P4: First Script Draft

P4: Script Draft

First Script Draft:

M1: Script Conventions

 M1: Script Conventions

What is a script?

A script is a written piece of work by a group or singular screenwriter(s) for various projects such as a film, TV Programme or even a video game. This can be an original work or an adaptation from an already existing piece of writing by numerous or singular writers; within a screenplay, there is various descriptions of events, actions, characters, character descriptions, dialogue, VFX and more. This is to clearly display to the audience what is happening within the narrative. Within a media product of a script, there is the 'Three Act Structure', in which there is an 'Act 1 -The Setup', an 'Act 2 - The Confrontation' and an 'Act 3 - The Resolution', this gives a sense of order to a narrative, however, some screenwriters like to subvert this, possibly leaving cliffhangers, subverting the order, etc. Furthermore, within a script there is a large amount of dialogue between numerous characters, this drives the narrative as only by using characters can a story evolve to meet the 'Three Act Structure'. 

What are the keys parts of a screenplay?

Within a screenplay, there are numerous key parts that make up the narrative, one of these being 'Slug Lines', an uppercase line of text with a blank line above and below it. While a 'Slug Line' can be also labelled as a 'Scene Heading', it more often refers to an 'intermediary slug line', this being to used to break up and then re-focus a prolonged scene, this can also be used to make a scene more poignant to the audience to refocus the reader on an important detail or new element. There is also a 'Scene Heading', this being used to showcase the location headings that tell the audience where they are within the script. This can be outside or inside (EXT. or INT.) and at which setting/location; as well as, whether or not the reader is to imagine daylight or darkness (DAY or NIGHT). Furthermore, one of the most important parts of a script is an 'Action Block', this is used to describe what is happening in a scene, this could be when a character is moving, facial expressions, etc. This also has to be written in present tense, therefore, the audience can clearly understand what is happening and when, if not clearly stated in past tense. Additionally, the most significant part of a screen play is the dialogue, this drives the narratives and helps scenes progress; this is always written as the character speaks unless clearly stated as written as a flashback or in the past. Lastly, there are characters in a script, it is vital that the characters titles/names are written clearly and in capitals above their dialogue to state to the reader who is speaking.

12pt Courier Font: 

The 12pt Courier font are written in nearly all scripts, whereas it is a Film, tv series or game, this is used to create easier reading for the actor, director, editor, reader, etc. As well as this, the space between the lines will have enough paragraph space to be read easily, to add to this, a page of script is a minute of film therefore this needs to be consistent. 12pt Courier Font is important as it clear to the reader to understand, creates space in between dialogue and is the traditional, formal format for screenplays. Consistent layout and formatting means that one page of a screen play equals one minute of screen time.

Draft 3 of Script:

P3: Script Planing

 P3: Script Planing for Media Products

Name of Show: 'Society Salem'

Genre: The genre of my series is a drama, sci-fi narrative, this being a drama as I was requested in the brief given to create a a drama for young audiences for BBC 3, as well as it being a sci-fi hybrid as there is a consistent them of the magical within the show. 

Target Audience: The target audience of my drama series are female as well as male groups, these audiences ranging from ages 16-24. Their demographic being young teenagers who enjoy watching dramatised shows that showcase a narrative between other teenagers and the life they life, as well as, incorporations of sci-fi elements such as the supernatural. The show will be aired from 19:00pm to 04:00am on BBC 3. 

Spec Script or a Shooting Script: A spect script is written for a reader, not a director; it's not like a novel, but it should flow more like prose, where as a shooting script is more of a production document. Whereas a shooting script is much easier to read in which it is less of a narrative and more straight forward and to the point that entails what exactly is happening in the scene. Due to this, I will be writing a 'shooting script' as I feel this conveys the narrative and my idea's in a way that is more clear for the reader, director and actors. 

Chosen Idea: My chosen idea is my first developed idea's mind-map, this being the first scenes of the first episode of the series. I feel this is the best possible way to introduce the audience to the narrative as it introduces all characters, themes, relationships and climatic events in the first episode. The Brief we have been given, seen below, implied that a Leeds based company has secured funding that will allow me to create a short sequence for the show I pitched previously (Unit 21). This trailer has to be between 10-15 minutes in total, it has asked me to write a screenplay around my chosen sequence for the trailer.

I feel this is the strongest idea as again, it introduces clearly the key characters of the show as well as important events and themes that will drive the show's narrative arc. This is the strongest idea as the audience will get a sense of the elements involved that is directed to their specific target audience wants, such as the stereotypical teenage girl drama, supernatural themes/events in a narrative, friendships and romance. This will peak the interest of the audience as it sets up the narrative for what is to come, the use of the 'supernatural', a theme specific for my target audience, will engross them as well as the likability of the chosen characters. As the target audience is a group of female and male teens, (16-18), the stereotypical genre they are most interested in is drama romance, as the show incorporates romance and drama itself, therefore, they will be drawn to watch it. To add to this, there is a strong sense of a 'supernatural' element within the series, as my target audience is deeply interested in this and have previously watched shows/movies with this element, it will appeal to them. Although it is not the strongest part of the narrative, this being the beginning, I feel it is a great setup of the show and the characters that will appeal to the audience without giving too much away. It subtly showcases the themes incorporated into the show and allows the audience an idea of it's concepts. 

Promotional Extract: The brief has asked me to create a promotional extract from the TV series, this will then give an idea of what the narrative will look like to the audience and allow them to judge if this is a show they will be interested in to watch. I will need to write a script for this, this will then be a 'shooting script' as I feel it will make the shooting process more simple and gives a clear idea of what is happening in each scene rather than in a prose narrative form. 

Angle of Article: The show will surround the main character of the narrative, this being the female lead, 'Luna'. This will then be written in her perspective (her POV), this then will give the audience the ability to relate to the main character and find her a relatable protagonist. I feel this is a suitable fit as most shows led by a single main voice can be seen as more appealing as the audience can either disagree or agree with the characters actions and or views. Statistically, more women watch shows that involve themes such as the life within high-school, teenage drama and relationships, therefore, by the main character identifying as a female it is more likely my target audience will be appealed to watch the show. 

Scenes: The scenes that will be in the script will be the introduction of the main character, 'Luna', in which we watch her take part in her morning routine before she leaves for school; this then clearly introduces the character and opens on a positive note that coveys the tone of the narrative. Throughout the main characters routine she will be using magic, this introduces the supernatural element of the show, giving the audience a taste of what will be happening. 

Action Blocks/colloquialism/voiceover/inner monologue: The character will talk in a voice over while the scenes of the character getting ready is shown on screen, this while be over-laid in the footage. This will then help map out what the characters inner dialogue is so the audience can understand better what type of character they are. As well as this, I will use 'action blocks' to demonstrate the narrative is in present tense as the character speaks, this will be evidently written in the script. The accent of the character will be British, Yorkshire, this will be more accurate as the target audience will be from Britain as well as BBC 3 being a source of British television. 

12pt Courier: The script I will write will be written in 12pt Courier, this being as most known scripts are written in this format as it is easier to read for the actor, director, editor, etc. As well as this, the space between the lines will have enough paragraph space to be read easily, to add to this, a page of script is a minute of film therefore this needs to be consistent with this rule.

Characters: The characters within this episode will be the main female character, 'Luna', whom we follow throughout the narrative. As well as, the three other female characters who will be side protagonist's within the TV Shows story, lastly the male love interest will also be shown within this 15 minute snippet. 

Industry Standard Format: Throughout the script I will need to use industry standard format to be consistent with a formal and professional format. I will also use the stereotypical and expected layout conventions for a TV script drama, this will include: spacing between the lines to help the reader to understand and see the script clearly, character titles, transitions, FX symbols, action lines/parenthetical's, bracket lines, slug lines, etc.

Gannt Chart:  

Technical Terms: Within the short snippet of the TV Show I will use a variety of transitions that help convey the narrative to my audience. This may include: fade ins to showcase characters introductions, dissolves when exiting scenes, intercuts when opposing characters are in conversation, cuts from one scene to the next, etc. These transitions will convey to the Director, Editor and Cinematographer what is needed to be edited in each scene, and therefore conveying the intended mood. This is important as helps the editor understand when there will be various transitions in each piece of footage so they can accurately edit the narrative told within the screenplay. This is also used by the Director as it again helps them to understand when the next scene in the script will begin and end, as well as any stylistic choices they want to use in their transitions. 

Parenthetical: Within my script there will be a use of parenthetical's that will help guide the actors on what they're expressions, emotions and actions need to be. These descriptions explain to the actor/actress if there is a need for a certain way to vocalise their line, e.g. whispering, shouting, etc. As well as explaining a specific way they are needed to express this line, this could be with a hand action, a head movement, saying the line with a sense of sarcasm, melancholy, singing, etc. These parenthetical's will all help to correctly show the way in which the line is meant to be conveyed to the audience and therefore an important part of the script. Parenthetical's will be used in the 'Society Salem' script to help convey the expressions and or actions needed from the actor/actress, again, this will be formatted in the traditional, professional format. 

Action: The action lines will be written in the present tense within the script, these are included to help convey what is happening in the scene to both the actor/actress, director, editor and cinematographer. These action lines will be written underneath the actors character and or location so the reader understands who is saying what dialogue, where and when. All action lines in 'Society Salem', will be presented in a professional formatted manner that is conventional within the Film Industry, this being labelled in the script after the title line of the character and or location, thus showing who is conveying the action line.

Dialogue: Dialogue is written in the script to showcase to the actor/actress, director, editor and cinematographer who is speaking. The dialogue may be written in a certain way to help convey to the reader how it should be vocalised, the screen writer may use italics to emphasise emotion in the line, they may write it should be formal or informal and or even with slang in a parenthetical line to convey the tone to the actor. Dialogue within 'Society Salem' will be written in the standard, studio professional format so it conforms to professional scripts used in the Film Industry.

Linear: The events in the story will unfold in a chronological way, this meaning being told to the audience from the way in which they occurred. Within the 'Society Salem' script there is not many flashbacks and therefore the script will be linear. 

Non-Linear: Like I have explained above, the events of 'Society Salem' will be told chronologically and therefore not 'non-linear'. There is not a use of flashbacks within the script so there is not a need for 'non-linear' presentations within the script. 

Multi-Stranded/Single-Stranded:

The BBC 3 Drama will be a single stranded show, this being because the narrative follows one sole main character and her story; the show does divulge into other side characters but there is no separated stories that develops the narrative. However, 'Multi-stranded' narratives follow numerous story lines, this can be seen in TV Shows such as 'Game of Thrones'. 

Three Act Structure: 

Act 1: Setup - The setup of the show introduces the main character, 'Luna', this showcasing her her as well as her parents and the way she interacts with the world. She is a light hearted, positive yet introverted character, we get to see this through her morning routine and the voice over we hear as the character gets ready for the day. In this introduction we see the protagonist's room and environment, this giving a sense of openness and opportunity that directly reflects the personality of the character. 

Act 2: Confrontation - The middle of the 15 minute snippet of the TV Show demonstrates Luna to be getting ready and nearly missing her bus to school. Although this is isn't the most exciting introduction I feel it is significant as introduces the character fully as well as their personality that the audience may be able to relate to. Furthermore, this snippet showcases the protagonist using her supernatural powers, this peaking the interest of the audience as they get to see a major theme within the TV Show.

Act 3: Resolution - The ending of this 15 minute snippet ends on the character leaving the house ready for school, this gives an ending to the scene and intrigues the audience of what is to happen next, therefore possibly making them want to watch the show due to the introduction of the character. 

Formatting:

Important pages from the script analysed through noting their title and function

Unit 22 - P2 - Developed Idea's

 Unit 22 - P2 - Developed Idea's

Initial Mindmap:

Developed Ideas Mind-map 1:

Positives of this idea:

• Introduction of characters 
• Introduction of main, important themes and archetypes
• Sets the scene of the narrative 
• Introduces dilemmas and narrative story arch 

Negatives of this idea: 

• Use of CGI may not be able to be used
• Range of characters is complex
• Simple opening, may not completely interest certain audiences
• Filming settings may be difficult to film
• Large list of characters and background characters/props
• Need to use animals to create this part of the episode 

Developed Ideas Mind-map 1:

Developed Idea's Mind-map 2: 

Developed Idea's Mind-map 2:

Positives of this idea:

• Development of characters 
• Climax of narrative
• Use of CGI 'magic' and supernatural elements that may interest the audience 
• Development of hero's/heroines and villains

Negatives of this idea:

• CGI elements will be high on budget 
• Numerous actors will need to be involved 
• Script is complex and may not be understood fully by the audience from a small snippet

Chosen Idea:

My chosen idea is my first developed idea's mind-map, this being the ending scenes of the first episode of the series. I feel this is the best possible way to introduce the audience to the narrative as it introduces all characters, themes, relationships and climatic events in the first episode. The Brief we have been given, seen below, implied that a Leeds based company has secured funding that will allow me to create a short sequence for the show I pitched previously (Unit 21). This trailer has to be between 10-15 minutes in total, it has asked me to write a screenplay around my chosen sequence for the trailer.

I feel this is the strongest idea as again, it introduces clearly the key characters of the show as well as important events and themes that will drive the show's narrative arc. This is the strongest idea as the audience will get a sense of the elements involved that is directed to their specific target audience wants, such as the stereotypical teenage girl drama, supernatural themes/events in a narrative, friendships and romance. This will peak the interest of the audience as it sets up the narrative for what is to come, the use of the 'supernatural', a theme specific for my target audience, will engross them as well as the likability of the chosen characters. As the target audience is a group of female and male teens, (16-18), the stereotypical genre they are most interested in is drama romance, as the show incorporates romance and drama itself, therefore, they will be drawn to watch it. To add to this, there is a strong sense of a 'supernatural' element within the series, as my target audience is deeply interested in this and have previously watched shows/movies with this element, it will appeal to them. Although it is not the strongest part of the narrative, this being the climax ending, I feel it is a great setup of the show and the characters that will appeal to the audience without giving too much away. It subtly showcases the themes incorporated into the show and allows the audience an idea of it's concepts. As the first episode ends on a cliff hanger, this being to draw the audiences intention to the next episode, the ending of the 15 minute snippet will end on a cliff hanger as well; this being done to draw the audience in further and ponder what will happen next.

Unit 22 - P2 - Initial Idea's

 Unit 22 - P2 - Generating Idea's

The Brief:

The brief states that a Leeds based production company has secured the funding to produce a 'short dramatised sequence' that can be used to promote my television drama that I produced in Unit 21. The brief inquires me to decide which scenes would work best to gain interest in my series among it's target audience, but the total screen duration however, has to fit in between 10-15 minutes. The brief then asks me that within this unit I will need to generate idea's for this said possible sequence and then develop as well as write a screenplay a chosen sequence. 

Initial Idea's:

Characters: 

Luna: Luna is a young teenage girl, she is very upbeat and friendly, however, as she is starting a new school she feels extremely isolated and scared of meeting new people. We find in the first episode of the series she has magical witch like powers.

Three Female Characters: The three min female characters first have the convention of the 'mean girl' stereotype, however, later become friends with the character 'Luna'.

Male love interest: The male love interest is a side character that we meet in the first episode, we find that Luna starts to begin a relationship with him. 

Extract One: opening scene of first episode - introduction and resolution of main character - we find out of about Luna's (main character) magical powers. We are also introduced to the three other female characters and the male love interest. Extract ends on cliff hanger on Luna's moral decision of saving the animal or not. We are introduced to Luna, the three female friends, Luna's parents as well as the love interest. We learn about Luna's magical powers/abilities, this then sets up the tone and themes for the show. 

Positives of this idea: 

• Introduction of characters and main central character 
• Start of storyline and initial narrative

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI 
• Numerous actors/actresses

Extract Two: Episode 2: Relationships/friendships between characters - At the start of this episode Luna finds the other three female characters also have magical powers, through this they form a friendship; throughout this episode we watch this friendship flourish. The extract ends with the now four girls rebelling/messing around with their magical powers. We again meet, Luna and the three female character's in this episode - we learn about their powers and their moral views/opinions of having them.

Positives of this idea:

• Development of the character arc
• Introducing new characters/narrative features that may be interesting to the audience

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI 
• Numerous actors/actresses

Extract Three: Episode Three: Party + Revenge on male villain - Episode starts at a high school party, in which Luna, the three female characters and the male love interest attend as well as other side characters/background characters. At the end of the episode we find a teenage boy sexually harassing a girl, the three female characters use their powers to make the male teenage villain fall into a pool, however, they find he cannot swim. Throughout this extract we are again introduced to Luna, the three girls, the male love interest and the male villain. We learn about the three other female characters true intentions of what they wish to do with their magical powers. 

Positives of this idea: 

• More action takes place that may interest the audience
• CGI elements will interest audience

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI 
• Numerous actors/actresses 
• Setting may be difficult to locate

Extract Four: Episode Four: Introduction of evil powers - At the start of the episode Luna starts to use her powers to take revenge on power, sense of evil/tyrannic behaviour - archetype/demeanour of character completely changed. By the end of the episode, Luna is then convinced by the three other female characters to use her powers to take revenge on people. Within this episode we watch, Luna and the three other female characters - we learn about their manipulation and their ability to convince Luna.

Positives of this idea: 

• Development of character arc (Luna)
• Use of CGI will interest audience

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI (not cost effective)
• Numerous actors/actresses
• Time in which character conventions change, audience may perceive the character differently

Extract Five: Episode Five: Reveal of powers - At the start of the episode, while the three female characters and Luna use their powers against a male villain, the male love interest of Luna catches her doing this, in fear he runs away. At the end of the episode the three female characters and Luna run after him. Within this extract we again watch Luna, the three female characters, the male love interest and a male villain - we learn about the extent of Luna's magical powers and what she is willing to do with them for revenge. 

Positives of this idea:

• Near to the climax of narrative 
• More involvement of all characters

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI 
• Numerous actors/actresses

Extract Six: Episode Six: Luna's loss of control - At the start of the episode the three female characters kill the male love interest in fear he will tell people about their powers. At the end of the episode, Luna's eyes, in a fit of distress and rage, turn black. Within this episode there is Luna, the three female characters and the male love interest - we learn about the three female characters will go to extreme extents to protect their identity of Witches as well as the vast power Luna really has. 

Positives of this idea:

• Climax of narrative
• Climax of the main character 
• Cliff hanging ending

Negatives of this idea:

• Strong use of CGI 
• Numerous actors/actresses
• 'Death' is a theme that may be difficult to portray on screen - higher rated audience age rating