Parentheticals (also called “wrylies” or “actor’s direction”) are used to clear up confusion about ...
Вопросы и ответыParentheticals (also called “wrylies” or “actor’s direction”) are used to clear up confusion about a line that could be read multiple ways:
COACH FOX
(sarcastically)
Nice throw, Kyle.
They can also be used to indicate who a speaker is addressing:
COACH FOX
(to Tebow)
Get in there already!
You will sometimes see them used to indicate action. This is acceptable if the action is short. (For longer actions, you’re better off ending the dialogue block and putting the action in scene description.)
This…
TEBOW
(putting on helmet)
Halleluja!
…can be replaced with:
As he puts on his helmet—
TEBOW
Halleluja!
Parentheticals are also sometimes used to indicate a pause in dialogue:
MCGAHEE
Tim…
(beat)
…we’re counting on you.
Or with more specific action…
MCGAHEE
Tim…
(grabbing Tim’s facemask)
…we’re counting on you.
The same idea could be achieved by using a line of scene description:
MCGAHEE
Tim…
He grabs Tim’s facemask and looks straight into his eyes.
MCGAHEE (CONT’D)
…we’re counting on you.
Parentheticals should be used sparingly.
In this 2010 blog post, John August takes a look at some professional screenplays, and counts their parentheticals use.
Источник: What is the proper way to use parentheticals? | Screenwriting.io.
The hero’s journey is the epic structure defined by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand ...
Вопросы и ответыThe hero’s journey is the epic structure defined by Joseph Campbell in The Hero with a Thousand Faces.
Campbell argues that the great enduring myths from around the world all share an underlying structure he calls the “monomyth.” In the introduction to his book, Campbell breaks it down:
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man.
Modern writers like Phil Cousineau, David Adams and Christopher Vogler have expanded upon, broken down, and/or modernized Campbell’s structure in their books. Vogler’s The Writers Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers explains the journey in a screenwriter-friendly way.
He breaks it down into twelve major steps:
Heroes are introduced in the ORDINARY WORLD, where
they receive the CALL TO ADVENTURE.
They are RELUCTANT at first or REFUSE THE CALL, but
are encouraged by a MENTOR to
CROSS THE FIRST THRESHOLD and enter the Special World, where
they encounter TESTS, ALLIES, AND ENEMIES.
They APPROACH THE INMOST CAVE, crossing a second threshold
where they endure the ORDEAL.
They take possession of their REWARD and
are pursued on THE ROAD BACK to the Ordinary World.
They cross the third threshold, experience a RESURRECTION, and a transformed by the experience.
They RETURN WITH THE ELIXER, a boon or treasure to benefit the Ordinary World.
Источник: What is the hero’s journey? | Screenwriting.io.
One of the best ways to figure out formatting, story, and other screenwriting questions is to read ...
Вопросы и ответыOne of the best ways to figure out formatting, story, and other screenwriting questions is to read others’ screenplays.
There is no set list of screenplays all aspiring screenwriters should read, but here is some general advice:
Read screenplays by well known and reputable writers, so you know you are leaning from good examples. Many can be found with a simple Google search — particularly around award season, as studios post screenplays in hopes of receiving nominations. If you are in LA, the WGA library is a great resource.
Some screenwriters host libraries of their scripts. Many of John August’s screenplays are available in the johnaugust.com library.
Read a variety of screenplays. Read different genres, different writers, work from different eras, originals and adaptations, and screenplays that employ untraditional methods of storytelling.
Once you have read enough that you feel you have a basic understanding, read some not-so-good screenplays, too. Compare and contrast them with the more universally respected ones you read before. Amazon Studios has a lot of less-than-terrific examples.
Make sure you are reading actual screenplays and not transcripts, which are common online and often placed alongside scripts. An easy way to tell if what you are reading is a script is to see if it is in proper script format. Transcripts will often have a similar formatting element or two (like 12-point Courier Font), but will usually look more like a running list than a properly indented screenplay.
Источник: What screenplays should aspiring screenwriters read? | Screenwriting.io.
