INTRODUCTION

TO SCRIPT WRITING
FOR FILM
What Is A Logline?

A logline is typically just one or two clear, concise

sentences. Some set a word limit of around 35 words.
A logline should swiftly convey what a screenplay is
about, including the main character, central conflict,
setup and antagonist
Sample of a Logline
What is a Synopsis?
A film synopsis is typically a one-page document that
summarizes your film. It contains the film's title, genre,
logline (a one-sentence summary), and a five-paragraph
explanation of the film's storyline, major plot points, and
key characters.

WHAT TO CONSIDER IN WRITING A SYNOPSIS:

·A page or less (recommended 500 words or less)
·Narrative Arc - Plot
·Conflict and Resolution
What is a story plot?

Plot refers to the main events in a story composed

as a connected sequence of events. The plot can be
made up of several seemingly unconnected threads,
but as long as they are presented in a way that
communicates to the viewer that these actions and
events are connected in some way, you may safely
refer to that chain of events as the “plot”.
How to build a great plot
A great plot is built around logic.
This means that when something happens, there
is a consequence.
Whether that consequence is morally acceptable
or fair is up to the writer, but the connection
between the two events is the rub. It's how we, as
viewers, know that what we see matters, and that
we're now on a narrative rollercoaster.
A great plot also needs to be structured correctly.
The Diagram of the three art structure
What is a film style?

A film's style refers to the techniques a director uses

to create a movie, and it can include themes, sound,
dialogue, cinematography and lighting. All the
aspects of production that provide value to the film
and help determine how the audience perceives it
goes into its style.
What is a film genre?

A film's genre is a definitive category based on its narrative

elements. Filmmakers can structure their stories to the
framework of a genre by including familiar patterns, themes,
motives and conventions. The narrative is typically the
deciding factor in categorizing a film into a genre. You can
discover a film's genre by analyzing the story's setting,
characters and representative content, such as storylines and
themes. Typically, films within the same genre have similar
moods and story elements.
10 types of film genres
There are many film genres available that
classify movies and even more subgenres. Here
are 10 of the most common genres in
filmmaking:

1. Action 7. Science fiction

2. Adventure 8. Fantasy
3. Comedy 9. Historical
4. Drama 10. Crime
5. Horror
6. Romance
What is a Script/Screenplay?
A Script or Screenplay is a written work for a film,
television show, or other moving media, that expresses
the movement, actions and dialogue of characters.

Screenplays, or scripts, are the blueprint for the movie.

A screenplay is written in a specific format to
distinguish between characters, action lines, and
dialogue.
 Screenplay vs. script:
What's the difference?
In a nutshell, a screenplay connects to film and television only.
It's considered a visual outline of what a production's bringing
to life on the screen.
On the other hand, a script is a generic,
broad term that you can use in various contexts. Sometimes, its
usage doesn't even fall into the visual medium.
However, production teams may use both “script” and
“screenplay” during production. They both have their place in
the video industry.
Script/Screenplay Sample
Elements of a Screenplay
Core Elements of a Screenplay Other Elements
Scene Headings or Slugline Transition
Action Lines or Description Shots
Character Act
Dialogue
Parenthetical
SCENE HEADING/SLUGLINE
A scene Heading or Slugline is a line within a
screenplay written in all uppercase letters to draw
attention to script information. It appears ath the
Beginning of every scene.

They give us information as to the Location of the

scene and the time of day the action is taking place.
 A scene heading primarily consists of three important
pieces of information:

1. Location of the Camera is the first element. Is it

inside or Outside: Interior (INT) or exterior (EXT).

2. Location of the scene is the second element of the

Slugline. This will indicate where the action is taking place
. The name of the Location should be short and specific.
Eg In the Restaurant, Mr. Akpan's Sitting Room
3.The last part of the element is the timing of the day.
This describes the time of the day the scene or action
is taking place. Eg Day or Night.

You may use terms such as DUSK, DAWN,

MORNING, EVENING if it is essential for the Story.
SAME (Indicates the scene is taking place at the
same time as the previous scene)
CONTINOUS (to show continuity)
LATER (indicates a period of time has passed) may
also be used occasionally.
ACTION LINES OR DESCRIPTION
It is the part of the script the writer uses to describe
character action and the setting.
Action lines are placed directly under scene headings in a
screenplay.

3 Things to Note in Writing your Action Description

1. Be Succinct and Clear. Keep your actions as as brief as
possible. So, make sure you don't use flowery language or big
words when small ones will do. Be deliberate and precise.
Try to aim for the time it takes to read your action lines
to match the length of time you think it will play out
on screen.
2. Write In the Present Tense
Great action lines in a screenplay give information about the action that is
happening right now in the film! So, don't use the past or future tenses when
you write action. Instead, use the present tense only.
Present tense: “Sally leans against a wall.”
Past tense: “Sally leaned against a wall.” “Sally is leaning
against a wall.”

3. Show, Don't Tell : Write from a Visual Perspective

When writing an action line, think of the question “what can I see and hear?”
Action lines should not rely on other senses for the most part, and we must frame
smell, taste, touch, and thought around sight and sound.
For example, when trying to describe a character's impression of
a bad smell, this sentence:
“John turns his head from the bad odor”
is more effective than
“John thinks it smells awful.”
CHARACTERS
Characters are engines that drive ideas into story.
A character in a script or Screenplay can either be
a Protagonist or an Antagonist.
Protagonist: the main character in a story, and the person that the
story is usually written about. The writer usually develops the
plot around the protagonist, for instance with some problem that
needs solving.

Antagonist: this is a person that opposes or fights against another

character (usually the protagonist).
What is Character Description
in a Screenplay?
A character description is the literal introduction of a character
in a screenplay. It's the first time the reader comes across this
character, so it provides brief information about them,
their name, age, and a brief physical description.

If it is a minor character speaking, that has no name, it is

alright to use a descriptive name such as WAITRESS,
DOCTOR, GUY. If there are two Doctors you can use,
DOCTOR ONE and DOCTOR TWO
 What Goes Into Character Description?
1. Name and Age. A character description includes writing a
character's name in all caps when they're first introduced. Writing
the name in all caps helps alert the reader to the introduction of a
new character. Their age range should accompany the character
name in parenthesis, for example, CAROL (25 years of age).
2. Physical Descriptions
You don't have to get overly detailed about what your character
is wearing or what they look like. Try to pick out one aspect or
write a short sentence that speaks to the visual nature of your
character.
Describe something about your character that brings the visual
to life and tells us about who they are.
3. Write a Sentence to Describe Their Traits
In a brief sentence, you want to express a defining description
of your character. Eg..Always Smiling, Moody, Free-Spirit
Dialogue
A dialogue is the spoken word. It's what the characters
say to each other (and sometimes to themselves).

Dialogue has various uses, though it is most often for the

purposes of advancing the plot and building character.

It also helps the audience learn more about a character,

their history, feelings, and viewpoints.

Good dialogue tends to make or break a script during and

after filming.
Parentheticals
A parenthetical is a note or direction on how
a particular line of dialogue or action is
delivered by a character.

Parentheticals often communicate emotion,

action, or delivery within a screenplay's
dialogue.
Dialogue Cues
Dialogue Cues are (V.O.), (O.S.), or (O.C.). They are indicated next
to a character name and it is a way to tell the reader there is a
provision or special circumstance to the following dialogue.

(V.O.) means “voice over,” indicating the character is speaking but

is not seen speaking in the scene, only heard. Think of voice over as
the character revealing their innermost thoughts to the audience.

(O.S.) means “off screen” and is used when a character isn't on

camera, but their voice can still be heard, perhaps behind a door.
(O.C.) means “off camera” indicating the character is part
of the scene but not seen on camera at that moment.
TRANSITIONS
TRANSITIONS are used to indicate a change from one
scene to the next.

Typical transitions are:

FADE IN, FADE OUT, CUT TO, MATCH CUT, MONTAGE,
INSERT, INTERCUT, SERIES OF
SHOTS, DISSOLVE TO and BACK TO SCENE.
WHAT IS A

SPEC SCRIPT?
A spec script is a screenplay written under speculation
that it will be acquired by a studio, network, or production
company for the purpose of production and distribution.
In short, you haven't been paid to write it. You're writing
the screenplay on your own accord with the hopes of
selling it to the film and television
industry for production.
WHAT ARE THE PROS OF WRITING A
SPEC SCRIPT?
The benefits of writing on spec include the following:
- No one looking over your shoulder.
- You write what you want when you want.
- You write the screenplay how you envision it, while hopefully
following general industry guidelines and expectations to
increase your chances of selling it.
- As a beginning or unestablished screenwriter, writing on spec
allows you to hone your skills and work on your craft through the
development, writing, and rewriting process, unhindered by
contracted deadlines and pressure from executives.
. SIMPLE SCREENPLAY RULES YOU NEED TO KNOW
Before you write a script you must write a story
(Synopsis).
Keep titled page Simple
Character's First Appearance: First time we meet character
name is all in CAPPED.
Always write your script in present tense
Capitalize some words to create emphasis
Character name should always be All Caps and Centralized
Thanks for
listening