Script Writing

scriptwri(ng nicole tower ntower@elon.edu 908-­‐216-­‐0762

the basics of the basis • how to brainstorm • choosing your ideas – and then ac(ng on them

• • • •

the five w’s .. and an h the details geDng the team on board … all aboard! a fun ac(vity

brainstorming .. step one of step one • read the problem. READ THE PROBLEM. – then re-­‐read it, for good measure.

• develop a list of elements you need …

– costume changes -­‐ special characters – scenery changes -­‐ theatrical elements/themes

• consider your style elements • research what you don’t know – if your LT calls for something specific and you’ve never heard of it, GOOGLE IT!

write it down. please.

• have a team log/poster board/giant pad – write down ALL ideas that your team has

• stay organized!

– talk about each element individually – everyone should contribute ideas!

• come together – as you are brainstorming, be looking for links – remain mindful of your favorite ideas

the mark of a good idea • themes – vital to judges and audience • don’t pick a theme no one but you understands!

– make wri(ng easier in the long run • allows you to maintain order, write in jokes

– it’s ok if your theme comes later

• everyone is comfortable and understands – a good idea will just click with the team

• have a back up plan!

geDng started • decide on format

– will your script have a special style? one character?

• sorry, but not everyone writes!

– everyone should be aware of what is happening – script writers should be able to give updates – team should have input

• scriptwri(ng should func(on along everything else • script is never done!

– should con(nue to develop as other parts of long term solu(on develop

the five w’s and an h just because • • • • • •

the who: characters/personified objects the where: seDng(s) the when: (me period (and why) the what: situa(ons, conflicts, and solu(ons the why: mo(va(on the how: plot, in its en(rety

the who: character development • characters should have personali(es and physical traits – this will help them interact with each other – determines what they can/should say

• helps develop what role they will play in the dynamic

• decide what they are

– are they humans? plants? toasters?

– will humans portray them – whatever they are?

• think especially about your main characters and suppor(ng players – are they all main characters? that’s a possibility!

developing character development consider the following when crea(ng:

• • • • • • •

name, age, gender cultural background physical descrip(on dress and mannerisms educa(on/occupa(on family past history

• strengths & weaknesses – moral, physical, intellectual

• • • •

values mo(va(ons likes dislikes

the where: place and space • this is one part of your seDng • seDng may change along with the plot – long term problem may require a change of where

• research your where – be crea(ve with your accuracy!

• don’t be afraid to link where and when!

the when: then & now • decide when your LT will take place

– how does it match up with your where? does it?

• if the when changes, ques(on why

– don’t have a (me change – or placement – just for the sake of it

• research your when’s accuracy • consider scenery changes

– they may be required, and when may be the way to do it!

• don’t be afraid to link when and where!

the what: we got a situa(on • characters need reasons for their ac(ons – also need reasons to come together & interact

• decide if your character will have internal or external conflict – will your characters have conflict they face together or amongst each other?

• consider where your characters will go along the way – how will the ul(mate conflict be resolved?

– what will they need? what will they encounter?

the why: mo*va*on to write!

• characters need incen(ve, drive, or need – these things will determine their behavior

• consider what mo(vators go along with your overall themes and script decisions – love, dislike, good, evil, curiosity, ambi(on, etc.

• go back and look at the characters you’ve already created – do their mo(vators line up with the traits you have given them?

• ie: do you have a king who is greedy but needs a way to give away his gold?

the how: your script, summarized • everything we’ve talked about affects how!

– think about what needs to happen first, second ..

• consider how your events involve the characters – how are they affected by the situa(ons you’ve wricen for them?

– what do they need to do to complete your task?

• think about your solu(on.

– how did the characters get there?

double check like a math test • go back to your list of requirements …

– did you include everything?

• pick out a specific requirement – if B10c says you must have your main character spin around three (mes, does he/she? when in your script does this occur?

• a helpful hint …

– when it comes to requirements, don’t be subtle!

a lesson in dialogue • dialogue: the speech of the characters • a plot is developed largely through dialogue – will develop the audience’s understanding of the characters and their rela(onships – will be the best way to introduce events

• use dialogue effec(vely!

– eight minutes is not a long (me – dialogue should move plot along

direct direc(ons … stage direc(ons!

• instruc(ons on how the character should behave are called stage direc*ons – these can give direc(ons on voice, gesture, aDtude, expression, reac(ons, etc.

• also give details about the set and props • when wri(ng direc(ons, be as short and clear as possible