December 01, 2004
Writing a Shooting Script
by: Nash Cook
The first, and arguably most important process in making any video is a shooting script (also known as a screenplay). The length and quality of your script will determine not only what type of video you make, and how long it is, but also it will invariably become the most highly scrutinized product you create for your video (until shooting begins).
1. Know your story.
In order to write a successful script, you have to first determine what type of story you want to tell. Is your video a moral piece? Are you trying to convey a Public Service Announcement? Many educators have a need to relay a bit of history, or learned wisdom to their students while at the same time entertaining their minds. Whatever the case may be, a well-told story will stand the test of time.
2. The three-act structure.
No matter what type of story you'd like to tell, every story relies on a basic three-act structure. Much like a stage play, a story with a beginning, middle, and an end is essential to telling a good story.
The first act introduces your story, your characters, and your plot. The first of two major developments in the first act comes in the form of an inciting incident. The inciting incident is exactly what it sounds like - some happening that changes the course of the story, and furthers developments into the second major development, the turning point. The turning point moves the story from the introductory first act to the second act of rising conflict and action. Without the turning point the story goes nowhere fast, and the audience looses insight in your video very quickly.
The second act not only serves as the main vehicle for your story to flow with rising action, catalysts, and the climax of your story, but it also allows you to develop and humanize your characters with the audience so we, the viewing public become emotionally attached to your character. Even in a thirty second Public Service Announcement this statement is true. The second act is the longest act in any form of script. It is characterized by rising action throughout the entire act, and a turning point after the climax of the story. The climax of your second act should engage the audience's attention fully, whether it be a victory in court, or the discovery of a new species of wildlife. The second act's turning point serves to allow the audience a moment or two to process the information that has been projected into their brains, and it also links the second act to the concluding, or third act.
The third act's most important role is to conclude the story that aligns well with the viewers, and you, the filmmaker. Through descending action, and character resolution, we are left at the end. You as the storyteller must tie up every loose end your story has created - how will the world be affected by the events in your story, how are your characters affected by the events that developed? Do not think the third act, or any act of a script is an easier task to accomplish than a previous one. The script as a whole must flow in a way to tell an effective and entertaining story. Without the story as a whole in mind at all times, the entire story may fail.
3. Be sure your story will captivate your audience.
Even if your story revolves around subject matter the average citizen would consider less than exciting, your as the scriptwriter must find an edge that makes your video watchable. Subject matter is what you make it, and the basic notions of any dramatic, or comedic piece - conflict, resolution, character arcs - exist everywhere. It is up to you, the writer to disseminate what would tell a good story from a mediocre story, and then delve further.
4. Rewrite your story. Often.
No one can write a successful script, or narration piece on the first attempt. Reading your script aloud, and sharing your thoughts and ideas with peers are some of the most effective ways to turn a good idea into an excellent script. Do not be afraid to write a poor first draft. We all do. If, however, you are unwilling to accept criticism, or listen to other points of view, you and your script are going to have a very hard time fleshing your idea out to its fullest.
5. Research is essential.
If you do not know your subject matter, your video will never be produced. If a script can be easily scrutinized for flaws in facts, plot holes, or human ability, your story will go no where. You, as the script writer must become an expert in your field. Read as many books as necessary to become a well-versed expert in your subject matter. It will make the difference between a story that is told well, but based no where in reality, or a story that is told well, and can be used as a tool to convey a thought, moment in time, or piece of literature for a very long time.
6. Read other scripts.
Like any form of technical writing, scriptwriting has its own ends and outs that must be adhered to in order for your script to be taken as a serious venture by the rest of the world. Find scripts that delve into your type of field, and read them carefully. Understand, if you do not know what a script looks and reads like now, or unless you take the time to find out, you never will.
7. Write daily.
If you are not committed to the idea of your story, or are lagging behind on finishing your script for whatever reason, you must need to reevaluate your basic intentions. Writing a script should not be seen as a chore. Moreover, writing a script should be seen as the first step in the production process. If you are not committed to finishing a quality script, how will the production of your piece differ, or its post-production? If you, for whatever reason, can not find the motivation to create an effective, well-told story now, will you be willing to show your piece to others when you are done?
8. A labor of love.
Script writing, like all aspects of story telling and video production should be first and foremost a labor of love. Fame and glory are few and far between status symbols. If you are not willing to sacrifice personal time, and energy for the production of any kind of story, please be willing to accept a long, hard, and nefarious ride in its place. Video production is not as easy as some would make it seem. Seasoned professionals struggle with every part of a video that you will. You must love what you are doing if you want to do it well.
Suggested Reading
"Screenplay" by Syd Field
"The Screenwriter's Workbook" by Syd Field
http://www.sydfield.comSuggested Software
Final Draft 7 (screenwriting software)
Final Draft AV 2 (for video production)
http://www.finaldraft.com/