Storytelling and Scriptwriting

PelikuLektura Lente Singko

05.10.2024 | PUP Lente Filikulas

STORYTELLING and

SCRIPTWRITing

START

WHAT IS A STORY?

• A story is a journey.
• A story tells a life.
• A story holds power.
• A story inspires.
• A story has a purpose.
• It can be told using words, actions, or imagery.

PARTS OF A STORY

dénouement

climax

EXPOSITION

falling action

rising action

The beginning of the plot where one learns about the characters and the setting.

Comprises a series of events that build conflict and propel the plot forward.

The point of highest tension or drama, where the protagonist faces the main conflict or opposing force.

It wraps up the loose ends of the story, leading to the resolution.

The resolution of the story and the final moments of the protagonist.

STORYTELLING THROUGH WORDS

A story can be told through words in verbal and non-verbal methods.

STORYTELLING THROUGH action

A story can be told through actions and expressions by acting in front of cameras or on a stage.

STORYTELLING THROUGH IMAGERY

A story can be told through still and moving images.

A SCRIPT USES WORDS TO GUIDE THE CREW DURING THE PRODUCTION OF THE FILM AND THE CAST ON HOW THEY WILL ACT IN THE FILM.

STORYTELLING THROUGH SCRIPTWRITING

VITAL ELEMENTS OF A SCRIPT

Theme

Character

Plot

KEY POINTS OF A SCRIPT

progress

setup

new situation

aftermath

final push

complications

What can you say about this Quote?

"A pen is a weapon mightier than a sword."

How will you associate this quote with the previous one?

“Words are like swords. If you use them the wrong way, they can turn into ugly weapons.”

WRITING THE SCRIPT

THE THREE-ACT SCREENPLAY STRUCTURE

03

02

01

THE RESOLUTION. This act includes the pre-climax, climax, and dénouement.

THE CONFRONTATION. This act includes the rising action, midpoint, and plot point two.

THE SETUP. This act includes the exposition and the inciting incident.

A movie script details all the parts – audio, visual, behavior, dialogue – that you need to tell a visual story, in a movie or on TV.

KNOW WHAT A "SCRIPT" IS

What message do you want to convery to your audience? What is the "main topic" that you want to tackle?

CONCEPTUALIZE YOUR "STORY"

Of course, scriptwriters do not work alone (technically you can, but it's better to have more brains working together).

BRAINSTORM WITH THE TEAM

Especially if you're making a historical concept or you're tackling themes that need accurate information (e.g. crime, medical)

CONDUCT A RESEARCH

A tiny summary of your story – usually one sentence – that describes your protagonist and their goal, as well as your antagonist and their conflict.

WRITE A "LOGLINE"

It's a slightly juicier summary that (usually) includes your script's title, the logline, a list of your main characters, and the synopsis.

WRITE A "TREATMENT"

Characters should evolve through the script such that they are different at the end of the story than they were at the beginning.

DEVELOP THE CHARACTERS

Break the main story down into all the small pieces and inciting incidents to form the plot.

write the "plot"

These scenes must be filled with more details like events, information about specific characters, or plot points.

DIVIDE THE PLOT INTO "SCENES"

A first draft of the script includes all three acts with scenes, dialogues, character development arcs, and a complete story.

WRITE THE FIRST DRAFT

TRY READING the DIALOGUES

Do they sound good? Are you able to write your characters to have different "voices"?

After your first drafting and reading, one or more revisions will surely be needed, whether it's your own idea or suggested by the team.

ReVISE THE SCRIPT

Have the director check and edit your revised script. Once you get the script back, review the changes.

the director's edit

The script now has camera angles, transitions, cuts, etc. You can now write the final draft where you revise the script for the last time, now considering the director's plans for every shot.

WRITE THE FINAL DRAFT

present the final (OFFICIAL) script

After writing the final draft, it's time to present your script to the production crew and cast.

STORY & SCRIPT

SCRIPT It focuses on the specific details of how the story will be presented on screen or stage, including the dialogue between characters, stage directions, and camera angles.

STORY A narrative that can be true or fictional, meant to entertain, inform, or educate. It can take many forms like novels, short stories, plays, films, and even video games.

TOGETHER, the story is the essence of the narrative, while the script is the blueprint that brings it to life.

Remember to write with your heart, may it be a story or a script.

thank you!

Gwyneth Xyra Cruz | STI College Ortigas-Cainta

SETUP

• Character introduction
• World-building
• Foreshadowing
• "The case"

FINAL PUSH

• The protagonist find a new "clue" that is vital in "solving" the "case".
• A secondary character (or cannon fodder) gets in a tragic situation that drives the protagonist to overcome the conflict.
• Protagonist-Antagonist face off

COMPLICATIONS

• A new conflict arises
• The protagonist get into trouble
• The antagonist appear to be "winning"

AFTERMATH

• The protagonist "defeat" the antagonist
• The conflict gets cleared
• "Case closed"
• Final moments or ending
• (Maybe) a sneak peek of the next installment

PROGRESS

• The protagonist try to solve the conflict.
• The antagonist execute the next step of their plan.
• "Analysis of the clue"

NEW SITUATION

• Conflict introduction
• The antagonist make their first move
• The protagonist get caught in their plan and discovers something ("a clue")