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Writer's pictureMariah Franklin

Screenwriting 101

Updated: May 23, 2019



What is "Screenwriting"?


Acting instructions. Screen directions. Camera shots and angles. Interior or Exterior?

Screenwriting is the process of writing a script for screen (movies, television, video games) that gives directions for the actors and crew to follow in order to clearly display and convey the production of the story.



Scripts are either original works by the writer(s) or adapted from a book, short story, idea of someone else. Screenwriting in my mind, is taken for granted. Everyone enjoys watching a good movie and we all have an actor or two that we like to watch perform; knowing their names and prior work. Yet, rarely can anyone name off successful screenwriters that have written scripts for movies that are cult classics; providing lines that have claimed their rightful spot in Pop Culture history. Some names do come to mind such as the genius behind "When Harry Met Sally", Nora Ephron or "Get Out" Oscar winner Jordan Peele, but otherwise...people love the food and don't respect the service!


Why "Screenwriting"?


I first became acquainted with the art form when I was in high school. I took drama class from 10th grade to senior year. This is when writing for screen took root within me as my drama teacher planted the seeds faithfully. We all do it: imagine outcomes on the "movie screen of our minds"! The essence of the script is for the writing to be clear so that the director, actors, and crew can comprehend what you are visualizing. This drives me! I'm stoked that there is a simple method to convey a person's ideas for a movie to others; causing them to visualize in their mind's eye the same thing; enabling them to #believe. Screenwriting is my favorite form of storytelling. Some ideas come out as a poem or a play, but mainly through me they come out as a movie...one that needs to be seen. Montages are my favorite. Action and music within a movie is like a mini music video; combining two of my favorite things making for a dramatic and impactful scene. Great acting without speaking resonates in such a powerful way; like your parents giving you the eye without saying a word. You get what they're saying without a word being said because you can feel it!





Where to Begin?


Here are some tips for any beginners who are interesting in getting their toes wet. Screenwriting doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. If you have an idea for a story then the first thing to do is to write it down; making it clear in your own words (having it on the screen or paper right in front of you). This is where it all begins.






Once you've written out your idea, take it a step further by thinking of names for the characters in your developing story. This makes it personal as names are how we identify each other; giving life to your character(s) and story.


As a beginner, I would suggest that you just go with the flow. When I started, I didn't give a thought to format...at first! I wrote what came to me and then I followed the protocol for how to properly format a script for screen. This is easier as you are free to write out your imagination from thoughts to lines formulating a scene. Below I will provide links to a professional screenwriting format as well as screenwriting lingo that is used when writing a script such as INT (interior scene: a scene that takes place indoors such as an apartment), EXT (exterior scene: a scene that tales place outside such as a football field or park), PAN (when you suggest that the camera should "pan" from the current subject all the way around to the end subject that will be the point of focus, without cutting from one shot to the next), and CONT (continue: to identify that a character is still speaking while an action is taking place especially if the scene/line continues on to a new place).


Be as detailed as you can when describing the layout of the scene such as the type of cafe the characters are meeting in (hipster or posh). Adjectives are your friend when it comes to writing in any form. My scripts are never the same. The format (and that I wrote them) is the only thing that they have in common. Scripts are like people; having their own personality (telling their own story). Sometimes I describe characters as they're being introduced in a scene and other times I just put their age (or on other occasions I put both). I try to find a balance to screenwriting because I don't want to dictate the director. I used to do this early on in my screenwriting journey because I wanted my thoughts to be understood. I would write out the shots I visualized and everything! Since then I have toned it down; leaving room for other creative individuals who will attach themselves to my dream (adding their unique perspective) in order to bring it to life.


My final suggestion for starting out is to have fun and to not pressure yourself with deadlines. Sometimes I try to make deadlines because mainly I'm so excited to see the finished product, but as I continue to write, I've realized that I come up with great material when I just work as I go. No pressure. No stress. It is good to have a balance in everything that you do and screenwriting is no exception. From writing your own piece of work (that you would like to submit later on), but you don't have a pertinent deadline to having two-six months to complete a script; writers should be exposed to both outcomes giving you a strong work ethic and making you a versatile writer!



Stay calm & keep writing!


SCREENWRITING TERMS: http://www.simplyscripts.com/WR_glossary.html

SCREENWRITING FORMAT: http://scriptologist.com/Magazine/Formatting/formatting.html

NORA EPHRON'S ADVICE: http://niemanstoryboard.org/stories/nora-ephron-on-writing-seven-tips/

LEW HUNTER (THE INDUSTRY'S PREMIER TEACHER ON SCREENWRITING): http://www.lewhunter.com/

LEW HUNTER'S SCREENWRITING 434: A director-friend of mine (she directed the stage reading of my first play "BIRACIAL" in Brooklyn#shoutoutAnne!) gave me a copy of Lew's book that was like a masterclass in a paperback! Very thorough and detailed like a college course on mastering screenwriting; thus revealing what makes a good script.

https://www.amazon.com/Lew-Hunters-Screenwriting-434-Successful/dp/0399529861




Sante

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