The script and Scriptwriting How-to

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

Element #2 - Location always in ALL CAPS has specific punctuation gives a general, bullet description of where the scene is taking place, and is taken from the basic industry question, “What’s the location?” tells up to three things: Site, Setting, Time always in ALL CAPS has specific punctuation justified left

Element #2 - Location For example, Location tells you three things right away: INT. TV STUDIO – DAY. SITE SETTING TIME These give the reader and the Production Manager quick and dirty ideas of when and where the scene is happening.

Element #2 - Location For example, Location tells you three things right away: INT. TV STUDIO – DAY. SITE SETTING TIME SITE: gives the general idea of where you will be filming. Site is important because it, alone, is the second thing looked at when a production manager goes through the script dividing it based on whether things are inside or outside. INT. is inside EXT. is outside

Element #2 - Location For example, Location tells you three things right away: INT. TV STUDIO – DAY. SITE SETTING TIME SETTING – the specific area you’ll be filming in. This will change as scene progresses, if necessary.

Element #2 - Location For example, Location tells you three things right away: INT. TV STUDIO – DAY. SITE SETTING TIME TIME – the either general or specific time scene will be taking place. This is usually either DAY for daytime, or NIGHT for nighttime. The Time tells a gaffer or a producer the answer to the question: “Do I need a generator and lots of lights, or not?” This is the first, and most important thing the production manager regards in dividing the script.

Element #2 - Location Do these have to be so general? Absolutely not. INT. TV STUDIO – DAY. SITE SETTING TIME Do these have to be so general? Absolutely not. Take a look at the following examples and see what the production company would have to do to accomplish what is written!

Element #2 - Location INT. LIBRARY – DAY. Take a look at how much power is inherent in the Location with these examples: INT. LIBRARY – DAY. EXT. BOAT DECK, THE MIDDLE OF THE ATLANTIC – DAWN. INT. MAD SCIENTIST’S LAB – EVENING. EXT. NEW YORK CITY, THE YEAR 2365 – DAY. INT. DEN – AFTERNOON. What does the production company have to do to accomplish what is written in these simple lines?