Lessons from the Screenplay

Lessons learnt…

1. 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.
2. The last line is the point of the scene.
   • Funnel the scene down to its final point of crisis or tension.
3. 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!’
• It should contain a major and supporting character.
• It should be achievable to film in 8-12 shots some of which could 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