The script and Scriptwriting Howto Howto SCRIPT ELEMENTS

The script and Scriptwriting How-to

How-to • SCRIPT ELEMENTS 1) Transitions 2) Location 3) Description 4) Dialogue 5) Stage Directions

Element #1 - Transitions • tell, visually, how the film will look between scenes or sequences or even shots. • are in ALL CAPS What is inherent in Transitions? If the screenwriter simply writes: We see the ceiling fan and MATCH DISSOLVE TO a lawn fan in the yard of a house on the water. The fan is near a pool… What are the steps the production company needs to take to get those two shots?

Element #1 - Transitions • 2 Basic types: IN transitions and OUT transitions • IN transitions – – when typing, they are justified left (zero tabs) IN transitions tell us visually how a shot will begin. they are usually at the beginning of a scene or even the movie they usually come “from black” (or whatever color) • EXAMPLES: FADE IN. CUT IN. FADE IN TO: • This is where they should be on the page—justified left.

Element #1 - Transitions • 2 Basic types: IN transitions and OUT transitions • OUT transitions – when typing, they are justified right – OUT transitions tell us visually how a shot will either end, or mix (transition) to another shot – they are usually at the end of a scene or the end of the movie • EXAMPLES: • CUT TO: DISSOLVE TO: FADE IN BLACK. FADE OUT. FADE TO WHITE. This is where they should be on the page—justified RIGHT.

Element #1 - Transitions • STYLIZED TRANSITIONS – can be either IN or OUT transitions MATCH DISSOLVE TO: a dissolve between two of the same or similar shots SMASH CUT TO: a cut accompanied by a flash frame or a loud sound effect HARD CUT TO: a cut between two very thematically different shots to promote an idea or concept This is where they should be on the page—justified RIGHT.

Element #1 - Transitions • WIPES HORIZONTAL WIPE TO: CIRCLE WIPE TO: This is where they should be on the page—justified RIGHT.