Lessons from the Screenplay
Lessons learnt…
- Action lines (in the script) give the scene a sense of atmosphere. They also give actors and directors guidance about their characters and the tone of the scene.
- The last line is the point of the scene.
- Funnel the scene down to its final point of crisis or tension.
- Subplot characters echo and foreshadow the narrative journey of the central protagonist.
Your Screenplay
Write a short screenplay:
- Your screenplay should be formatted using this preformated document.
- …should be no more than 1 page.
- …should have a clear climax.
- The final line should define the scene. Final lines:
- ‘…it was stolen!’
- ‘…I think I’m lost!’
- ‘…you never understood!’
- ‘…you’re too late!’
- The final line should define the scene. Final lines:
- It should contain a major and supporting character.
- It should be achievable to film in 8-12 shots some of which should be repeated.
Reflective Journal
Inquiry
Formatting screenplay rules in brief.
Lesson from the screenplay video embedded.
Your learning on how to shape a scene in a screenplay, develop character notes and build towards a conflict / crisis.
Action
Creative Intention
To write a screenplay for a simple scene. The screenplay should include character notes/directions and build to a clear moment of conflict/crisis at the end of the scene.
Decisions you made when writing the screenplay. This must include quotes from your screenplay. Examples could include:
- Character description.
- Action lines / dialogue which develop the conflict in the scene.
Reflection
- The notes / recording from your group reading and discussion on your screenplay.
- Did your peers identify character notes and the building conflict?
- A link to the screenplay that was chosen by the group.
- Comments on why it was considered by the group to be the most effective.
Development & Extension
The 5 act structure and the self contained structure of each act.
- Linking narrative with screenplay writing