SCREENPLAY
A screenplay is a written script for a movie. It is written much like a play. It has the dialogue of the characters, set notes, and stage directions. A screenplay differs from a play in that a screenplay contains information about where the camera will be looking and doing.
For example, a screenplay might be written like:
Arthur: (mad) How dare you fail me in 9th grade English?
Mr. Graci: (moving towards his desk) I didn’t fail you. You failed yourself.
(Arthur moves toward Mr. Graci, raising his clenched hands. Mr. Graci backs into the corner.)
(the camera zooms in on Arthur’s face)
Arthur: You—you change my grade right now or you’ll regret it!!
For good examples of how to write in this style, look at the screenplay for “Visit to a Small Planet” in your textbook.
Now, think of the story you are making into a movie. Think of the most exciting or interesting scene. Your assignment is to write a two page excerpt of that scene, in screenplay format.
OUTLINE
An outline of what your movie is about. Tell the basic plot. Mention the setting, characters, and conflict. Describe what the major themes of your movie will be. This should be about a page in length, minimum, and give me a good overall idea of what your movie would be like.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Think about the story you’re filming. What sort of costumes will your characters wear? What kind of sets will you need to build?
A set is a stage set-up that you can film. It makes it seem as if you are at some certain location. For example, if I was making a movie about Dracula in his castle, I might not actually go film at a castle or build a whole castle. That would be expensive. I might just construct a small set that looks like some of the rooms that would be in a castle, and use those to film.
Go into detail about the locations and sets that will be needed. Go into detail about the costumes that will be needed for the main characters. Use pictures if you can—from the Internet or magazines or, if you are a good enough artist, draw something.
For example, if I were doing this project, I might do it on “Cask of Amontillado.” Since it takes place during Mardi Gras, I guess the characters might be dressed in a festive way, for a party. Example:
“I imagine Fortunato would wear Mardi Gras beads. Instead of the normal green or yellow beads, he would have dark red beads, to symbolize the life he is taking from Montresor.
Since people wear costumes during Mardi Gras, Fortunato would wear one in my movie, too. Because he is seeking revenge on Montresor, I might choose an ironic kind of costume or mask for him. Maybe he could paint his face like a skeleton.
I think the dark colors and the scary makeup will demonstrate Fortunato’s vengeful, twisted nature.”
See? Just like that. You do it like that, for your own story.
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