SCRIPTWRITING
— 02
Aims and
Objectives
To identify the function of a script
To highlight script formatting and writing theory
To begin work on our own script
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So... what are we doing?
Creating a script for a short radio
drama
You have total freedom over what
you create
Before creating your script, you will:
1. Pitch your ideas
2. Demonstrate understanding of
script functions
3. Create character bios
Before we get started...
In teams, groups, pairs or on your own:
Think of a story from any form of media:
Film
TV
Videogame
Comic
Book
What is it about this story that interests you?
Plot
Characters
Setting
Events
Themes
EXAMPLE
#1
EXAMPLE
#2
EXAMPLE
#3
FADE IN: What is a Screenplay & What is a
Screenwriter?
General Thoughts?
Experience?
Anyone here Interested in writing
screenplays?
What do you think is the role and
responsibilities of a screenwriter?
Roles and Responsibilities of a Screenwriter
Develop and research ideas for original
screenplays.
Create an initial framework, or treatment, for
screenplays.
Write or adapt a story into a script.
Meet with executives to pitch screenplays and
ideas.
Weave together visual elements in scenes
with plot and dialogue.
Work with producers and directors to edit and
adjust the script as needed.
STORYTELLING
101
What
fundamentals/conventions are
we aware of within
storytelling?
Why do we tell stories?
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
'It's like poetry, it rhymes'
TODOROV'S
THREE ACT
STRUCTURE
Act 1 – The story begins with an established
equilibrium
Act 2 – Something happens to disrupt the
equilibrium
Act 3 – The problems are solved, a new
equilibrium is created
EXAMPLES?
PROPP'S
CHARACTER
THEORY
What is an archetype?
What character archetypes are
you aware of?
Why do we use character
archetypes in our media?
What is Propp's Character Theory?
Stories use a range of characters to play roles within the narrative.
These characters may be given personality traits within the plot of the story but as far as the narrative is concerned,
they are there to undertake a specific role within the structure of the story.
Propp used terms from fairy-tales to identify some of the most important roles in a narrative. Propp argued that these
roles appear in some way in all stories. They include:
The hero – the person on a quest to solve the problems, resolve the disruption
The villain – the person who tried to block the heroes progress in his quest
The dispatcher – the person who sends the hero on his quest
The helper – the person who helps the hero during his quest
The donor – the person who helps the hero by sacrificing something on the hero’s behalf
The damsel in distress – the person who needs saving to help resolve the narrative
The Father – often used to offer the hero a reward
The Donor –
Kenobi presents Luke with a lightsaber, beginning his quest as a Jedi.
The Dispatcher -
he lands near Luke’s home with a message from Princess Leia
The damsel in distress –
needs saving from the empire and Jabba
The helpers -
Han Solo, alongside Chewie he accompanies Luke on missions
Hero – Luke is our vessel through this adventure. Must defeat the evil forces to
restore equilibrium.
The Villain and The Father -
Darth Vader, looks to cause terror
across the galaxy and defeat Luke
Skywalker. Revealed to be the father
at the low point at the end of ACT II.
ACTIVITY
In pairs, groups or (Han) solo, pick a film
and apply Propp’s character theory.
ORbe a smartass and
Pick a film where this theory doesn't apply
and explain why.
Be ready to feed back to the class.
CHARACTERS
101
Characters are typically responsible for cause
and effect in narrative
Characters are the reason the story can move
forward.
Characters move a story forward, a story
cannot advance without some cause and
effect from a character.
Try to imagine your favourite films without
any of the characters… you cant!
HOW TO DEVELOP CHARACTERS
What can we do to naturally develop characters?
Through conversations with other characters
Through group associations
Through direct description of that character
Through reactions to conflict
CHARACTER
DESCRIPTION
NAME IN ALL CAPS (age range), some descriptions and traits.
You're not required to use parentheses or even add the age range if you think your character
description and story will suffice, but the vast majority of character introductions will include an age
range and traits.
You want your descriptions to be visual, but remember to take advantage of character introductions
to add a bit of style and insight as well.
AN
EXAMPLE
FROM
'WHIPLASH'
Writing over-descriptive physical
descriptions. Remember, it is not
the writers role to ‘cast’ the
characters.
Show don’t tell when you are
describing your characters. Leave
their actions dictate their
character, don’t overtly describe it.
Think about who they are,
what they represent. Don’t
focus on the physical traits
unless related to the plot!
Careful on how you write and
handle your female characters.
GOALS
&
OBSTACLES
LET'S
MAKE
OUR
OWN
Sign up to CELTX using your college email
Free to use
Industry standard
Easy to access and get used to
Script Structure
Very useful
website.
Access it on
teams or
weebly
on these slides
WHAT YOU NEED TO
PRODUCE
A 5 minute audio drama (any genre is fine)
It must have at least 3 speaking roles
A finished recording script
A mood board
A document containing bios for all characters
Any relevant research (genre research, story
research)
YOUR TASK
In your group/pair, develop your idea for a script
and create a mind map of ideas
Once decided on an idea...
Create a mood board that caotures the tone,
themes and feel of your story
Create character bios for every character involved
in the story
RECOMMENDED
VIEWING
Southland Tales
(2006)
Dir: Richard
Kelly
Available on:
Prime/mubi
Twin Peaks
(1990-2017)
Available on:
NOWTV
