The screenplay - also known as the script or film script - is the heart of every film production. It is the written document that manifests the plot, characters and dialog of a film. You can think of it like a roadmap for a movie. Without a well-thought-out script, even the best idea can be inadequately staged. Of course, there are many examples in film history where directors have gone against the established production procedure and directed their films "freestyle" - the Nouvelle Vague as an influential movement in French cinema in the 1960s can be mentioned here as a representative example. But these tend to be exceptions and confirm the rule: the screenplay contains all the important information necessary for the production. It describes the scenes, the locations and the actions that are to be staged around the selected motifs. The aim is to convey a clear idea of the movie. This way, everyone involved in front of or behind the camera knows what needs to be done. During filming, the script should be supplemented by a shot list with a schedule that is as precise as possible.
A typical screenplay follows a certain structure. This structure helps to tell the story in a logical yet emotionally engaging way. Most screenplays are divided into three acts:
Act I: The initial situation is presented here, the setup. The main characters and the central problem are introduced.
Second act: The plot continues to develop in this part. There are conflicts and challenges that the characters have to overcome. The "drama" takes its course.
Third act: This is the climax of the story. The conflicts are resolved and the characters find their way. Happy ending.
This structure - the division into three acts - is not set in stone, but it has proven to be effective. It helps to captivate readers and ultimately viewers and maintain suspense.
Having the right format is the key to success: formatting is an important aspect of a screenplay. A screenplay needs special rules. These rules help to improve readability and make the production process easier.
There are certainly many individual solutions and everyone has their own guidelines for formatting a screenplay, but there are a few basic rules that can be set out here:
Scene headings: These indicate the location and time of day.
Dialogues: They are centered and clear to read.
Action descriptions: These describe what happens in the scene.
Ergo: The right format ensures that the script looks professional. It facilitates collaboration with the other film production trades. And: It is a basic prerequisite for financing a film project.
The screenwriter plays a central role in film production, especially in the fictional genre. Clearly, the author is responsible for writing the screenplay. They often come up with the basic idea and develop it further.
Writing a screenplay is not something you can just do on the side. You need experience. It's usually a lengthy process with many revision loops. Nevertheless, anyone with a creative, linguistic and dramaturgical knack can take on the role of screenwriter.
Here are a few tips that can help you:
A strong script can make the difference between a good and a great movie. It sets the tone and sets the direction for the visual realization. If the script is weak or inadequate, it will be difficult to produce a compelling movie. A lot then depends on chance or the form of the day during production. Yes, of course: this can also be extremely exciting - but often also expensive. Because if something goes wrong or is forgotten during filming, it has to be reshot or another, often more expensive solution has to be found. A good script is therefore also a guarantee that the available budget will be used in a controlled manner.
The screenplay is not just a document. It is the basis for the entire film production. Directors, actors and the entire team rely on the script to coordinate their work. A script is more than just words on paper. It is the first step towards realizing a film idea. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced writer, understanding the script is crucial.
It is the cornerstone of every film production.