The script and Scriptwriting How-to

How-to SCRIPT ELEMENTS 1) Transitions 2) Location 3) Description 4) Dialogue 5) Stage Directions

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) -these are written explanations of two possible things: how or to whom a Line MAY be said; what a Character MIGHT do (or where he/she MIGHT go) -if a Stage Direction is going to be more than two lines long, put it in Description by itself, and make it a complete idea. -appear, when needed, between the Character Name and the Lines -are justified left and tabbed (similar to Lines, especially if a SD is more than one line long)

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) **keep in mind that the Writer is NOT the Director With this in mind, there are three unspoken rules regarding SD’s (which are all, really, just similar parts of one big rule): 1) try not to use ADVERBS in Stage Directions 2) try not to tell the actors how to say their lines 3) try only to use actions or visual cues in SD’s

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) 1) No Adverbs Here’s a possible Stage Direction: MARY (emotionally) How are you, Steve? What, exactly does “emotionally” mean here? The writer is trying to put his two cents worth into telling the director and actor how the line should be said, but it doesn’t really help. ***Directors and Actors can get more out of the CONTEXT of the scene than a Stage Direction. They also react to the flow on the set as well.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) Do you think the Director and Actor don’t get it if the writer writes this: Mike answers the door in a rumpled robe. He’s pale as a ghost, has a thermometer sticking out of his mouth, and has three days’ stubble on his chin. DAVE Mike, what’s wrong with you? MIKE (hoarsely) What do you think? Does “hoarsely” help at all? Would anything? How about “tiredly” or “sickly”? No, we get it from the context. And besides, what if it’s a comedy? Maybe the director wants to take it to barely a whisper and the writer didn’t even think of that.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) If you need to use something to make a point, try to do it in a general way (…I mean, generally). Things like: loudly, quickly, and softly are good ways to get the point across, if one needs to be made. But sweeping, character-driven aspects of how a Character speaks should be left out because things like that may end up going in the opposite direction, or they’ll just be weird. Things like: evilly, snidely, rudely, emphatically, happily, sadly, and coyly are all creative/emotional choices which are usually better left to those on the set.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) 2) Try not to tell Actors (or Directors) how the lines should be said. This rule rings similar to “no adverbs,” but it is slightly different because it may refer to either the Line being said, or the ACTION the Character may be doing.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) Things like: “with feeling,” “with a shaky voice,” “dejected,” “happy,” or “nonplussed” should be left out. Why? Because they’re trying, in one or two words, to describe something that might be otherwise better described in a couple lines of Description. You’re better off describing how someone just got out of the Arctic water than just saying “shaky voice”; and you’re better off showing the smiling face as he looks at the winning lottery ticket than just saying “happy” or “says happily”. This is tricky because the writer may hear or see something in a particular way in his/her head, but either the director or especially the actor may have a different choice in mind—a different way to say the Line, or a different way to move the Character.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) All these are reasons why you should: 3) Try to keep Stage Directions to simple actions or visual cues. This keeps in line with a couple film tenets: the script and the story should be VISUAL, and don’t tell the actors how to act. Simply give them the actions and words and let them act them out. Keeping stage directions simple and visual is the key; and remember, if any SD is going to be more than two lines long, put it in Description.

Element #5 – Stage Directions (parentheticals) STEVE (while kissing Valerie) I love you. EXAMPLES: MARY (pulling at her dress) I’m embarrassed about talking to Steve. SAM (looking backward) Who was that? FRED (to Ginger) What are we going to do today?

WE HAVE FINISHED SCRIPTWRITING!