Script writing is a laborious process.
A scriptwriter goes through several stages when he
starts writing the screenplay for a film or play. The success of any film also depends on its
script. For this reason, the scriptwriter completes the work of script writing by going through
the following steps in order to remove all kinds of shortcomings in the screenplay as much
as possible.
It should be remembered that the script is always written in the present tense. As a king
lives, he goes hunting. An untoward incident happens to him…. If according to the story,
the past, future or even a dream is to be shown, then it is also written in the present tense.
The viewer reaches the past or future tense in a few moments and starts seeing the said
event in the present. After that the scriptwriter starts the first phase 'Katha Vichar'.
The story idea is like the seed of a screenplay. This develops and takes the form of the
whole screenplay. Script writing cannot begin without storytelling. Any script writer,
according to his ability and talent, determines the 'narrative idea' by choosing any one from
religious, social, political, historical, comedy, horror, detective etc. For example, if a film is
based on a religious theme, then its 'Katha Vichar' will be called 'Religious'. Some people
call 'Katha Vichar' by names like 'Theme', 'Original Thought', 'Idea', 'One Point' etc. A script
writer presents a number of 'story ideas' for a film to a filmmaker. The filmmaker chooses
one of these 'Katha Ideas' and asks him to write the script of the film. Some 'Katha Vichar'
are so prevalent in Hindi films that most of the scripts have been written by choosing one of
them and are still being written. Like-love triangle, hero or lover struggling with villain,
poverty-rich or caste based conflict, shattered families, delusional relationships, conflict
between tradition and modernity, corruption etc. Most of the Hindi films are made by
modifying these narrative ideas.
The filmmaker agrees to any one of the many 'story ideas' suggested by the script writer.
After that the script writer enters the second stage. Now the script writer prepares a brief
summary of the entire screenplay. It can be in 8 to 10 pages. The short story is the first to
be read to the director, producer and lead cast of the film. Important people associated with
film making give their opinion by reading the short story. The producers, directors and actors
of the film are short of time, due to which they are able to read only short stories. To write a
short story, the important points of the story should be written in a concise style so that more
things can be said in less words. If those people like this short story, let's move on to the
next stage of script writing.
Usually in the third stage of script writing, the story is developed into a short story. In this
phase there are no visual divisions and dialogues only the narrative is given some more
detail. In the developed story, only the background, character, association, culmination etc.
of the main characters are analyzed. The beginning, middle and end of the film are also
decided in this phase. Overall, the format of the film is decided here. The music, songs,
dance etc. in the film are also considered in this phase. The film's climax and sub-plot are
also considered. Important suggestions from the director or others of the film are also
included in the screenplay. The script writer should have the courage not to include
unnecessary suggestions in the script. While reading the developed story, the producer and
director of the film keep in mind whether the story is progressing according to the 'Katha
Idea'. While writing the screenplay of the film, the developed story is used as a reference
book.
