Screenwriting

A script is a document that outlines visual, behavioral, and lingual element required to tell a story. It is crucial to remember that film is a VISUAL medium. You don't tell your audience your story, you SHOW them. You must learn to write a screenplay VISUALLY. Write what your audience will SEE and what they will HEAR.

=Title=

First, write the title on your story in capital letters. THE TITLE OF THE STORY

Characters
List your characters: CHARACTERS, in order of Appearance: Character #1 Character #2 Character #3 Character #4 Character #5 You can have only one character – YOU.

Short Description of Scenes
Divide your story into acts, scenes, chapters, etc. ACTS, SCENES & BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS: ACT I -Describe where Act I takes place. ACT II - Describe where Act II takes place. ACT III -Describe where Act III takes place. You may add other information, depending on the story, such as "the next day"; "after the storm"; "many years later".

Detailed Description of Scenes
ACT I - [describe where Act I takes place] CHARACTER #1: Indicate here the opening words that Character #1 will say. CHARACTER #2: [you can use brackets to show how the line should be read - surprised? angry? sad?] Indicate here the opening words that Character #2 will say. CHARACTER #1: Again, indicate what words Character #1 should say. Notice that each character's name appears in capital letters, followed by a colon and a line space. This way, the actors will be easily able to find their lines on the page.

Describe Action
As the script writer, you'll describe action that takes place when there's no dialogue. Here are some examples: [King walks to center as Witch enters from stage left, hobbling slowly.] --or-- [Sister enters from right carrying a fishing stick and basket; she sees Snake and stops, irritated.] --or-- [Servant #1 & Servant #2 whisper in Tsar's ears.]

Imagine you're in the audience watching the movie. Think to yourself: What would make this movie even more interesting?

Humor is great -- don't be afraid to include appropriate jokes!

=References=

http://www.storiestogrowby.com/scripts/contest_body.html#choose http://www.screenwriting.info/

Storyboarding http://accad.osu.edu/womenandtech/Storyboard%20Resource/