Script Scene Description: Why is it so important?
Screenwriters are often so busy dealing with the dynamics of the story—what the protagonist wants, which pages their performance takes place on, etc.—that they forget the most direct indicator of talent: Writing style.
A great screenplay scene description immediately communicates to your readers that your writing has reached a certain level. You don’t wake up one day and think, “I’m going to write a script and sell it for a million dollars.”
from first sentencereaders can locate the author’s position based on the author’s ability. So, all you need to do is show immediately that you are someone who has studied the technique and knows how to write top-notch scenario descriptions.
But before we get into the writing styles of amateur versus professional screenwriters…
What exactly makes for a great screenplay description?
One of the main aspects of good scripting is its ability to clear image in the reader’s mind. Let them see exactly what the author wants them to see.
Clear, interesting, precise, and vivid images help readers get to the heart of the story more deeply. They engage them by stimulating their interest and making them feel like they are part of a unique world.
Why risk telling your story with a bland writing style and boring your readers when you can go the extra mile to keep them interesting and engaged in your story?
In fact, the competition is so fierce, you have no choice. Many manufacturing companies have Two recommendation boxes At the end of each report: one for the script and one for the author.
They’re referring to execution and style. So even if your story isn’t exactly a hit, but has a rock ‘n’ roll writing style, you might still be hired for a rewrite.
So, let’s start by comparing some examples of amateur and professional script scene descriptions.
Script scene description: amateur version vs. professional version.
See average and excellent examples of scene descriptions in screenplays, side by side Really helps the writer see the differences and what’s going wrong.
whipping (amateur version).
Here’s how a novice writer might set up the scene whipping Andrew was struck over the head with a cymbal by Fletcher.
whipping (Professional version).
Let’s see what Damien Chazelle has to say actually Write down the scenario:
What is the main difference between these two descriptions of the same scene?
The first one just Feeling lazylike not much thought was put into it. The author is not overly concerned with creating emotion on the page and making us feel what Andrew is feeling.
The second one, on the other hand, goes to great lengths to trap us in Andrew’s Headspace. It takes some time to build atmosphere and tension before Fletcher comes on the scene.
In Chazelle’s version, Andrew walks in slowly. Eyes on the drum. This immediately draws our attention to how nervous Andrew is. But it is not stated clearly. It’s all in word choice. we can see him You can tell what he’s thinking just by looking at the drums.
Some so-called screenwriting gurus will tell you to never use camera angles. While you really shouldn’t overuse them, a wise line like “We draw near to Him” can really help give the impression that we’re watching a movie.
It reminds us of how the camera slowly moves towards him, heightening the tension, which can only be a good thing.
sideways (amateur version).
A less skilled writer might start with the following scene, in which Miles and Jack are having breakfast in a diner, like this:
sideways (Professional version).
Instead, Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor begin the scene like this:
Notice how strong the image of the two floating plates of food in the first line is – how it draws your attention directly to Jack’s object of desire.
Return to zero Detailing the scene in the scene description can be a good way to start the scene. This is a very cinematic technique that gives people the feeling of watching a movie.
Next, Jack and Miles are described as “disheveled and unshaven.” These phrases immediately provide the reader with a thumbnail picture of the state these people were in.
Likewise, the waitress is described as “young and innocently sexy.” The word “innocent” highlights her youth, not just that she is “sexy”. Always try to include these types brief character sketch In the scene description of your script.
Finally, always try to avoid clichés. The phrase “eyes wide open” appears in 90% of spec scripts. Not only that, but it doesn’t evoke Jack’s desire the way “leers” does.
virgin suicide (amateur version).
Again, we’ll write an “uninspired” version of the script’s scene description, followed by the actual description in the script.
A less skilled writer might open the following scene like this:
virgin suicide (Professional version).
Instead, Sofia Coppola wrote the scene this way:
as in sideways For example, in this scripted scene description, Coppola “Guide” the audience Use her words.
The description begins, “Neighbor boys gathered around Paul Baldino.”
This means a wide shot of the boys listening to Paul speak. We then focus on Paul himself through his character sketches. Then, a close-up of his pinky ring in the sun as he speaks. Finally, we return to the boys, who continue to listen.
Also, pay attention to her choice of words. “14-year-old Paul is the teenage version of his gangster father, with dark circles under his eyes like a bulldog and wide hips.” This sentence sums up his character brilliantly in an instant.
We know exactly where this kid comes from, through the reference to his “gangster dad.” Notice the words Coppola uses when describing the boys. “Gathered” implies concentration, and in the last line, with the word “intense,” we can actually look Their faces were filled with concentration.
The script scene describes the conclusion.
We hope this helps you and inspires your own screenplay scene descriptions. Remember: One of the best ways to improve your script’s scene descriptions is to simply read the script. As much as possible.
We’ve posted here 50 of the best scripts in various genres to download and read, containing these scripts and more to get you started.
Like this article? Read more about script scene descriptions and how to improve your writing style…
35 Quick Edits to Improve Your Script’s Writing Style in 24 Hours or Less
How to Write a Screenplay: Secrets to Beyond the Ordinary
Scripted Dialogue: If Your Characters Are Just Talking, You’re Doing It Wrong
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