2. Introduction
• Scripting is a vital part of filmmaking which doesn’t require
much apart from a pen, paper, and focus. Unlike the
production of an actual film, script writing has extremely low
production costs, and doesn’t have to be written at a specific
time of the day. In this respect you could argue that script
writing is a flexible process – and this would be a fair
assessment to an extent. However, as with any work, there
are time management issues to face, and deadlines to reach.
3. Character background:
What to think about
understanding the context
of all the characters is vital
before writing a script.
There is no room for holes
Time frames: There are two aspects of
in a character because they
time frames the script writer must
wont be believable.
look at before starting, and both are
vital in the long term of the
production. Firstly, even though it
sounds basic it still must be addressed
with care – how long is the film you
are writing a script for? There is no The key to scripting
point writing a script that lasts for two
hours, when the storyboard and idea is background
for the film lasts only for just over an
hour. Secondly, the time allotted to
actually write the script. This is
extremely important as if a person
Plot: even though writing the script may
leaves it too long, the script will be
help to tighten up plot holes, there still has
rushed and therefore negatively
to be the premise of a plot before the
impact the finished product of the
script. In this respect script construction
film.
pushes the writer to really focus their
creative elements towards the production.
4. Construction of Ideas
• When constructing an initial idea for a film, the writer may not
foresee any problems or holes that may occur in the plot.
Writing a script provides the premise for a film: ideas are
smoothed out and perhaps altered to accommodate the
believability of the storyline. For example, before writing our
script, we were sure to have Johnny’s character decline into
insanity because of a tumour. However, after planning out the
script step by step next to the storyboard it became apparent
that this sort of detail was not only unneeded, but
furthermore impossible to convey with clarity within the five
minutes of video time allocated. Without good planning of the
script we further along the line may have faced issues in the
post-production of the film.
5. Organisation
• Constructing a script for a film is absolutely vital when considering
the other components of planning. Without a script, the storyboard
may be vastly out of sink with the improvisation of dialogue. If this
occurred then it may be highly damaging in the post-production
section of the project – and considering that a filmmaker should try
and make it as easy as possible fore themselves in the editing suite;
it just isn’t good practice.
• It is also important to recognise how colleagues perceive the overall
production of the film. For example, the recruited actors may feel
dejected by the disorganisation, and may either not take it seriously,
or reject the entire production. You also have to consider that actors
without material to practice with may not understand the character
they are playing. And without practicing the scripted lines, the
actors a lot more likely to not deliver as good as a performance –
which would make the finished product suffer.
6. Script improvisation
• Once a script is constructed, it allows room for a certain amount of
improv to take place. This is because the script provides context for
the character, which means that the actor can then play around with
the lines, as the understand what they are doing, and what they
need to convey to the audience. For example, once we had passed
on the script to the actors they had chance to read over all of the
lines and then learn how to convey in a way which best suits their
voice etc.
• Script improvisation can improve the performance of the actors. The
actors are able to understand their character to such an extent that
they can even dabble in aspects of method acting. If an actor can get
to the point were they in some sense become the character they are
playing, then by definition they shall deliver a much more believable
performance.
7. Portfolio
• Completing a script is a fantastic method of accessing the industry,
and furthermore to forward a career in the media industry. Many
filmmakers write a script and send copies to numerous film
companies until they get bank rolled for their production.
• Scripting is also an asset to a filmmakers portfolio. If it is know that a
person is an all rounder they may be more likely to obtain work as
they will gain a competent and multidimensional reputation.
• If a person can present many examples of high quality scripts they
have produced, it can be a fairly cost efficient way of showing your
quality. Unlike the actual production of a film, scripting costs are
extremely low, and therefore the risk factor involved is also little. In
this respect it is a lot easier for a filmmaker to establish themselves
as a scriptwriter first, as not only can the person take a single credit
very easily, but also trail and error their work in a proficient fashion.
