0
Television and Film Script Writing
Ask questions about structuring stories, building characters, enhancing conflict and the creative process involved with writing a scripted story.
103 Questions
What is a screenwriters role in making movies?
Your answer depends on both the screenwriter and the producer.
It is possible that a screenwriter was paid in full for the script, in which case another screenwriter may be hired 'on set' to re-write scenes depending on variables that dictate edits. For example, if the original script was set in Chicago, and the shooting location is Monte Carlo, certain elements of dialog or plot could be adjusted to accommodate this change.
There are movie sets where certain actors 'demand' more lines, and the producer and director agree. In these cases, the screenwriter adds dialog -- screen time -- for the actor making the demand.
Finally, there are 'script doctors' who re-cast completed scripts according to 'notes' given by other participants, such as producers, director(s), actors and so forth, prior to finalizing the shooting script.
What are some creative ways to present information in a movie?
Film is a visual medium. This means that visible action, whether subtle or grande, can convey the information you want the audience to know.
For example, if your character is a thief, showing the character pocketing something that clearly belongs to another character is a creative way to portray one character as a thief.
Try this test: watch an unfamiliar DVD movie with no sound and identify the information that you can learn from simply watching the action.
Who writes the dialog in a film?
A screenwriter writes the dialog in a film. There are scenes when a director and actor make improvised or impromptu changes to written dialog, meaning in that case, what you hear on film is not what is written on the page.
