Evaluate the development of your skills

Compare theories - which did you find most interesting or useful?

(eg narrative, three act structure, genre, Propp (if done), Dan Harmon, conflict,

representation) How did you utilise any of these ideas in your script?

I found that the three act structure was useful when writing my script because it helped me learn how to structure my script and how to create interesting plot points by findinga beginning and middle and end point in each scene that I created so there was a flow and structure to the story. Also learning about genre was useful when creating my script because it helped learn what kind of script I wanted to create. By learning about genres it helped me decide I wanted to create a dramatic script but realistic aspects by combining what genre I wanted my script to put across so I included comedy but also drama. I think overall learning about conflict was the most beneficial and the most intresting to learn about that could apply to my scriptwriting because it helped me learn about how everything needs conflict as it makes the story interesting and makes it so the storyline is based around conflict and an issue. This was effective to my script as it made me think about things I could base the story around so I did bullying as its a common conflict that can be relatable to others and create realistic drama.

Which was the easiest ‘way in’ to starting your script, was it to utilize genre, real people you know, existing products?

The easiest way into my script was to base some of it on real experiences and people i have known so I could write about what I know so I felt connected to what I was writing about. This helped because I wanted to write my script to be realistic but also make it dramatic by adding more intense scenarios to it to make it more interesting and so people could relate to the story but with a comedic side. I wanted my script to fit in different genres so I wanted a bit of drama and a bit of comedy so I found this a good way into writing my script by trying to utilize those genres by adding a more unrealistic ending that makes the situation a bit funny but also leaves people confused with what just happened.

Summarise what you learned about:

screenplay format

How to write a screenplay

What makes a good screenplay

When learning about screenplay format I learnt a lot of things that really interested me. I learned that there are specific ways that a script needs to be laid out. The layout includes a slug line which includes the fact if the scene is taking place inside or outside, the place of the scene and what time of day it is. After a slug line there is action lines which include a bit about the setting and the character to give the director/production team an insight on what the scene will be set like and what the characters will be like. Then there is the character names which always have to but put in capital letters and in the middle of the page along with the dialogue which goes underneath the name of the character. I also learnt there are many different ways to end the scene some examples include: cut to, fade to black and fade out. These can also have a dramatic effect that changes the way that the final edit of a production seems.

Learning how to write a screenplay was also a very interesting thing to learn and what makes a good screenplay. Reading the stand by me script was a good example of how to write a screenplay as it helped me see what kind of things make the screenplay work and make it effective. Learning how to write one before writing my final script was effective as when I had to write the operator script without using studio binder it made me have an insight on what key things have to be put in place when writing the screenplay. Having to be as precise and detailed as possible was something I learnt quickly because if certain things are not set out or stated in the script the screenplay could be very confusing when acted out, so I learnt to include as much detail as possible like adding what a character may be doing whilst talking and writing in a characters age and what they are wearing and also saying what time of day it was etc. Using studio binder helped when learning how to write my screenplay because learning how to use it was easy and it helped format everything and make it all so it looks professional.

How did you develop soft skills: communication, teamwork, presenting to others?

Working in groups and doing teamwork was fun and helpful as it helped me become more confident in sharing ideas and hearing what ideas other people had within the groups I worked in. Showing my work to my friends and others in the class was also beneficial because they could give me useful feedback that made my work improve. Also getting feedback on my script when I had my first initial draft was helpful as it helped me learn what things I can do that will improve my script and help me change it to get a better final edit as my ending needed to be a bit more dramatic and getting help after showing others and hearing what they think help me improve the ending of my script.