Scriptwriting: Story Structure and Freytag's Pyramid

• Scriptwriting is creating written narratives for film, television, theatre and other media
• Scriptwriting crafts a story, including characters, dialogue and actions, all formatted for production

Basics of Scriptwriting

• Understanding story structure allows for a compelling narrative
• Story structure includes elements like plot, conflict and resolution
• Dialogue is key for believable conversations that advance the plot and reveal character
• Dialogue must be accompanied by action lines
• Break the story down into scenes, each having its own purpose and focus, creating a structured narrative
• Freytag's Pyramid is a model to analyze stories, and has six parts

Six Parts of Freytag's Pyramid

• Exposition introduces characters, setting, and background information
• Inciting Incident sets the story in motion
• Rising Action involves conflicts and events that build suspense
• Climax is the turning point and most intense moment
• Falling Action shows events leading toward the resolution and consequences
• Resolution concludes the story and ties up loose ends

Need-to-Knows

• Genre conventions vary for action, comedy, or drama
• Correct formatting is crucial for readability and clarity; use industry-standard guidelines
• The target audience impacts tone, language, and content, so know who the audience is

Essentials

• Create well-defined characters with motivations, flaws, and relatable qualities
• Develop a conflict that drives the story forward
• Explore themes that resonate with the audience and add emotional weight

Story Sources

• Personal experiences can offer authentic and relatable stories
• Real-world events and issues can be turned into fictional narratives or inspiration
• Literature and film can provide inspiration by studying plots, characters, and themes
• Myths, legends and folklore offer rich source material

Formatting and Structure

• Scene headings indicate location, time, and interior/exterior settings

Character Development

• Rich and detailed backstories inform characters' motivations and choices
• Define character traits, strengths, weaknesses, and quirks
• Explore character relationships for complexity and depth
• Understand character goals, desires, and fears

Revision and Editing

• Get ideas on paper without worrying about perfection in the first draft
• Erratum is a correction for errors in printed documents
• Revise drafts for plot holes, inconsistencies, and weak moments
• Editing refines language, grammar, and clarity
• Seek feedback from trusted readers or professionals

Key Takeaways

• Focus on creating compelling and engaging stories
• Understand and apply proper script formatting and structure
• Develop well-rounded characters with depth and motivations
• Use revision and editing to make a script stronger

Types of Scripts

• Screenplays are for films
• Comprehensive blueprints of a film
• Age of characters should be specified for casting

Elevator Pitch

• An elevator pitch is done in an informal setting for 2-3 minutes, 15-20 minutes in formal settings
• Story pitching exists to sell a script
• The foundation of every material is the script
• Video content relies on both audio and visuals

Teleplay

• Teleplays are scripts for television
• Teleplays can be seen on Netflix
• Teleplays are Episodic
• Cuts exist for the story's continuation
• Script con is in charge of derederetso in the story
• Telemagazine shows are shows such as KMJS and Rate K
• Commercial breaks are called gaps

Stage Play

• Stage plays are also called playwrights
• Dialogues are important for their convincing power

Radio

• Proper authorities for talking heads
• Live interviews provide guide questions
• Imaginative and intricate writing is necessary for the ears

Scripts

• Story tweaking is editing a script
• Video game scripts are programmed and synchronized to sounds and actions
• Commercial scripts are recorded audio