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Screenplay Writing
By James Emery Vigh of profbruno.com
Screenplay, or script writing is an art form. It is a living, breathing document that displays your creative vision in the manner that it will be implemented. It requires imagination, planning, and a sense of flow. It may also require specific formats depending on what it is that you're writing for. If you are not planning now or in the future to submit your work to someone in the film or theatre industry, you can write the thing in Word. If your goal is to sooner or later submit your work, there are certain formating rules that have to be followed or you will not even get a look from these people. I happen to use a software product called "Final Draft" which is a screenplay editor. You choose your format (such as "Warner Brothers") and all of the proper formatting and indentations are done automatically for you. All you have to worry about is the content. There are standard elements to a typical screenplay: Scene Heading or Slug Line -- This identifies whether the scene is interior or exterior, the location of the scene and the time of day. Action -- This tells what is physically happening in the scene. Character -- This precedes all dialog and indicates who is doing the talking. Parenthetical -- This is information about how the dialog is delivered. This information is written in parentheses -- hence the name. Dialog -- This represents the actual dialog from the character. Transition -- Marks the end of a scene and may give instructions as to how to flow into the next scene. Shot -- This gives information about camera angles or movement. This is always written in capital letters. General -- Anything that is not included above. Before you start writing the thing however, it's a good idea to write it out in a general sense or in an outline so that you can plan your scenes, camera issues, set details, and dialog in advance. This will make it easier for you. If you are using animation, be aware of the limitations of animation. Know what is possible with your animator. Not everyone is "Disney". 2D possibilities are different than that of 3D. There will be revisions. There always are. Keep track of them. No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy (so to speak). Understand that you will get better at this as you go along. Above all, design a professional screenplay that is easy to read and leaves no holes in it as far as direction is concerned. And if you are going to submit it, follow the formatting rules. Purchase the appropriate software if you feel the need. |
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Example of part of a screenplay
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Interesting use of the no follow. Have you allocated all points to the one site now?
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thanks Reg. What do you mean by "allocating all points to one site"? I still have much to learn, so I look forward to your advice.
Regards,
Jim
I had no idea that screen writing was so detailed, that different formats might be used. I don't think I have a screen-play in me but, you never know! I'll keep this intel in mind if the subject comes up again.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Believe me, I received a quick education myself...
The copyright for this content entitled "Screenplay Writing" has been specified by the contributor as:
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