1.2 Writing Fictional Film

• describe the format of a screenplay
• describe the elements of screenwriting
• prepare a character bible for the characters in fictional film
• create a 5-to-10- minute fictional film script using elements of screenwriting
• appreciate screenwriting as a means of communicating societal concerns

“Why is a character bible important in writing for fiction?”

“How does the screenplay format help in writing for film?”

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1. Writing for film
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Describe the job of the screenwriter and the script as the blueprint of a film.
2. The screenplay format
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Name the six parts of a screenplay and how they are laid out.
3. The scene heading and action
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Write a scene heading and action lines in the present tense.
4. Character, dialogue and transitions
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Write character names, dialogue, parentheticals and transitions correctly.
5. The elements of screenwriting
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Name the six elements of screenwriting and what each does.
6. Theme and storyline
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Choose a theme and write a storyline for a short fictional film.
7. Plotting and structure
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Build a plot with conflict, cause and effect and a turning point.
8. Characterisation and the character bible
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Build believable characters and prepare a character bible.
9. Writing good dialogue
   40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
   Write dialogue that reveals character and moves the story.
10. Drafting a 5 to 10 minute script
    40 min · 1 practice tasks · quiz
    Draft a short script using the format and elements, then revise it.