Sports biopics shine a light on well-known and lesser-known teams, athletes and coaches, while incorporating inspiring themes around perseverance and beating the odds. Our Writing the Fact-Based Film 101 series looks at the basics of the sports biopic, including a look at the essential elements needed to create a compelling narrative in this popular genre.
The subject’s journey
The foundation of a sports biopic screenplay is a deep understanding of the protagonist’s (or team’s) journey, including the challenges faced, personal conflicts, sacrifices, and personal growth. The screenplay should touch on the defining moments that shaped the main character/s and fuelled their ambition. Whether it’s the rise from obscurity or the comeback from a career-threatening injury, these pivotal moments are the building blocks of a powerful sports biopic.
Character development
Effective character development is crucial in any screenplay, but it takes on added significance in sports biopics. The central character must be portrayed with depth and authenticity. This involves showcasing their flaws, vulnerabilities, and moments of self-discovery. The audience should connect emotionally with the protagonist, understanding the personal struggles that accompany their dogged pursuit of greatness. A well-rounded character allows the audience to see the athlete beyond their on-field achievements, fostering empathy and resonance.
The big test of the sports biopic is that people who don’t know (or don’t like) the sport in question are drawn into the story because they care about the character.
Read more in our article – Prizefighter: The Life of Jem Belcher (2022) & The Problem with Sports Biopics
Balancing realism with dramatic tension
As with writing any fact-based film, one of the challenges in sports biopic screenwriting is striking the right balance between realism and dramatic tension. While staying true to the facts is essential, the narrative should also be compelling and engaging. Screenwriters often find themselves at the crossroads of accuracy and entertainment, needing to make creative choices that capture the essence of the athlete’s story without sacrificing the film’s overall impact. Striking this delicate balance requires a keen understanding of the subject matter and a commitment to authenticity.
Harnessing the “Hero’s Journey”
One of the screenwriting theories you might have come across is the Hero’s Journey (popularised by Joseph Campbell and developed for script writing by Christopher Vogler). The sports biopic is one of the genres where this theory can be useful, as the protagonist often undergoes a version of the 12-step journey, including the call to adventure (entering the world of competitive sports); the trials and tribulations faced along the way; and the ultimate test (the big game or race) and the lessons learned.
Research
Thorough research is the bedrock of a successful fact-based screenplay and the sports biopic is no exception. Digging into the subject’s personal life, relationships, and the socio-cultural context of their era is a crucial part of presenting a well-developed story. Interviews, autobiographies, and archival footage are all good sources which can help you to mine out the conflict and challenges your protagonist/s must overcome.
Exploring themes
While the sports arena serves as the backdrop, sports biopics often explore universal themes that extend beyond the field of play. Themes such as resilience, determination, the pursuit of excellence, and the impact of fame on personal relationships add layers of complexity to the narrative. Screenwriters must identify and weave these themes seamlessly into the script, elevating the story to a multi-dimensional exploration of the human experience.
Dialogue
Dialogue plays a pivotal role in bringing characters to life and conveying the emotional nuances of a scene. In sports biopics, authentic and impactful dialogue which incorporates subtext is essential for capturing the essence of the athlete’s personality. From the motivational speeches that ignite team spirit to the intimate conversations revealing the human behind the athlete, each line should contribute to character development and narrative progression.
Action
Action has a key role to play in the sports biopic, as showing us the protagonist plying their trade is an important aspect of the screenplay. Think of any successful sports biopic and one of the first things likely spring to mind is the action, whether it’s the balletic fight sequences in Raging Bull (1980), the exciting racing scenes in Ford vs Ferrari (aka Le Mans ’66) (2019), or the inspirational running scenes in Chariots of Fire (1981).
Again, remember that the person reading your script may be unfamiliar with the sport in question, so your job is to ensure that those who are ambivalent towards soccer, golf, boxing or long-distance running, etc., get drawn into the action. So, use impactful, action words that show us cars blasting round a race track, golf balls being whacked to the horizon, and right hooks that spatter blood on the audience in the front row.
Structural considerations
Crafting a sports biopic screenplay requires careful attention to structure. While adhering to the traditional three-act structure, screenwriters must also consider the unique rhythm of a sports narrative. The build-up to crucial matches or races, etc., the highs of victory, and the lows of defeat create a natural ebb and flow that contributes to the film’s pacing.
Well-timed (dramatic) flashbacks, training montages, and reflective moments can all help to enhance the storytelling, providing insight into the athlete’s journey and ensuring the script remains dynamic. The good news is that sports biopics often have a natural progression, building to the character’s big test in Act Three.
Overall
Whether you go the conventional route or show us something new, such as a niche sport or a non-traditional structure, there is plenty to explore in the world of the sports biopic. The art is distilling the essence of an athlete’s or team’s journey into a narrative which resonates with an audience and makes the most of the inherent conflict, on and off the field.