Unit 24: Task Two

Research Document
Initial Task - Gather, research and prepare background material; review published scripts;
research plans and sources in preparation for your own documentary script. Review literature on
different script layouts and on scriptwriting techniques; then collect and prepare excellent
background material for your scriptwriting project to near-professional standards.
(Breaking Bad Brief Script Analysis)

Usually the front cover of the script would include the name of the episode as well as the show.
Other typical conventions range from the series and episode number and a watermark. The date
of publications pinpoint the date. The character names are capitalized due to the name having to
be eye-catching for the actors playing the characters. It separates the speaker's name from
another speakers name or the dialogue they have been given as well as the actions that they have
to take. The sluglines used in scripts state where the scene or a section of the scene is taking
place. In this case the code INT. is used meaning that the scene is taking place inside whereas
EXT. means that the scene is outside. On top of the information given by the slugline there are
commands that shows those reading the script where the scene is in regards to location (INT.
WHITE HOUSE – KITCHEN - MORNING) followed by the time of day when the scene is
occurring. This helps keep track of what's happening on screen, what time of the day and where
the scene is taking place.
Informative Text 1 - (Making Short Films)
 Each scene should have a beginning, middle & end.
 Characters have to remain consistent (even through development) in order to remain
interesting to the audience.
 The characters must have an objective i.e. they will want something, an object for
example and in the journey to getting the desired something there will be interesting
obstacles stretching the character to grow.
 They must go through a range of various emotions in order for the audience to feel
involved with the character. Emotions such as self-doubt and fear would show the
vulnerable side of a certain character which would appear through conflict, whereas
happiness and confidence would show the positive side of the character.
 As the conflict unfolds the audience should be able to see themselves within the heroin,
thus they'd share the emotions.
 Sub-plots play an important role as they provide the main plot with a strong story. Sub-
plots have the ability to contribute comedic factors as well as reveal contradictions in the
story line which may appear to be an obstacle for the main character/s.
 The conclusion of the film should be expected, however the way in which it's presented
should be unknown.
 Conflict, emotional engagement & resolution.

The Eight Steps to Creating a Short Film

1. Introduction to character(s); set the location and genre of film
2. Plot the narrative, indulge the character(s) in a situation, where they have a problem,
addiction or obstacle which they need to overcome
3. Allow the character(s) to work out a plan to overcome the certain situation
4. Prior to setting off on their objective, the character may come into the contact with a
character who acts as the mentor. Through times of doubt the main character(s) may have
then this specific character will lend their story line to helping them overcome this doubt.
This mentor may come through the form of a best friend, family member or teacher.
However, it depends on what genre the short film is based in.
5. The character(s) set off on their quest to overcome their situation (sometimes with
possession of an item of good will and luck from the mentor)
6. Overcoming the problem will come with a villain, a rival for the character(s) to face. This
rival will usually have a connection to the character(s) and will have either different or
stronger strengths than the character(s), thus the audience perceives them as the underdog
in this battle
7. At some point the heroin will appear to have lost, a glimpse of defeat, which will require
superhuman ability to overcome
8. The heroin wins and has to deal with what they have gone through as they've stared death
in the face and was still able to overcome the task
Tips for Writing Your Own Short Film
Don't invest in the original, first idea. Usually each creator’s first idea of a short film has been
inspired from one of several already existing shows, as well as this with time and effort the
original idea will grow into something bigger than ever imagined at the start of the process. With
constant re-writes about the story, you'll begin to indulge yourself more and more as the story
line becomes more interesting with each re-write. Gain perspective of the audience’s point of
view. What would they think? How'd they react? How'd this affect them? Be true to your vision.
Create the story you believe in. Listen to criticism, however don't interpret all of it. This will
cause the short film not to be yours anymore as you've fallen out of interest with your own story.
If you don't enjoy writing your idea then the audience won't enjoy watching it...

Informative Text 2 - (Basic Film Making: Screenwriting)

 Only a small percentage of writing is inspiration, MOST of writing is about perspiration.
As you adapt and grow your story, your idea furthers from inspiration off other films &
shows as it becomes more yours
 The key factors are: concentration, patience, persistence and endurance
There are several basic rules when I comes to screenwriting, for example: Grab the audience's
attention as soon as possible, and hold tightly with a firm grip until the films over. Carefully
reflect over the nature and quality of the experience you're aiming to give the audience. One
question which should ALWAYS be on your mind is: What Effect Is This Having on My
Audience? Dealing in words, but imagining in pictures and scenes. At a functional level a script
is a set of instructions, it tells the actors what to say, how to say it and when to say it. As well as
this, it informs the set designer of what to build and what props are needed and it allows the
director to know what type of shots will be used throughout the entirety of the film. Typically
movies are split into small scenes which when edited together create the entire story.

Shorts
 Strong yet simple narrative.
 Take risks.
 Your film must be able to stay within a certain space, don't create a story which is too
complex thus it not being a short film anymore...
 Short films have to ignite more rapidly, thus the audience's attention and interest need to
be grabbed as soon as it starts.
 The most powerful effect in any film whether it be 3 hours long or 30 minutes, is raw
human emotion.
 Emotion takes many forms, it can be expressed in many ways.
 Have a compelling yet to the point narrative.
 Typically no longer than 30 minutes.
  A three act structure is more flexible (not as rigid as would be in a 90-120 minute feature
film).
 Focus upon a small number of characters.
 Restricted number of locations.
 NO sub-plots.

Developing Good Practice

There are several factors which contribute to developing your skills in writing. Alike all things
practice is something which will build and adapt your ability in writing a good script However,
there are already some tips which should be followed. These include:
 Accepting yourself. Everybody has days off where they are unable to release themselves
through their story writing. However, being able to accept those bad days will allow you
to be optimistic towards the future days in which you can use wisely.
 Routine. Becoming a successful writer will force you to pus limits and boundaries within
your mind. Each idea will have a beginning however, the end is never close as each day
you need to adapt and add onto specific ideas in order to make them immaculate. The
best way to do this is to get into a routine of writing.
 Distractions. Get rid of electronic devices (excluding what you're writing on).
Distractions could cost you to drift away and lose focus on your vision.
 Recordings. Phone recordings, notes or any portable recording device. As a writer ideas
could fill your mind at any time, therefore you need to be able to write these certain ideas
down to ensure that you don't forget.
 BACKUP. Backup and save work in different spaces in order to ensure that you won't
lose it.