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Scriptwriting Information

The objective of scriptwriting is to move the story forward, describing visually on each line what happens next. In a script, the story structure is the most important part, and the action tells the audience about the characters.
  1. Scene Structure

    • A scene signals a movement from a location or it represents a change in time. Each scene has to have a turning point, the characters must have an objective and there must be conflict within the story.

    Format

    • An average length for a script is 120 pages; there is approximately one minute of screen time per page. A script for a movie is made of three acts that contain a beginning, middle and an end.

    Act I

    • Act I starts the visual introduction of the characters and the world where the action takes place. Act I introduces the first turning point, the catalyst that raises the stakes and moves the main character or protagonist forward.

    Act II

    • Act II develops the subplot of the script. The protagonist conflict with the antagonist is developed. The story intensifies, leading to a second turning point, the dramatic revelation that ends the second act.

    Act III

    • Act III is the dramatic climax where the protagonist must change or gain strength to overcome the final obstacle that leads to the final scene of the script.

Screen Writing

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