Script
Your script is the blueprint of the cinematic story that is told through pictures and sound. Would you start building a house without a blueprint? No, it would be costly, mistake ridden, and it would run over schedule. The same goes for film.
To write a great script you have to be able to visualize the images and hear the sounds and describe them on the page. Describe what the audience will see and hear.
Scripts are typically only about one page (in proper scriptwriting format) per minute of on screen time. Yours should be no longer than 3 pages.
Scriptwriting Format
Scripts are written using a specific format. This is so that anyone in filmmaking can read, understand, and follow any script put in their hands. Here are the key parts of a script:
Scene Heading (AKA Slug Line):
This is the where and the when:
EXT. GRANDMA'S HOUSE, PORCH - NIGHT
Action
This describe what happens on the screen. It is everything we see and hear. Write it in third person present tense.
(e.g. Dave turns and sprints down the hall, running with all he has. Thud. His face smacks into a wall that is the chest of a large barrel chested man.)
Character
This is the character's name who will read any dialogue that follows. Be consistent with a character's name throughout the script.
You can write (V.O.) if it is a voiceover or (O.C.) if the character is off-camera when they speak.
Parenthetical (AKA Stage Direction)
This comes before the dialogue and gives the actor notes on how to read the line.
(e.g. (Out of breath)
Dialogue
Everything that comes out of an actor's mouth on camera. Write out numbers (e.g. one-hundred and one, or one oh one, but not 101).
Shot (AKA Camera Direction)
Describes the shot size, angle, position, or the movement of the camera. Use this sparingly as your action often describes the shot.
Transition
This give detail to how the scene opens and closes.
F.A.Q.s Q) If I don't have talking do I still have to write a script?
A) Yes, you need to write out each scene and shot with descriptions of the visual action, setting, mood, and the sound.
Q) My script is over 5 pages long, is that okay?
A) Although the 1 page per 1 minute rule isn't exact, it is a good guideline for time. Remember, you won't want to run long or compress your story too much. Keep it short and simple.
Q) Can I do my storyboards before I finish my script?
A) No, your storyboards are a visualization of the script. If it helps you to sketch out your scenes first, fine, but you will have to redraw them to fit your finished script.
Q) Can I change my script after I have started filming?
A) Yes, but take the time to write out the changes or make notes on the script.
Q) Can I film parts that aren't in the script?
A) Yes, but try to finish filming all the parts in the script first. If you think of a great shot in the moment, film it!
Your script is the blueprint of the cinematic story that is told through pictures and sound. Would you start building a house without a blueprint? No, it would be costly, mistake ridden, and it would run over schedule. The same goes for film.
To write a great script you have to be able to visualize the images and hear the sounds and describe them on the page. Describe what the audience will see and hear.
Scripts are typically only about one page (in proper scriptwriting format) per minute of on screen time. Yours should be no longer than 3 pages.
Scriptwriting Format
Scripts are written using a specific format. This is so that anyone in filmmaking can read, understand, and follow any script put in their hands. Here are the key parts of a script:
Scene Heading (AKA Slug Line):
This is the where and the when:
- Interior or exterior shot
- Major location & sub-location
- Time: day or night
EXT. GRANDMA'S HOUSE, PORCH - NIGHT
Action
This describe what happens on the screen. It is everything we see and hear. Write it in third person present tense.
(e.g. Dave turns and sprints down the hall, running with all he has. Thud. His face smacks into a wall that is the chest of a large barrel chested man.)
Character
This is the character's name who will read any dialogue that follows. Be consistent with a character's name throughout the script.
You can write (V.O.) if it is a voiceover or (O.C.) if the character is off-camera when they speak.
Parenthetical (AKA Stage Direction)
This comes before the dialogue and gives the actor notes on how to read the line.
(e.g. (Out of breath)
Dialogue
Everything that comes out of an actor's mouth on camera. Write out numbers (e.g. one-hundred and one, or one oh one, but not 101).
Shot (AKA Camera Direction)
Describes the shot size, angle, position, or the movement of the camera. Use this sparingly as your action often describes the shot.
Transition
This give detail to how the scene opens and closes.
- FADE IN/OUT
- FADE TO WHITE/BLACK
- WIPE
- CUT
F.A.Q.s Q) If I don't have talking do I still have to write a script?
A) Yes, you need to write out each scene and shot with descriptions of the visual action, setting, mood, and the sound.
Q) My script is over 5 pages long, is that okay?
A) Although the 1 page per 1 minute rule isn't exact, it is a good guideline for time. Remember, you won't want to run long or compress your story too much. Keep it short and simple.
Q) Can I do my storyboards before I finish my script?
A) No, your storyboards are a visualization of the script. If it helps you to sketch out your scenes first, fine, but you will have to redraw them to fit your finished script.
Q) Can I change my script after I have started filming?
A) Yes, but take the time to write out the changes or make notes on the script.
Q) Can I film parts that aren't in the script?
A) Yes, but try to finish filming all the parts in the script first. If you think of a great shot in the moment, film it!
Photo used under Creative Commons from feverblue
