Screenwriting
&
Storytelling
Tacoma Computer Clubhouse
Monday August 11, 2014
Goals:
Think about what goes into a good story.
Learn the structure of the Hollywood-style screenplay.
Start planning your sci-fi movies!
Storytelling
What do you think makes for a good story?
When you pick out a book or movie what do you look for?
Storytelling...the basics
Something is done to or by someone somewhere for a some reason.
So, what are the pieces here that we have to define as storytellers?
Character(s)...who is present?
Action...what are they doing?
Setting...where is the action happening?
Purpose...why is this action happening?
An example:
Screenwriting
What is a screenplay and why are they important?
All writing has an audience...who do you think is the audience for a screenplay?
Parts of a screenplay
First, we need to know what your movie is about. Start with a paragraph explaining the movie (or scene) in a little detail. Be sure to include all 4 parts of the story:
Character
Action
Setting
Purpose
Next, we need to consider the format of a screenplay (almost every screenplay is set up this way).
Title
Setting: Int. or Ext. + Location + Time of Day
Action
Camera Directions
Dialogue (or voice over)
How would we recreate the captain America screenplay?
Visualizing the Screenplay
In order to shoot your scenes, you'll need to think about the "look" of the movie. Consider:
Actors
Costumes
Effects
Settings (light and background)
Camera Position*
Storyboard
Storyboarding helps you think about where to put your camera. Why is this important?
Camera Position in Our Example
Your Mission...
- Write a screenplay for a short sci-fi movie or scene. Use the template to get started.
- Keep it simple!
- Start with a summary of the movie and then write out individual scenes.
- Write as clearly as you can so your readers can follow the story and action.
- Be creative!
How to Write a Screenplay
By Scott Rogers
How to Write a Screenplay
- 245