script writing
DESCRIPTION
PDF of the powerpoint given at the NCOM Northern Region Skills Fair, November 17, 2012TRANSCRIPT
the basics of the basis
• how to brainstorm • choosing your ideas – and then ac(ng on them
• the five w’s .. and an h • the details • geDng the team on board … all aboard!
• a fun ac(vity
brainstorming .. step one of step one
• read the problem. READ THE PROBLEM. – then re-‐read it, for good measure.
• develop a list of elements you need … – costume changes -‐ special characters – scenery changes -‐ theatrical elements/themes
• consider your style elements • research what you don’t know – if your LT calls for something specific and you’ve never heard of it, GOOGLE IT!
write it down. please.
• have a team log/poster board/giant pad – write down ALL ideas that your team has
• stay organized! – talk about each element individually – everyone should contribute ideas!
• come together – as you are brainstorming, be looking for links – remain mindful of your favorite ideas
the mark of a good idea
• themes – vital to judges and audience
• don’t pick a theme no one but you understands!
– make wri(ng easier in the long run • allows you to maintain order, write in jokes
– it’s ok if your theme comes later
• everyone is comfortable and understands – a good idea will just click with the team
• have a back up plan!
geDng started
• decide on format – will your script have a special style? one character?
• sorry, but not everyone writes! – everyone should be aware of what is happening – script writers should be able to give updates – team should have input
• scriptwri(ng should func(on along everything else
• script is never done! – should con(nue to develop as other parts of long term solu(on develop
the five w’s and an h just because
• the who: characters/personified objects • the where: seDng(s)
• the when: (me period (and why)
• the what: situa(ons, conflicts, and solu(ons • the why: mo(va(on
• the how: plot, in its en(rety
the who: character development
• characters should have personali(es and physical traits – this will help them interact with each other – determines what they can/should say
• helps develop what role they will play in the dynamic
• decide what they are – are they humans? plants? toasters? – will humans portray them – whatever they are?
• think especially about your main characters and suppor(ng players – are they all main characters? that’s a possibility!
consider the following when crea(ng:
• name, age, gender
• cultural background • physical descrip(on • dress and mannerisms
• educa(on/occupa(on • family • past history
• strengths & weaknesses – moral, physical, intellectual
• values • mo(va(ons
• likes • dislikes
developing character development
the where: place and space
• this is one part of your seDng • seDng may change along with the plot – long term problem may require a change of where
• research your where – be crea(ve with your accuracy!
• don’t be afraid to link where and when!
the when: then & now
• decide when your LT will take place – how does it match up with your where? does it?
• if the when changes, ques(on why – don’t have a (me change – or placement – just for the sake of it
• research your when’s accuracy • consider scenery changes – they may be required, and when may be the way to do it!
• don’t be afraid to link when and where!
the what: we got a situa(on
• characters need reasons for their ac(ons – also need reasons to come together & interact
• decide if your character will have internal or external conflict – will your characters have conflict they face together or amongst each other?
• consider where your characters will go along the way – how will the ul(mate conflict be resolved? – what will they need? what will they encounter?
the why: mo*va*on to write!
• characters need incen(ve, drive, or need – these things will determine their behavior
• consider what mo(vators go along with your overall themes and script decisions – love, dislike, good, evil, curiosity, ambi(on, etc.
• go back and look at the characters you’ve already created – do their mo(vators line up with the traits you have given them? • ie: do you have a king who is greedy but needs a way to give away his gold?
the how: your script, summarized
• everything we’ve talked about affects how! – think about what needs to happen first, second ..
• consider how your events involve the characters – how are they affected by the situa(ons you’ve wricen for them?
– what do they need to do to complete your task?
• think about your solu(on. – how did the characters get there?
double check like a math test
• go back to your list of requirements … – did you include everything?
• pick out a specific requirement – if B10c says you must have your main character spin around three (mes, does he/she? when in your script does this occur?
• a helpful hint … – when it comes to requirements, don’t be subtle!
a lesson in dialogue
• dialogue: the speech of the characters • a plot is developed largely through dialogue – will develop the audience’s understanding of the characters and their rela(onships
– will be the best way to introduce events • use dialogue effec(vely! – eight minutes is not a long (me – dialogue should move plot along
direct direc(ons … stage direc(ons!
• instruc(ons on how the character should behave are called stage direc*ons – these can give direc(ons on voice, gesture, aDtude, expression, reac(ons, etc.
• also give details about the set and props • when wri(ng direc(ons, be as short and clear as possible
