Scriptwriting 101Presentation to WAZZU Films October 15, 2013Rebecca Goodrich

Scriptwriting 101

Key aspects of story:

• Plot• Character• Setting

Film structure: Three Acts

Act One: Engaging the AudienceSetting the sceneGetting to know charactersInciting incident that ignites plot

Act Two: Elaborating and Extending the EngagementBuild up of suspenseComplicating eventsExpansion of conflict

Act Three: Releasing the EngagementCulminating results of the previous acts

Plot It is “the structuring of incidents”

that enables an audience to appreciate the unfolding story/idea.

The structure through which the writer brings the story’s parts into conversation with each other.

The way scenes are linked to each other to enhance the narrative impact.

Metaphors for story structure JourneyConnection/Disconnection

All three convey conflict, change over time

ConflictFrom Latin: conflictus• 1. competitive or opposing action• 2. mental struggle resulting from

incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands

• 3. hostile encounter

Classic conflicts • Man vs. Himself• Man vs. Man• Man vs. Nature• Man vs. Technology• Man vs. God

JourneyWhere does the protagonist want to go?What does she/he desire and what direction does that push them in?What obstacles do they encounter? (discoveries, conflicts)How are the obstacles overcome? (decisions, helpers)Is the goal reached? Is it the goal the protagonist sought?

Connection/disconnection Two fundamental human impulses: Drawn toward what feels good Move away from, or repelled by, what feels bad Our lives are shaped by connecting to

people/places/things/ourselves—then disconnecting

Can be self-imposed, or Result of outside influences Each “movement” generates energy in the story

—pushes it forward

Desire All characters desire something: moving

toward the desire pushes the story forward

Deep desire—abstractlove, comfort, power

Physical manifestation—concretesends roses, cries, takes over a company

Image

ClothingHairAccessoriesWhat else?

Voice How does a character speak? pitch pace inflection accent What words do they choose?

Action = discovery and decision “Any significant discovery forces change in

condition, relationships, activity, or all three.”

“The quickest and best way to know someone is to see that person make a significant decision. At the instant that character makes a choice, he changes from one state to another; his significant relationships alter, and usually he must follow a new line of action.”

Thought In a visual medium we must mostly infer

a character’s thoughts. A character may tell us what they are

thinking, but often that’s awkward and obvious.

Show, don’t tell.

Setting

The World:PlaceTimeSeasonWeather

Mood and SymbolCreates a state of mind or atmosphereColorEmotional connotation

Resources

CeltxScreenwriting blogsBooksRead scripts