Theme 4 (Activity 2) Writing a Screenplay

Learning intention To understand the format of a screenplay. Success criteria I can explain the purpose of a screenplay. I can recognise common features of a screenplay. I can identify features of a successful screenplay. Activity 2- Screenplay

Screenplay Group Task 1 Have a look at the excerpt from the screenplay for ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’.excerpt from the screenplay Now watch a clip of the same scene from Harry Potter Were the screenplay and the clip the same? Discuss with your class why that might have happened. In your groups use different colours to highlight or underline the dialogue, the scene descriptions, the action sequences, and the camera shots in the screenplay.

Group Task 2 Now that you have seen how a screenplay works you are going to take your idea to the next stage by starting to write your own screenplay.screenplay First you are going to work on your opening scene using the scripting sheet. At this stage you just need to focus on what the characters are saying to each other.scripting sheet To get started you can choose whether to act it out or write together first. Check the scene works by acting it out or reading it through for another group. Screenplay

Writing/Rewriting Group Task 3 Now you are ready to write the screenplay for your film. To write your screenplay you may decide to split the film into sections or scenes to work on in smaller groups or you may want to focus on writing each part together. The screenplay template shows you how to format your scenes. You can also use your scripting sheet from the last task and the highlighted Goblet of Fire script to remind you of each part of the screenplay.screenplay template scripting sheet

Screenwriting Tips! Your film can be up to 10 minutes long (although there is no requirement for it to be this length). Each minute of your film will need about a page of screenplay so to write 10 minutes you would need about 10 pages. Once your scenes are written you should act them out and read them through with other groups, then you will need to go back and make changes to edit and improve them.

Screenwriting Tips! It may help you to think about how your scenes will be filmed. Here are some filming devices you could think about; – Action sequences – Intercut – Flashback/flash forward – Voiceover – Montage Screenplay Devices

Screenwriting Links You should now be able to write your screenplay ready for shooting. If you want any more advice you could try these links from the internet; BBC Doctor Who screenplay writing competition BBC Doctor Who Screenplay writing lesson plans MENSA for kids screenplay writing activity How to write a documentary treatment or proposal

Resources for Activities Harry Potter Shooting Script Scripting Sheet Screenplay template file Screenplay template guide Guide to Screenplay Devices handout