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Scriptwriting Compressed

This document provides an overview of scriptwriting and the process of developing a script. It discusses script formatting and functions, as well as developing characters, story elements, and completing a script for a short radio drama. Examples are provided throughout to illustrate various concepts.

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1K views59 pages

Scriptwriting Compressed

This document provides an overview of scriptwriting and the process of developing a script. It discusses script formatting and functions, as well as developing characters, story elements, and completing a script for a short radio drama. Examples are provided throughout to illustrate various concepts.

Uploaded by

api-394443105
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SCRIPTWRITING

— 02

Aims and
Objectives
To identify the function of a script

To highlight script formatting and writing theory

To begin work on our own script


Go to www.menti.com and enter the code
Answer the questions
Let's have a discussion
So... what are we doing?

Creating a script for a short radio


drama​
​
You have total freedom over what
you create ​
​
Before creating your script, you will:​
1. Pitch your ideas ​
2. Demonstrate understanding of
script functions
3. Create character bios

Before we get started...


In teams, groups, pairs or on your own:

Think of a story from any form of media: ​


Film​
TV​
Videogame​
Comic​
Book​
​
What is it about this story that interests you? ​
Plot​
Characters​
Setting ​
Events
Themes
EXAMPLE
#1
EXAMPLE
#2
EXAMPLE
#3
FADE IN: What is a Screenplay & What is a
Screenwriter?

General Thoughts? ​

Experience? ​

Anyone here Interested in writing


screenplays?​

What do you think is the role and


responsibilities of a screenwriter? ​
Roles and Responsibilities of a Screenwriter

Develop and research ideas for original


screenplays.​
Create an initial framework, or treatment, for
screenplays.​
Write or adapt a story into a script.​
Meet with executives to pitch screenplays and
ideas.​
Weave together visual elements in scenes
with plot and dialogue.​
Work with producers and directors to edit and
adjust the script as needed.

STORYTELLING
101

What
fundamentals/conventions are
we aware of within
storytelling? ​
Why do we tell stories?

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

'It's like poetry, it rhymes'


TODOROV'S
THREE ACT

STRUCTURE

Act 1 – The story begins with an established


equilibrium ​
Act 2 – Something happens to disrupt the
equilibrium ​
Act 3 – The problems are solved, a new
equilibrium is created

EXAMPLES?
PROPP'S
CHARACTER
THEORY

What is an archetype?
What character archetypes are
you aware of? ​
Why do we use character
archetypes in our media?

What is Propp's Character Theory?

Stories use a range of characters to play roles within the narrative. ​

These characters may be given personality traits within the plot of the story but as far as the narrative is concerned,
they are there to undertake a specific role within the structure of the story. ​

Propp used terms from fairy-tales to identify some of the most important roles in a narrative. Propp argued that these
roles appear in some way in all stories. They include:​

The hero – the person on a quest to solve the problems, resolve the disruption ​
The villain – the person who tried to block the heroes progress in his quest​
The dispatcher – the person who sends the hero on his quest​
The helper – the person who helps the hero during his quest​
The donor – the person who helps the hero by sacrificing something on the hero’s behalf​
The damsel in distress – the person who needs saving to help resolve the narrative​
The Father – often used to offer the hero a reward
The Donor –
Kenobi presents Luke with a lightsaber, beginning his quest as a Jedi.
The Dispatcher -
he lands near Luke’s home with a message from Princess Leia
The damsel in distress –
needs saving from the empire and Jabba
The helpers -
Han Solo, alongside Chewie he accompanies Luke on missions​
Hero – Luke is our vessel through this adventure. Must defeat the evil forces to
restore equilibrium. ​
The Villain and The Father -
Darth Vader, looks to cause terror
across the galaxy and defeat Luke
Skywalker. Revealed to be the father
at the low point at the end of ACT II. ​
ACTIVITY

In pairs, groups or (Han) solo, pick a film


and apply Propp’s character theory.​
OR​be a smartass and
Pick a film where this theory doesn't apply
and explain why. ​

Be ready to feed back to the class.


CHARACTERS
101
Characters are typically responsible for cause

and effect in narrative​


Characters are the reason the story can move
forward. ​
Characters move a story forward, a story
cannot advance without some cause and
effect from a character. ​
Try to imagine your favourite films without
any of the characters… you cant!

HOW TO DEVELOP CHARACTERS


What can we do to naturally develop characters?

Through conversations with other characters ​


Through group associations ​
Through direct description of that character ​
Through reactions to conflict
CHARACTER
DESCRIPTION
NAME IN ALL CAPS (age range), some descriptions and traits.​
You're not required to use parentheses or even add the age range if you think your character

description and story will suffice, but the vast majority of character introductions will include an age
range and traits.​
You want your descriptions to be visual, but remember to take advantage of character introductions
to add a bit of style and insight as well.

AN
EXAMPLE
FROM
'WHIPLASH'

Writing over-descriptive physical


descriptions. Remember, it is not
the writers role to ‘cast’ the
characters. ​
Show don’t tell when you are
describing your characters. Leave
their actions dictate their
character, don’t overtly describe it. ​
Think about who they are,
what they represent. Don’t
focus on the physical traits
unless related to the plot!​
Careful on how you write and
handle your female characters.

GOALS
&
OBSTACLES
LET'S

MAKE
OUR
OWN
Sign up to CELTX using your college email
Free to use
Industry standard
Easy to access and get used to
Script Structure
Very useful
website.

Access it on
teams or
weebly
on these slides
WHAT YOU NEED TO
PRODUCE
A 5 minute audio drama (any genre is fine)

It must have at least 3 speaking roles


A finished recording script
A mood board
A document containing bios for all characters
Any relevant research (genre research, story
research)
YOUR TASK

In your group/pair, develop your idea for a script


and create a mind map of ideas

Once decided on an idea...

Create a mood board that caotures the tone,


themes and feel of your story
Create character bios for every character involved
in the story
RECOMMENDED
VIEWING
Southland Tales
(2006)
Dir: Richard

Kelly
Available on:
Prime/mubi

Twin Peaks
(1990-2017)
Available on:
NOWTV

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