Introduction to Script Writing By Dr.Sheik
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The document outlines a workshop on script writing hosted by Dr. Sheik Mohamed, detailing essential storytelling elements and the three-act structure used in scripts. It covers aspects of scriptwriting for various media formats, including television, podcasts, and commercials, highlighting the importance of clarity, pacing, and audience engagement. Additionally, it emphasizes techniques such as showing rather than telling, character arcs, and proper news script formatting for effective broadcast communication.
Introduction to Script Writing By Dr.Sheik
- 1. Workshop on Script Writing for Telecast Dr.Sheik Mohamed.S.H M.A.,(JMC) MPhil.,M.A.,(PA)., M.A.,(SW)., PGDBA.,PGDICL.,PGDPR.,D.M.Art.,Ph.D Assistant Professor Department of Electronic Media St.Thomas College of Arts and Science Koyambedu,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India. DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION organises
- 2. Story
- 3. Story A story is a narrative, either real or imagined, that conveys a sequence of events or experiences, often featuring characters, settings, and a plot. It is typically designed to entertain, inform, teach, or inspire the audience by engaging their emotions or intellect. A story is more than just a series of events.
- 4. Elements of story The elements of a story are the essential components that help build the narrative and make it engaging. ➔ Plot ➔ Setting ➔ Characters ➔ Conflict ➔ Theme ➔ Point of View ➔ Tone and Mood
- 5. Types of Story There are many different types of stories, each with unique characteristics, purposes, and structures. ➔ Fictional Stories ➔ Non-Fictional Stories ➔ Narrative Structures and Types ➔ Myth and Folklore ➔ Theme ➔ Other forms of stories ➔ Semi-Fictional stories
- 6. Three Act Structure Concept The Three-Act Structure is a classic storytelling framework used extensively in screenwriting, theater, and novels. It’s designed to break down a narrative into three distinct phases: Act 1 (Setup), Act 2 (Confrontation) Act 3 (Resolution). Each act has specific roles and milestones that help create tension, develop characters, and ultimately resolve the story. Here’s a more detailed exploration of each act and its components:
- 7. Act 1: Setup (The Beginning) Concept ● Purpose: Introduce the world, the characters, and establish the main conflict or question that will drive the story forward. ● Length: Approximately the first 25% of the story. Key Elements of Act I: Exposition (Introduction to the World and Characters) Inciting Incident (The Catalyst) First Plot Point (Point of No Return)
- 8. Act 2: Confrontation (The Middle) Concept ● Purpose: Develop the conflict, build tension, and introduce complications. This act is often referred to as the "rising action." ● Length: This is the longest act, usually comprising 50% of the story. Key Elements of Act II: Rising Action (Progress and Setbacks) Midpoint (Turning Point or False Victory/Defeat) Tension Escalates (Escalating Conflict) Second Plot Point (The Low Point/All Is Lost Moment)
- 9. Act 3: Resolution (The End) Concept ● Purpose: Resolve the conflict, deliver the climax, and conclude the character arcs. ● Length: The final 25% of the story. Key Elements of Act III: Climax (The Final Battle) Falling Action (Consequences and Resolution) Denouement (Final Resolution)
- 10. Script Scriptwriting for media involves creating the blueprint for visual and audio content in formats such as TV shows, films, podcasts, commercials, or online videos.
- 11. Film/TV: Requires detailed descriptions of visuals and dialogue. Podcast: Focus on dialogue, sound effects, and pacing. Commercial: Short, impactful writing with a clear message. Online Video (YouTube, etc.): Conversational tone, fast-paced. Understanding Medium
- 12. Target Audience: Know who the content is aimed at. Message: Determine the main message or theme of your script. Format: Will it be narrative, documentary, or something else? Define the Concept
- 13. Title Page: Include title, writer’s name, and contact info. Logline: A short sentence summarizing the story or message. Act Structure (for films/TV): ● Act 1: Introduction of characters and setting. ● Act 2: Conflict or rising action. ● Act 3: Resolution. Structure Your Script
- 14. ● Scene Heading (Slug Line): Include whether it’s an interior (INT.) or exterior (EXT.) scene, location, and time of day. Example: INT. OFFICE - DAY ● Action: Describe the visual actions. Be concise but clear. Example: John opens the drawer, revealing a hidden letter. ● Dialogue: Write conversations, focusing on the flow, tone, and character voices. Example: JOHN (angrily) Why didn’t you tell me? ● Parentheticals: Indicate how a line should be delivered. Example: MARY (sarcastically) Oh, sure, like you’d understand. Scene Writing
- 15. ● Keep scenes tight, focused, and essential to the story. ● Use pauses or beats in dialogue to create natural rhythm. Pacing and Timing
- 16. ● For visual media, include descriptions of camera angles (if required), key movements, and scene transitions. ● For podcasts or audio, emphasize sound cues, background noise, or any changes in tone. Visual and Audio Elements
- 17. ● After writing the first draft, revise for clarity, flow, and consistency. ● Remove unnecessary dialogue or actions. Edit and Revise
- 18. Television Program Telecast Process Pre-Production Production (Telecast Recording/Live Production) Broadcasting/Telecasting Post-Production (if applicable) *
- 19. Pre-Production ● Conceptualization ● Script Writing ● Guest Invitation & Preparation ● Rehearsals
- 20. Production (Telecast Recording/Live Production) ● Host/Guests on Set ● Cameras and Switching ● Audio and Visual Effects ● Live Interaction ● (if applicable) ● On-Screen Graphics
- 21. Broadcasting/Telecasting ● Live Broadcast: ● Pre-recorded Telecast: Intro: The show begins with an intro sequence, including the show’s title and theme music. ○ Content Segments: The show unfolds based on the script. If there are breaks or commercials, these are timed in between. ○ Commercial Breaks: Ads or promotions air at specific points during the telecast. ○ Technical Monitoring: Engineers continuously monitor the broadcast to ensure there are no disruptions or technical issues. ● Live Timing Adjustments
- 22. Post-Production (if applicable) Editing: For pre-recorded programs, editors finalize the episode, adjusting pacing, adding music, transitions, and polishing visual elements before airing. Promotion: Teasers, trailers, or short clips of the telecast might be aired to promote the upcoming episode.
- 23. Important Techniques in Script Writing Show, Don’t Tell Use of Conflict Dialogue as Action Three-Act Structure Hook Visual Writing Pacing Subtext Character Arcs Economy of Language Voice Thematic Depth Use of Silence
- 24. Show, Don’t Tell Instead of explaining what a character is feeling or thinking through dialogue or narration, show it through their actions, expressions, and behaviors. .
- 25. Use of Conflict Introduce internal or external challenges that push the characters into action or decisions. .
- 26. Dialogue as Action Every line of dialogue should serve a purpose—whether it reveals character, advances the plot, or creates tension. .
- 27. Character Arcs The journey a character undergoes, where they change or evolve due to the events of the story. .
- 29. Importance of News Scripts ● Headline: Why Are News Scripts Crucial? ● Bullet Points: ○ Provides structure for live broadcasts ○ Ensures clarity and factual accuracy ○ Helps control timing and flow ○ Guides the anchor or reporter ● Visual: Diagram of a news broadcast setup (anchor, teleprompter, camera crew)
- 30. Time Constraints ● Headline: Writing with Time Limits in Mind ● Bullet Points: ○ Average TV news story: 30 seconds to 2 minutes ○ Focus on key facts and impact ○ Avoid unnecessary details ○ Use short, clear sentences ● Visual: Countdown timer with text overlay
- 31. Structure of a News Script ● Headline: Key Elements of a News Script ● Bullet Points: ○ Headline: Grabs audience attention ○ Lead: Answers the “5 Ws” (Who, What, When, Where, Why) ○ Body: Expands on the story with details ○ Conclusion/Tagline: Summarizes or provides a call to action ● Visual: Example of a simple news script format
- 32. Engaging the Audience ● Headline: How to Keep Viewers Engaged ● Bullet Points: ○ Use compelling language ○ Emphasize visuals and sound bites ○ Keep the pace fast, but not rushed ○ Balance facts with emotional storytelling ● Visual: Image of an engaged TV audience or sound bite graphic
- 33. Common Mistakes ● Headline: Avoid These Pitfalls ● Bullet Points: ○ Too much jargon ○ Overly complex sentences ○ Not aligning with visuals ○ Missing key facts ● Visual: Red flags or warning symbols
- 34. Teleprompters ● Headline: Script Formatting for Teleprompters ● Bullet Points: ○ Short, clear sentences ○ Simple punctuation ○ Line breaks for pauses ○ Avoid tongue twisters and complex wording ● Visual: Example of a teleprompter script layout
- 36. Thank You!