160 Scene-Writing Prompts
At a fundamental level, screenwriting is scene-writing. Use these prompts to improve your scene-writing chops.
At a fundamental level, screenwriting is scene-writing. Use these prompts to improve your scene-writing chops.
Add an original scene to a favorite film
A scene featuring two characters sitting on the edge of a bridge
A scene in which someone says goodbye in an airport
A scene in which you introduce a character in a memorable way
A scene involving a medicine cabinet
A scene that begins with this line of scene description: “Smoke stings his/her eyes.”
A scene that ends with a cliffhanger
A scene with a one-sided telephone conversation
A scene with a two-sided telephone conversation
A visual-to-visual transition between two scenes
An action scene with no dialogue
An exposition scene… that is entertaining
An ordinary scene in an extraordinary location
A character says “I love you”… without using the words “I love you”
A fight scene involving actual physical violence
A lovers quarrel where something gets broken
A scene between a senior citizen and a child
A scene inspired by this photograph
A scene in which a character uses a computer
A scene in which a gesture plays a key part
A scene in which an animal plays a key role
A scene using voice-over narration
A scene that features a monologue
A scene where no words are spoken… but something important gets communicated
A scene where something gets stolen
Someone talking to a gravestone
The first line of dialogue: “That’s the guy, right there”
A conversation between a white-collar and blue-collar worker
A scene in a confessional where the priest makes a confession
A scene inspired by this photograph
A scene in which characters whisper
A scene starting or ending with a hand holding a knife
A scene using flashback and voice-over narration
A scene using something you hear in conversation today
A scene with just one word of dialogue
Adult answering a child’s questions
An adulterer out for a meal with his/her spouse sees his/her lover enter the restaurant
En route to the hospital to have a baby
Someone has had too much to drink at a wedding reception when THIS happens
A character has a ‘conversation’ with him/herself in the mirror
A character reviews a series of voice mails, each with worse news
A pet uses voice-over narration to comment on a family fight
A scene inspired by this photograph
A scene set in an inhospitable environment, e.g., outer space, underwater, desert
A scene where the entire conversation takes place off-screen
Introduce a character with a memorable impression
One character has to break bad news to the other
Settling an argument by playing Rock, Paper, Scissors
Smack talk at a sporting event
Strangers biding time in a hospital emergency waiting room
The audience knows something the characters don’t
A bar. A bartender. A patron… getting drunk
A coach gives a motivational speech to their team
A good, entertaining montage or series of shots
A ride-sharing driver and their customer
A scene in which a hammer plays a key role
A scene that ends with a cliffhanger
An adult just happens to run into their middle school bully
Saying grace at a big family event
Someone discovers their mate is having an affair
Someone gives a driving lesson to an amateur driver
Strangers stuck together in an elevator
Trying to appear knowledgeable about wine
Trying to talk one’s way out of a traffic ticket
A character suddenly begins to cry
A character talking to their reflection in a mirror
Handling two phone calls at once
Start in the middle of the scene
Two parents at a youth sporting event
Use voice-over narration to convey reading or writing a letter
“They stare at the pills in their hand”
Write a scene involving a golf cart
A scene with a quick fantasy moment
Character introduction with no dialogue
Character talks to their reflection in a mirror
A visual-to-visual transition between two scenes
Time passing at a sporting event
Tempted, but trying not to smoke a cigarette
Write original lyrics for a rock song
A transaction between a customer and a coffee shop barista
A pet’s inner monologue commenting on its owner
Father meets his daughter’s first date … another girl
Use these writing prompts to improve you scene-writing chops!