Scriptwriting and Storyboarding Basics

Scriptwriting and Storyboarding

• A script is a written document outlining dialogue, actions, and instructions.
• Two types of writers:
  • Scriptwriters focus on dialogue and stage directions.
    • Specializations include stage plays, television shows, radio dramas, video games, and animated content.
  • Screenwriters focus on camera angles, visuals, and Hollywood productions.
    • Specializations include films, TV series, web series, and short films.

Basic Storytelling

• Character: Protagonist, antagonist, supporting characters.
• Setting: Time and place where the story takes place.
• Conflict: Problem or obstacle the protagonist must overcome.
• Resolution: End of the story, loose ends tied up, conflict resolved.

Composition

• Perspective: Art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface to accurately represent height, width, depth and position.
  • Vanishing Point (VP): The point where receding parallel lines converge in perspective.
  • Types of perspective include one-point, two-point, and three-point perspective.
• Depth: Depth creates a three-dimensional feel by dividing the setting into foreground, mid-ground, and background.
• Composition: Arrangement of elements in drawings. Effective composition helps tell stories in one illustration.

Types of Composition

• Symmetry
• Rule of Thirds
• Golden Spiral
• Color and Light: Darker/cooler colours are closer, while lighter/warmer colours are further away.

Script Formats

• Scene Headline: Indicates location and time of scene (e.g., INT. CLASSROOM - DAY). Written in all capital letters.
• Format: INT (Interior) / EXT (Exterior) followed by location and time of day.
• Action Description: Describes what's happening in the scene in the present tense. Include actions, settings, and details.
• Dialogue: Indicates what each character says. Character's name in all capital letters, centered above the dialogue, and dialogue indented below the name.

Steps in Writing a Script

• Concept: Central idea of the story (e.g., a group of pirates).
• Outline: Summary of the story including major plot points.
• Treatment: Detailed version of the outline including descriptions and scene breakdowns.
• Script: Final written version of the story.

Creating a Cohesive Script

• Fore-shadowing: Hinting at future events through subtle or indirect means.
• Recurring Motifs: Repeating elements (ideas, images, symbols, or themes) to enhance meaning and emotional impact.
• Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, motifs, sounds, images or actions for a specific purpose.
• Contrast: Using differences to highlight distinctions between elements, enhancing storytelling, mood, depth, visual elements, and character dynamics.
• Applying Environmental and Visual Details: Balancing images and dialogue, use settings to create a mood, use props to create character traits, and use framing to emphasize story beats.

Formatting a Screenplay Document

• Fade In: Indicates the beginning of a scene or sequence.
• Cut To: Indicates a sudden shift in scene or location.
• Dissolve To: Indicates a transition between scenes or time periods.
• Smash Cut: Indicates a sudden, jarring transition.
• VO (Voice Over): Indicates a character speaking off-screen.
• OS (Off-Screen): Indicates a character speaking off-screen.
• POV (Point of View): Indicates the perspective of a character.
• CU (Close-Up): Indicates a close-up shot of a character or object.
• Wide Shot (WS): Indicates a wide shot of a location or scene.

Elements in a Screenplay Document

• Scene Heading: Specifies INT or EXT, location, and time of day (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY).
• Action: Describes actions in the present tense.
• Character: Indicates who is speaking.
• Parenthetical: Provides information about how dialogue should be delivered.
• Transition: Indicates scene transitions (e.g., CUT TO).
• Shot: Specifies shot type (e.g., CU).
• Slugline: Indicates a location change within a scene (e.g., LATER THAT DAY).

Types of Shots

• Extreme Wide Shot (EWS): Subject is far away, showing surroundings.
• Wide Shot (WS): Captures the entire subject within its environment.
• Medium Shot (MS): Subject from waist up, balancing details and background context.
• Close-Up (CU): Tightly frames the subject, focusing on details.
• Full Body Shot (FBS): Shows the whole character from head-to-toe.
• Extreme Close-Up Shot (ECU): Highly detailed shot, often only showing the subject's eyes.

Camera Angles

• Eye-Level Angle: Neutral perspective.
• High Angle: Subject appears smaller, less in control.
• Low Angle: Subject appears stronger, more in control.

Explore the essentials of scriptwriting and storyboarding in this quiz. Learn about the different types of writers, the elements of storytelling, and insights into composition. Test your knowledge of character, setting, conflict, and the visual aspects that bring stories to life.