Scriptwriting Tutorial
Scriptwriting involves writing a script. A scriptwriter must have the ability to invent, the literary talent to elevate language, the story talent to raise life itself, the feminine power of the senses and the masculine power of the imagination. Along with creating the beginning and end of a script, the rest is just filling in the middle.
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Concept
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Before you begin writing anything as a scriptwriter, start with an idea, the script's main story, also known as the plot. Take time to develop your concept, what is it about your story that will grab the attention of a script reader or audience within the first few pages. People crave unique stories with compelling heroes and exciting conflicts.
Story Development
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Writing off the top of your head sometimes is ideal to capture a brief idea, but planning and preparation work can save the scriptwriter a lot of frustration and backpedaling at a later date. Outlining and breaking down the dramatic elements of a story are well worth the effort. When creating a world that's true to real life or that mixes the commonplace with the magical, whatever set of rules you create for that world, make sure you follow them.
Structure
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The traditional organization of a script is a three-act structure. Structure in scriptwriting is about event choices and the sequences you use to arouse emotions and communicate the controlling idea. Acts include a beginning, the setup in which the situation is introduced and established, a middle, the conflict and complications that build to the crisis and climax, and an ending, the resolution and payoff. A script written for television (teleplay) is usually in a seven-act structure.
Format
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When formatting a script, the goal is a page that can be read quickly and easily. The standard font format is 12 pt. Courier or Courier New. Center the title in quotes at the top of page 1 and text should be ragged right, not justified. The following margin settings should be used in the body:
Left margin: 1.5 inches (15 spaces from left edge of page)
Right margin: 0.5 inches (about 8 spaces from right edge of page)
Top margin: 1 inch
Bottom margin: 1 inch
Characters
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Good scriptwriting is about alternating between the development of the story and the development of the characters. Characters are almost always someone you know or are familiar with. Think about a past teacher, friend or hairdresser. Once you have specific characters you want to include in your script, make these characters come to life. Give them special handicaps or traits. Great characters are the ones we love to cheer for and ordinary people who do extraordinary things.
When you're writing, and the story and characters just flow and spin off into new and unforeseen places, scriptwriting has truly begun.
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