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Written by Tomas Rawlings   
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Last time we looked at the importance of characters and a good plot in your script. This week we take a look at writing the script and how to structure it.

Structure

The journey of a thousand miles begins with 1 step...
You should now have a plot, some well defined characters and core word/s that define your piece. Now you must begin the writing process. The first thing to remember here is the conventions of script writing layout. You do not have to begin writing in this format, but you may find it helps. There are many different ways of writing film script and there are plenty of books that will go into the correct format in detail, but here is the basic format:

  • Any change of scene, visual directions, character names and props should be written in CAPITOL LETTERS.
  • Any descriptions or dialogue should be written in lower case letters.
  • Insert a line break in between every completed piece of dialogue, description and scene change.
  • The left hand side of your script page should contain wide margins for making notes.

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 An example is provided here, from the script to ‘The Matrix’:

 

EXT. CHASE HOTEL - NIGHT

A black sedan with tinted windows glides in through the police cruisers.

AGENT SMITH and AGENT BROWN get out of the car.

They wear dark suits and sunglasses even at night. They are also always hardwired; small Secret Service earphones in one ear, its cord coiling back into their shirt collars

AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant?
 
LIEUTENANT
Oh shit.
 
AGENT SMITH
Lieutenant, you were given specific orders --
 
LIEUTENANT
I'm just doing my job. You gimme that Juris-my dick-tion and you can cran it up your ass.
 
AGENT SMITH
The orders were for your protection.

 

The Lieutenant laughs

LIEUTENANT
I think we can handle one little girl.

 

Agent Smith nods to Agent Brown as they start toward the hotel.
LIEUTENANT
I sent two units. They're bringing her down now.
 
AGENT SMITH
No, Lieutenant, your men are dead.

  matrixmatrix


Looking down your plot-list and staring at a blank screen or page, the whole concept of writing a script can seem like a daunting task. Here are a few pointers that may help facilitate the whole process:

  • Divide and conquer
Separate the plot unto smaller and smaller chunks so you’re working on a section that’s very small and so seems less daunting.
  • Begin at the End
You may find it much easier to begin with the end, write the climactic ending first.
  • Do what you know
You may wish to try writing scenes you are confident of the structure to first.
  • Use rough planning
Try just scribbling out ideas for scenes or brain storming ideas.
  • Visual planning
Make little paper markers for your characters, draw floor plans of the locations and block out what’s happening and who’s going where to get a feel for the scene.
  • Rewrites are your friend

Don’t shy away from rewriting areas you have already done, as the script grows, you may find a new direction emerges. If this feels right, go with! Alternatively, as you gain more experience writing the script, you will find you skills becoming honed. You could find your early work not up to your new standard.
 

Influences are everywhere

Use influences from everything. Carry a note book on you always. Overhear a good conversation on the bus? Use it! Read a good book? Jot down what you liked about it and use it.

Once you have finished your Oscar-winning masterpiece you will need to get feedback. Give it to friends for their opinion, preferably somebody whom you trust to be honest and who is not familiar with your plot line. This gives you good criticism and will highlight plot-holes. You can also do this yourself. Leave the finished script alone for a week or two, then pick it up read it and be as critical as you can, look for bad dialogue and inconsistencies. Highlight weak areas or characters. Then set to work on these areas, rewriting until you are happy.

One note of caution in this process - stick to your vision. Those works you defined at the beginning of the process? Use them here. Do not take any criticism to heart, use it for what it is; another point of view. You must balance you own vision with the view of other people. This means do not ignore feedback, but equally do not accept it without fully considering the changes it may bring.

Finally - good luck!

PS. Thanks to Andrew Rilstone for information and Christopher Vogler for his talk at the GDC, from where much of this info comes.

Andrew Rilstone
http://andrewrilstone.blogspot.com/2005/11/airy-fairy-civil-libertarian-writes.html

Christopher Vogler
http://www.thewritersjourney.com/

Next we take a look at some resources you may find useful when writing your script.



 
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