Lesson Structure: Script Writing (Screenwriting)

There are 11 lessons:

1  Scope and Nature of Script Writing

• Introduction: what are scripts? where are scripts used?
• Writing scripts: The story you want to tell, one page one minute rule, visual, behavioural and aural story telling, show don’t tell, handling time, formatting your script
• Abreviations: general abreviations, camera abreviations and terms for script writers, other terms

2  Plotting the screen play

• Introduction: types of stories
• What are the specifications? duration of the performance
• Developing the storyline: the story pyramid, creating a story board, techniques for plotting a story, fiction and creative non-fiction, non-fiction – educational, corporate, presentation writing
• Screen play formatting guide

3  Outline and Writing the Script

• Writing the outline: always outline, cliff hangers in a script, formatting outlines, how to write the script, formatting

4  Characterisation

• Writing good characters: building characters, character planning, character goal setting and motivation, character language

5  Use of dialogue and sound effects

• Dialogue in script writing
• Writing dialogue: dialogue tags, tips on writing dialogue, examples of dialogue

6  Writing for internet, TV and film

• Internet, TV and film: time frame, fiction or non-fiction, pace, sound effects, visuals, writing for TV, writing for film/screen writing, writing for the internet

7  Writing for Radio

• Radio and audio: components, voice, music, sound effects, hints, other points to consider

8  Writing for Training/instructional videos

• Training, instructional and audio: one person script, two person script, multiple persons script, scene, visual in training presentations

9  Writing for Children

• Broadcasts for children: fiction/non-fiction hybrids, socialisation, gender, roles and stereotyping

10 Writing for Advertising

• Writing for Advertising: purpose of advertising, writing and analysing adverts, summary skills, tips for summarising, writing for informercials

11 The Business of Script Writing

• Introduction
• Commercial opportunity: start your own production business
• Ethical and legal considerations: the law, defamation

Please note:  Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school’s tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Learning Goals: Script Writing (Screenwriting)

• Explain what script writing is and its many applications.
• Describe and compare techniques for plotting the story.
• Explain how to write the outline of a script and then write the script itself.
• Explain how to write good characters in your script.
• Explain the use of dialogue and sound effects in script writing
• Explain how to write for the internet, TV and film.
• Explain how to write for radio.
• Develop scripts for use in educational programs
• Develop scripts for an audience of children
• Develop scripts for an audience of children
• Develop an understanding of the business of script writing.

Script Writing Training

Because screen writing involves a number of key personnel: Director, Editor, Production Crew and of course the Actors themselves, it is important that you include the aural, visual, behavoural and lingual information required, so that everyone understands how your story should be told. This is different to writing a book, where the audience is left to interpret the information for themselves.  In addition, because script writing is a visual medium, you should show the audience your story (write visually), not tell them it as you would in a book. You should also remember the 5 S’s: story, story telling, structure, sequences and spine.

Unless you have the financial resources to finance, produce and direct a project yourself, it is important to follow the rules of the game if you intend to submit a script to professional producers for consideration. Scripts that don’t meet the correct criteria are likely to be filed in the bin and the correct protocols can even include sending them a set number of pages in a particular font type. Therefore, it is important to learn the rules of script writing and to use the correct language and film making definitions.

Whether you want to write professionally or as an amateur, Script Writing is an expertly written course, that will give you a solid foundation from which you can direct your creative skills in the best direction. And who knows how far this will take you? All great screen writers have to start somewhere, so start here with ADL.

WHERE DO I GO FROM HERE?

Enrol Now If your Passion Is To Be A Script Writer

or  if you want to know more about this professional course speak with one of our tutors by email:  adlhomestudy.co.uk@co.uk  or phone – UK:   01227 789 649  or  International:   +44 1227 789 649 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.

General

Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.

Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.

Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.

Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.

Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.

Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.

Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.

Enrolment

Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.

Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.

Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.

Assessment

Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.

Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.

Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –

Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.

Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.

Qualifications

Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?

A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.

Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.

Tutors

Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.

Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.

Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.