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- What is a script?
- The script for a film is supposed to present all the audiovisual elements of the film, such as audio, visual, behavior, dialogue. Besides, it also should present clearly the place, character, and even some camera movements.
- Normally, a script is completed by more than one person, such as the writer and the director.
- Before starting to write the script:
- Reading other scripts of some famous films or films of the similar genre is also a good way to get some inspiration.
- In addition, writers are supposed to sketch out all the elements clearly before writing the script, such as the plot details, relationships, and personality traits.
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- Write the script:
- Outline the story: writers should have a basic flow of the narrative. Besides, they are supposed to create a conflict, focus on it, and use it to drive the drama.
- Length: Basically, each page is roughly one minute of screen time in script format. The average length of a two-hour script if 120 pages. Dramas should be around the 2-hour mark, comedies should be shorter, around one and a half hours. (wikiHow)
- Write the story in 3 acts: The main ideas of the screenplay are the Three acts. Each of them can operate independently and provide the complete story together.
- Act 1: Act 1 is the set-up part of the story. It is supposed to introduce the environment and relationships of the film world. Additionally, it also should make foreshadowing for the conflict. Normally, act 1 is around 30pages. For comedies, 24 pages.
- Act 2: This is the main part of the story. The protagonists will start to pursue their object. This is also the point conflicts and difficult appeared. For dramas, Act Two is typically 60 pages. For comedies, 48 pages.
- Act 3: Usually, act 3 is nearly the end of the story. Protagonists often can find the resolution of the problem and achieve their object. For dramas, Act Three is typically 30 pages. For comedies, 24 pages.
- Add sequences: Most stories have more than one storyline. Most time they are separate but sometimes one can influence the story of the other. A typical sequence will be about 10 to 15 pages in length. A sequence tends to focus on a specific character.
- Scenes: Scenes are supposed to have a purpose to drive the drama. If not, they should be cut from the script. Scenes normally are divided by specific locations and time.
- Dialogue: Dialogue is another important way to show character interaction. Each character needs to have its own distinct and believable voice. Dialogue should either develop characters or move the forward. It is not necessary to show the real-life dialogue because it is boring.
- Revise the script, show it to other people and get some feedback.
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- Formatting the script (This part is copied from the wikiHow website)
- Page size: Screenplays are written on 8 ½” x 11” paper, typically 3-hole punched. Top and bottom margins are set between .5” and 1”. The left margin is set to 1.2”-1.6” and the right margin is set between .5” and 1”. Page numbers go in the top right corner. The title page does not get numbered. (wikiHow)
- Font: Screenplays are written in Courier 12 point font. This is mainly because of timing.
- Format your script elements. There are several different parts of the script that require specific formatting so that they conform to industry standards:
- Scene Heading: This is also called a “slug line.” It sets the stage for the reader by describing the location. The scene heading is written in all caps. First, denote whether it is an interior or exterior scene by writing “INT.” or “EXT.” Then, follow that with the location, then the time of day. Never end a page with a scene heading, push it down to the next page.
- Action: This is the descriptive text of the screenplay. Write in the present tense and an active voice. Keep the paragraphs short to hold the reader’s attention. A good paragraph size is 3-5 lines.
- Character Name: Before dialogue starts, the character speaking is typed out in all caps and indented 3.5” from the left margin. The name can either be the character’s actual name, a description if the character is not named in the movie, or by occupation. If the character is speaking off screen, then “(O.S.)” is written next to the character name. If the character is narrating, “(V.O.)” for voice-over is written next to the name.
- Dialogue: When a character is speaking, the dialogue is indented 2.5” from the left margin, and between 2-2.5” from the right. The dialogue goes directly beneath the character’s name.
Script:
Reference:
wikiHow, How to Write Movie Scripts, wikiHow, viewed 29 September 2018,<https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Movie-Scripts>.