Writers WriteUnit 24 Writing for Television and Video

Assignment Scenario

At the heart of a successful television or video product lies a well-researched, effectively written and appropriately formatted script.

The wide range of script requirements across television and video genres demand writers who are flexible and competent in written and verbal communication.

Tasks & Evidence

Deadlines

Scripts

Writing your Script

90-120 pages

Courier 12pt font

8 1/2" x 11" bright white three-hole punched paper

Why Courier? Timing

1 formatted page = 1 minute screen time

Writing your ScriptA script can be an original piece, or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a novel, stage play or newspaper article.

At its heart, a script is a blueprint for the film it will one day become…The biggest mistake any new screenwriter can make is to submit a script full of production language, including camera angles and editing transitions

It's crucial to remember that film is primarily a visual medium. As a screenwriter, you must show what's happening in a story, rather than tell.

RulesScene Heading

A scene heading is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene, also known as a "slugline." It should always be in CAPS.

Action

The narrative description of the events of a scene, written in the present tense.

Character

When a character is introduced, his name should be capitalised within the action.

Dialogue

Lines of speech for each character. Dialogue format is used anytime a character is heard speaking, even for off-screen and voice-overs.

Writing your Script

The best way to learn to rules and style is to read scripts:

http://labs.triggerstreet.com/

http://www.simplyscripts.com/unpro.html

Library!!!

You can also take online lessons:http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Lesson:Formatting_the_script

A Lesson in Scriptwriting

Scene by Scene Breakdown

When Where Overview of Action

Night Shena Simon Campus

RACHEL walks out of the front doors of sixth form the college

Celtx

Download:https://www.celtx.com/index.html

Video:http://youtu.be/C9x_RvZl2go

Steps

1. Write a scenario

2. Break your scenario down into the elements for a script• Complete a scene by scene breakdown

3. Learn Celtx

4. Write your script!