Characteristics of a Good Screenplay
Three important considerations of drama are: good story, good plot and good structure. Explain how a screenplay model incorporates these in its features.
A screenplay can be an original piece (Original screenplay), or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a novel, stage play or newspaper article (Adapted screenplay). At its heart, a screenplay is a blueprint for the film it will one day become. A screenplay focuses on describing the literal, visual aspects of the story, rather than on the internal thoughts of its characters. The average page count of a screenplay comes between 90 and 120 pages.
For one to have a good screenplay and an excellent example that deserves to be imitated, a good story, plot and structure must be put in place.
The Story
Writing a screenplay or screenwriting, is telling exciting stories about exciting people in an exciting form. A common formula is: (Character + Want) x Obstacles = Story
A good story is about an interesting protagonist (character). Except in situations where the story is about more than one person, the protagonist of a story is easily known; he or she is the one the audience cares most about. For example; James Bond, Superman etc.
The protagonist usually wants something badly (objective) and most times, gets trouble achieving it (obstacles), and the story is worth writing because it illustrates some kind of universal message (theme) that people can empathize to.
Some people have suggested that in order for successful development to occur, it is advisable to use a story questionnaire to explore story scenarios and ask for ways to uncover the answers that will guide one through the story.
In writing a good story, it is expected that the writer knows the end of the story even at the beginning.
The power of vivid and revealing descriptions can never be over emphasized, every single thing conveyed about the characters’ appearance and surroundings can help reveal or reinforce
A screenplay can be an original piece (Original screenplay), or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a novel, stage play or newspaper article (Adapted screenplay). At its heart, a screenplay is a blueprint for the film it will one day become. A screenplay focuses on describing the literal, visual aspects of the story, rather than on the internal thoughts of its characters. The average page count of a screenplay comes between 90 and 120 pages.
For one to have a good screenplay and an excellent example that deserves to be imitated, a good story, plot and structure must be put in place.
The Story
Writing a screenplay or screenwriting, is telling exciting stories about exciting people in an exciting form. A common formula is: (Character + Want) x Obstacles = Story
A good story is about an interesting protagonist (character). Except in situations where the story is about more than one person, the protagonist of a story is easily known; he or she is the one the audience cares most about. For example; James Bond, Superman etc.
The protagonist usually wants something badly (objective) and most times, gets trouble achieving it (obstacles), and the story is worth writing because it illustrates some kind of universal message (theme) that people can empathize to.
Some people have suggested that in order for successful development to occur, it is advisable to use a story questionnaire to explore story scenarios and ask for ways to uncover the answers that will guide one through the story.
In writing a good story, it is expected that the writer knows the end of the story even at the beginning.
The power of vivid and revealing descriptions can never be over emphasized, every single thing conveyed about the characters’ appearance and surroundings can help reveal or reinforce