Basics of Scriptwriting

Elements of a great screenplay

1.) Character Development

2.) Plot structure
3.) Dialogue
4.) Action description

Be as concise as possible.

1.) Setting – define the location & time of the scene being portrayed. Helpful for those who
make props.

Emphasis on important details during the play.

Ex. Angel (laughing) mauhsuasah

2.) Character Development – Create well-rounded, believable characters.

3.) Plot structure – The way a story is organized.

- Act one – often referred to as the SETUP, establishes the world of the story.
 Introduces the main characters and sets up the conflict that will drive the plot.
 Should hook the audience. In the first part, actors must be showing the conflict w/ out making it
obvious enough.
 The protagonist should be the main center of attraction during a play.
 Ends with a turning point (plot twist) such as an inciting incident that sets the plot in motion and
propels the protagonist in the action.
- Act two – the confrontation or confrontational period
 The majority of the story takes place.
 Climax or the battleground of the story.
 Considered as the longest parts of the story.
 First part – Characterized by protagonist to achieve their goals.
 Second part – to keep the audience engaged and invested in the story while challenging the
protagonist and deepening character development. Marked by a major setback or crisis that
usually raises stakes
 Act Three - to provide closure for the audience, resolving the conflicts.
 4.) Dialogue – make it sound like real speech.
- Use contractions, pauses and interruptions to make the dialogue sound more natural. For
example; stuttering, nervousness, etc. Can add short narration in-between acting.
- Characters should sound different from each other. Think about their BACKGROUND.
- Use subtext to create tension and conflict in the dialogue as well as to personify them.
- Use an active voice instead of passive voice. (to make the action more immediate and engaging.
- Use present tense. A play is TAKING PLACE. Act like it is said and being done in the present.
- Use sensory details to create a rich, immersive world for the reader. Describe what the
characters SEE, HEAR, SMELL, TASTE, and TOUCH.

5.) Script Formatting

 Font and Margins

- 12-point Courier font, A4 paper, and set the margin to 1 inch per side.
 Label the act. Add scene headings.
 Write action descriptions in COMPLETE SENTENCES.
 Capitalize all character names to easily determine them. Add PARENTHESES OR EMOTIONS.
 Dialogue should be centered on the page. Include the characters name (still in all caps)
 A transition is used to indicate a change in time or location. All caps.
 Each page should be numbered. Page number is in the top right corner.

Summary:

- Writing a screenplay is a long and challenging process.

- Important to choose a subject that you are passionate about.
- Remember that there is always an INTRODUCTION (should be intriguing for the audience), a
climax and the ending.