The Research and Brainstorming
What I Researched
To begin the research process I made a list of what was needed. This consisted of the proper formatting, examples, research on the reference material, and more.
The research on the reference material included annotating the first chapter of the book. This helped me pick up on things I would typically miss, such as set descriptions, important details that highlight the details of the characters, and what can and can't be portrayed through images. More resources used can be viewed in the bibliography!
What I learned
From the research, I was able to determine what font and size the text should be, what should be included/what is generally excluded, and more. I also learnt the difference between a film and tv show screenplays.
In screenplays, the font should be courier new, sized twelve. My research also helped me realize things I wouldn't have initially thought to account for. By this, I mean margin sizes. Typically when writing a short story, or essay, the margin sizes remain at its default on all sides (one inch). However, when writing a screenplay, it's important to add an extra point five inches on the left hand side in order for there to be room for hole punches.
I also learnt that camera directions/angles should typically be excluded in order for it to be easier to read and follow along. When writing a screenplay, you have to account for the fact that when in the hands of a director (if not directing yourself), your visions or ideas are very likely to be changed or shot down, so it's recommended to keep camera directions minimal if at all.
However, when not adding angles you also risk not getting your idea across which is why it's important to have a good mix of some sort. In a way, you're trying to portray your screenplays "potential", if you can't excite the reader, it may not even get to the hands of a director.
Photo Credits (Bottom Left): Jakob Owens
Film vs Television Show Screenplay
To begin the research process I made a list of what was needed. This consisted of the proper for
The thing about tv shows, is that there doesn't need to be one end goal or obstacle. For example, sit-coms utilize this by making the characters face new challenges each episode rather than one continuous plot. This is a key difference in shows and films.
What about the actual screenplay?
A tv show screenplay consists of six parts - a teaser, and acts one-to-five. All six parts play their own role and have their own purpose.
The teaser acts as an introduction into the characters and theme. The teasers can be up to 5 pages long at times.
Act one is where you introduce the story at hand. This is your chance to show the viewers what's upcoming in the story. It stands as a sort of setting the stage for what's to come.
Acts two to four act as the "climax" of the episode. Act two is used to begin the conflict introduced earlier. Act three acts to give the viewers a feeling of doubt, worry, or any uncomfortable feeling. It helps the audience stay hooked and want to keep watching. Act four is the characters being to prevail or keep pushing through, eventually overcoming this conflict.
Finally, act five is the closure. It gives the audience a sense of calm and satisfaction. However, some shows choose to end around acts 3-4. This helps keep that interest from the audience.
Overall, a screenplay for a tv show has all the basics of a film screenplay, with added information, which is why I found it important to choose to make a screenplay for a tv show rather than a film.
The research on the reference material included annotating the first chapter of the book. This helped me pick up on things I would typically miss, such as set descriptions, important details that highlight the details of the characters, and what can and can't be portrayed through images. More resources used can be viewed in the bibliography!
Photo Credits: Samuel Regan-Asante
Brainstorming
In terms of brainstorming, there wasn't much to do.
At this point, I had already known what scenes needed to be added in order to give more context, and which could be worked around.
The only thing that was focused on was references. For references, I took a look at some "classic" pilot screenplays. This included Grey's Anatomy and The Office. This helped me receive a general idea of what mine should look like.
Furthermore, because the book contained scenes with sports, I had also taken a look into the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone script. This helped me get an idea of how I can describe scenes where there are multiple things happening.