LO1: Task 2, Format and Layout

Font and size:

When writing scripts, the font that is used by professionals is Courier, because it is the same font as the one which was previously used on type writers before the digital age.

Character descriptions:

All screenplays will contain character descriptions, which will be read by cast members such as the actors and costume/makeup artists, this is because it is very important to know how to represent the type of character in the manner that the client wants you too.

Who uses a script:

Most cast members will see the script at one point during the production, however the people who will use the script the most will be the actors, since the script contains the lines and character descriptions that they need learn. The director of photography (in context of a film), is the person who controls how everything in the shot appears and is captured, they will need to read the script in order to know what mood and message each shot will need to connote to the audience. The editor will also need to see this script, since they will be the person in control of bringing the shots together in a way which flows and tells the story dictated by the client from the script. The director would use the script, since they are in control of every aspect in the film, and will need to ensure that everything in the script is carried out in production. The producer will also need to read the script, since they will need to work out how the movie is going to cost to create, and will need to provide an amount of money which will ensure that the movie described in the script becomes a reality.

Computer game scripts:

Computer games are created in the form of a flow chart, this is because usually, the game's narrative will depend on the choices of the player, therefore a flow chart will be able to present every possible choice the player could make through out the entire game.

Presenters/characters sections:

The presenters or character section, is set out firstly by their name, in capitals and in the middle (and sometimes bold), followed by a colon, in order to infer that the text below will be their dialogue. In some cases, a square bracket is used to contain the mannerisms/nature of the expected dialogue. The text is then allows presented below, in the middle in order for the actors/presenters to be able to skim over most of the script and straight to the dialogue, since it is more noticeable in the middle of the page.

Video game synopsis:

Video games include a synopsis in order to make the player aware of the storyline/world they are playing in, this makes the gameplay a more meaningful experience for the person who is playing.

Scripts with stage/location directions:

Scripts that contain stage/location directions usually apply to scripts that have visuals as well as dialogue, like film, tv or play scripts. Stage/locations are very important because they are what create the setting and give context to the dialogue/action that is happening in the script. The are also a very important part of how stories are told, since change of location/setting can create meaning for the protagonist, and connote that they are going on a journey, or everything is changing for them.

Sound effects:

Sound effects are usually presented in a script with the letters SFX to represent that the following description will be a sound effect that is incorporated into the narrative usually in post when sound is edited. It is important to be seen by the actors and sound editors, since actors need to know what sounds they are reacting to in order for the acting to flow more with the sound effects which are going to be included in the final edit. It is also very important for the editor to see so that they are aware of how the sound effects link to the recorded dialogue. Sound effects can also be created by a foley artist, so in this case, sound effects are important, since the foley artist needs to know what type of sound they are going to create.

Narrative structures:

Narratives can have a range of different structures depending on the genre of the script.