no18. SCREENPLAY & PRESENTATION

PRODUCING SCREENPLAYS & 
PREPARING YOUR PRESENTATIONS
ask jeannette if not clear!! 30/3/2012
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What is...

- 1 Sentence Summary

* a summary of what your story is about
* who is your story about
* YOUR STORY IN ONE SENTENCE
* story = key character + situation + motive + key msg 

- Executive Summary
* fast info for full production 
* info includes:
- title
- genre
- target audience
- target media / channel 
- target time slots
- language
- duration of screenplay
- 1 sentence summary
- production team / esp producer & director
- production schedule / timeline
- ideal actors/actresses for key role
- marketing potential
- research & background info (if relevant)
- etc etc 

- Synopsis (2-3 para)

* a summary story outline of your screenplay. you usually read this before you watch a movie or a tv show.


- Character Bios (key characters only) 
* character traits that will be used for your screenplay.
* sometimes back-story is included IF used in screenplay.

- 3 Act Structure

* a one page map of your story in point form
* if your 3 Act does not work, your screenplay will not work!
* use this to plot out your story beats
*****EXTREMELY USEFUL TOOL TO USE BEFORE WRITING THE STORYLINE/TREATMENT & SCRIPT***

- Storyline / Treatment

 * detailed description/story of how your screenplay will be presented if produced

* no dialogue needed

* use present tense

* write as if you are watching the screenplay from start to end of your show

Presentation Board

* this SELLS your story

* to use visuals and text to tell me what your story is about

* presenting your ideas, concepts & storylines

a presentation board can include:

- character design, if relevant
- programme look & feel
- storyboard (eg. opening sequence)
- story design & details

Storyboards

* storyboards are used to tell the production team how the screenplay is going to be produced
* a visual tool for all production team to see how they will be involved
* a visual tool to see director's vision and all cast/crew will work towards achieving the shots in the storyboard

Research & Background Info/Backstory

- this must be done according to subject / topic / genre 
- this helps story design / details, eg period dramas, costumes, dance moves, slang/language, props used, graphics style, etc.

Script Edits

- edit, edit, edit & more edits to improve your script!!
- delete all irrelevant words/scenes/info
- Every word in your script MUST move your story forward
- Every word counts in your script
- KEEP TO TIMING / DURATION OF SCREENPLAY
- focus on 1-sentence in your story

HAVE FUN WRITING!!

jt :)))

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CASE STUDY 29/3 & 30/3/2012 

STORY 

= KEY CHARACTER(S)

IN SITUATION(S)

TO COMMUNICATE A KEY IDEA/MESSAGE

1. FRASIER SEASON 1 EP1 
- PILOT "THE GOOD SON"


2. SEINFELD CHRONICLES
- PILOT (1989)

For CASE STUDY pls observe:

1. Character Development 

- how they introduce new characters

2. Presentation Style

- how do they present characters in situations

- genre

- style of presenting key ideas and key messages

3. 3 ACT - esp Act1 >> SETUP

- watch how they do it

4. Story is based on ... ?

- THEME (frasier - the good son)

- PREMISE (seinfeld - using a statement before telling story)

enjoy the show!