 2 to 10 pages.

It helps me explore tone, voice, and narrative flow without worrying about formatting. I use it to get feedback before starting the actual screenplay, or to share with collaborators or producers.

10. Writing the Screenplay

Here comes the magic. I write the script using professional software programs like:

• Final Draft – Industry-standard with powerful formatting and production tools
• Fade In – Affordable, distraction-free, and great for long projects
• WriterDuet – Best for real-time collaboration and cloud backups
• Celtx – Offers pre-production tools alongside screenwriting, good for beginners and teams
• Highland 2 – Clean and minimalist, favored by Mac users and professional writers
• Arc Studio – Modern interface with outlining and collaboration features
• KIT Scenarist – Open-source and great for feature-rich offline writing
• Trelby – Free, lightweight option for basic screenplay formatting

• Others – There are many more options available. Just choose what fits your budget, workflow, and usability preferences

Now comes the drafting part:

a. First Draft

I let it flow — no overthinking. It’s all about momentum and finding the rhythm.

b. Revisions

This is where the real work begins. I typically do:

• Structure Pass – Does the story land?
• Character Pass – Are the voices distinct?
• Polish Pass – Dialogue, pacing, formatting

11. Feedback and Coverage

Once I’ve revised the draft, I send it out for feedback. I choose a small circle of trusted readers who not only understand story but also represent the intended audience.

This includes private script readings where select individuals offer insights, often in controlled settings to protect the integrity of the material.

Sometimes I invest in professional script coverage. Good notes are gold, and I always stay open to critique during this phase.

12. Final Polish

In the final polish, I focus on tightening dialogue, improving formatting, cutting excess, and making sure every scene drives the story.

I aim for clean, clear, cinematic writing that can be read in one sitting without confusion or distraction.

13. Registration

Once the script is complete, I first register it with the Indian Copyright Office, as it provides comprehensive legal protection under Indian law.

Additionally, I register it with the Screenwriters Association (SWA) India for industry recognition and timestamped creative proof within the screenwriting community. I always ensure my work is protected before sharing it externally.

14. Preparing Pitch Materials

Before I send anything out, I prepare the pitch documents:

• A polished logline
• A one-page synopsis
• A visual moodboard or lookbook (optional but effective)
• For TV scripts, a series bible or season outline

These materials allow me to present the project professionally and increase its chances of being considered.

15. Submission and Networking

The final step is getting the script out there. I submit to:

• Indian screenwriting competitions such as Cinestaan Script Contest, Film Writers Association (FWA) events, and other regional or OTT-hosted contests
• Production houses, independent filmmakers, and OTT platforms that accept unsolicited scripts or through referral channels
• Screenwriting labs and fellowships like Mumbai Mantra-Sundance, NFDC Film Bazaar's Co-Production Market, or the Dharamshala International Film Festival Script Lab
• Professional directories and associations such as SWA India or pitching platforms at film markets

I also stay involved in screenwriting and filmmaking communities, both online and offline. From film festivals and writers’ rooms to seminars and virtual panels, building genuine relationships has opened just as many doors as the scripts themselves.

Austin Shivaji Kumar’s Takeaway on Screenwriting Workflow

This is the exact screenplay writing workflow I follow. It’s a system that allows creativity to flow while staying grounded in structure.

This method has worked for me. I’ve refined it through experience, trial, and feedback. I encourage aspiring and experienced screenwriters to use this as a base and adapt it to their own creative flow.

If you’re a student, a teacher, or an independent writer—feel free to reference or share this guide. It’s here to help you write stories that resonate, connect, and last. I hope this gives you a clear direction.

Halawi Media is a film and music production company based in Mumbai, specializing in original storytelling, screen content, and music-driven narratives. The company develops and produces Bollywood films, short films, feature films, web content, TV dramas, short-format stories, and music projects, while also offering script development, music composition, and post-production support. (www.halawi.org)

Connect with Austin Shivaji Kumar

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Have a great day :)