RESEARCH - Screenplay Format
How to format a Screenplay.
So obviously if I'm going to get anywhere in creating my own film, I'm going to have to know how to actually write a screenplay. For starters how do I even use the screenplay format? Luckily we had our fab introduction session from Rob Wright (The film Studies Teacher and amateur Screenplay writer from Long Road that I have mentioned in my first post!) And he wasn't shy in telling us what he knows!
Script Format:
REMEMBER IT'S A WORKING DOCUMENT. NO CINEMATOGRAPHY, CAMERAWORK OR EDITING THAT'S FOR THE DIRECTOR! Good hint is to describe as if you were a camera.
To start a script Fade in to end Fade out. At the end of a scene on the far right 'Cut to' then use the next Slugline.
-Ext/Int An example would be INT. BEDROOM - ETHAN'S FLAT - LONDON - DAY So begin with the position, then location, then Day/Night, you can do a specific time if it's necessary for the plot. Can use Ext/Int the first being the camera and second being the character. For example if you were filming through a window into a car.
-Font Courier New
-Slug Line Must only add when location/time changes.
-Action Line This is the scene direction and tells us what we see and what the characters do. First intro to a character use Caps. Lighting, costume details, props and sounds to be included.
-Film Script length 90-120 pages (One page = 1 min of screen time)
-Dialogue No "" Less dialogue the better. Only use this to advance the plot, reveal character and express theme.
Theme:
This is the core component of the story, the core thing that the character is dealing with. Examples include - Love, Survival, Depression. (View on life/humanity/our world)
Premise/Concept:
Inciting indecent or primary story that drives the main plot. Concept is the bigger idea at the core of the story.
Developing Ideas:
What is the story to be told? What is to be learned? Write what you know!
Three Act Structure:
(Pages 1-30) 1st - Establish Characters/world. Inciting incident occurs. Disruption to lead character/world begins protagonists' journey.
(Pages 30-90) 2nd - 'Rising Action' Characters attempt to solve escalating problem. Success and failure. Antagonist at their most powerful.
(Pages 90-120) 3rd - Story's resolution/climax. Most intense part of the story. How will the protagonist solve the problem and defeat the antagonist?
Supporting Characters - must serve as plot helpers, Protagonist - people, Antagonist - Doesn't have to be a person for example could be a Tornado or Anxiety
Think : Characters, problems and what they want to achieve!
The rules of Joss Whedon
- Finish it
- Structure
- Have something to say
- Everybody has a reason to live
- Cut what you love
- Listen
- Track audience mood
- Write like a movie
- Don't listen
- Don't sell out
Having this talk was fantastic it helped me get a grip and understanding about the basics. Also just discussing how to write a screenplay made me start coming up with even more ideas and just getting more and more excited about the project that I am diving into.
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