2. So what goes into a script?...
vConcept
vCharacters
vPlot
vStructure
3. Concept
This includes:
vWhat the movie is about
vWhat do you want to say in it?
vWho is going to pay to see the movie?
vHow much will it cost?
vWhy do you think it should be filmed?
5. The plot
This includes:
vWhat drives the story for your movie?
vWhat happens to your character/characters?
vWhat extra things will be included (Why)?
v
7. What is also included in a script?
vThe number of actors/actresses
vThe name of the play
vStage directions/settings/a character profile
vDialogue
vStage directions
8. What is added in character profiles…
vName
vAge
vGender
vPhysical appearance
vEmployment
vHobbies
vPersonality
v
vStrengths
vWeaknesses
vLikes
vDislikes
v
Also the characters name is
always written in capital letters
on the script.
9. Settings
vWhere do the different scenes take place?
vWhat is happening within the different settings?
vWhat time of the day is it?
vWhat season is it and what is the weather like?
All of this helps to set the scene for the directors and the actors laying
in the movie.
10. Narrative structure
v The beginning sets up the
situation/roles/relationships/settings
v
v Complications start to build up/problems
that the characters encounter
v
v The climax is the most major event that
happens, What happens/Who is
involved/what happens next?
v
v Resolution
11. A Screenplay is the script of a film which includes the acting
instructions and scene directions, and a Screenwriter is a person
who writes these. Here are some important screenwriting skills
needed by screenwriters:
1. Strength is very important for screenwriter’s because screenwriting is a
thinking profession that uses a very specific form of writing to illustrate
the screenwriters thoughts.
2. Speed is needed because as a screenwriter, you have to work hard to work
fast. This is because the more scripts the screenwriter produces, writing is
rewriting meaning that It can take ten or twenty drafts. This makes sure
that the screenplay is written in time.
3. Stamina is an important factor because if you want to be good at something,
you have to do it everyday, and for a long time.
4. Technique is needed hugely for writing screenplays as the art in
screenwriting comes down to the voice of the writer, or in other words
meaning his or her technique. An original idea is not necessarily needed to
be successful, just a different world, different characters, or different
execution.
5. Endurance is very important for screenwriters as they will fail many times
so need the ability to overcome adversity and focus on the next script that
they are going to be doing.
12. Screenwriters are not hired employees but are contracted freelancers.
Most screenwriters if not all, start their careers writing on speculation
(meaning they write without being hired or paid for it). If a script is
sold, it is called a spec script.
A professional screenwriter is different from an amateur screenwriter
as professional screenwriters are usually represented by a talent
agency. Also, professional screenwriters do no usually go around
working for free, however more amateur screenwriters will usually
often work for free and are considered "writers in training".
13. Many screenwriters also work as full or part-time "script doctors“. This means
that they are trying to make a script better to suit what they are writing it for,
also what the director wants. For example, studio management may have a
complaint that the actions or what a character is doing may be unclear or the
dialogue might be weak and needs to be more clear
This can be good for getting profit and good money, especially if the writer is
better known. For example, David Mamet and John Sayles fund movies they
direct themselves which will also usually be from their own written screenplays.
Sometimes, writers can be very successful and have profitable careers by not
necessarily being the first person with a certain idea. Many new up and coming
screenwriters also "ghost write" projects and allow more established
screenwriters to take credit for their work that they have done. This is done as it
increases the chance of it getting picked.
Script doctors and profit
