The document provides instructions on how to summarize a scenario into a script. It explains that a script includes:
1. The location, which for this scenario is outside a movie theater at night.
2. The two characters - an old person and a young person.
3. The dialog between the characters, in which the old person uses questions about computers to help the young person understand how someone can be "seduced by the dark side".
4. Brief descriptions of the actions without excessive detail. For this scenario, the only actions mentioned are the characters standing by the movie poster and then walking away.
5. A concluding transition, which for this scenario simply states "Fade Out".
1. A Lesson in Scriptwriting
An example of a scenario:
"Seduced by the Dark Side!"
An old (yet wise) person and a young (but curious) person are outside
a movie theater where they have just seen the movie "Star Wars". Now
they stand looking at the movie poster on the wall outside the
theater.
The younger person says, "That was a great movie... but I don't
understand one thing." The older person says, "Hum, what's that?".
The young person says, "I don't understand how anyone can be 'seduced
by the dark side'".
The older person thinks for a while and then answers, "What computer
do you use at home?"
The young person immediately responds eagerly, "A Macintosh."
Then the older person slowly says, "But what computer does your
father use at work?"
The young person thinks for a while and then smiles in amazement,
exclaiming loudly, "Seduced by the Dark Side!"
The older person smiles knowingly at the young person.
The young person is very happy knowing he has just learned a very
important lesson. Now the two have formed a bond that will last a
lifetime.
They begin walking slowly home together.
2. A Lesson in Scriptwriting
Once you have a scenario, you can break it down into the
elements required for a script. This is how:
1. What is the Location?
Scene Introduction
(INTERIOR vs. EXTERIOR)?
Exterior which is abbreviated
EXT.
The Location? Simply say Movie Theater! for the
location.
The Time? The time will be Night since most
movies end at night. However, we
will probably film at dusk so
we'll have better lighting.
2. Who are the characters in this story?
There are only two speaking roles
in our movie. Extra people such
as people in the background are
never listed in a movie script.
The old and wise person will be
simply called OLD PERSON.
The young person will be called
YOUNG PERSON. We don't want to
limit our choice to one gender.
3. What is the dialog for this story?
We need to write down just the
words that are spoken. This is
the meat of the script.
The older person says
What computer do you use at home?
The younger person says
A Macintosh.
The older person says
And what computer does your
father use at work?
The younger person says
Seduced by the Dark Side!!!
4. What are the actions in this story?
The actions are what goes on in
the story that is not dialog. For
a movie script, this must be very
short. Notice how much of the
story is eliminated and not
included in the actions.
At the beginning of the scene,
all you need to say is
Action
An old and wise person and a
young person stand in front of a
movie poster.
Action
They begin to walk away.
5. What is the ending transition for this story?
At the end of the scene, all you
need to say is:
Transition
Fade Out
