1. All standard scripts should be written in the courier (or courier new) font, sized 12. This rule is rarely broken, except possible in the case of video game coding.
2. All characters within a script/screenplay need character descriptions so the actor understands how to act the scene and directors will understand their characters and what they should be like. It furthers information about them and develops characteristics/personality.
Usually, a character only needs one character description, which is used when they are first introduced into the script. However, a character may require multiple character descriptions if they change significantly.
3. The script is written by the scriptwriters and used by the director, actors, cinematographers, lighting and set designers to understand what they are working with and what they are required to do.
4. A video game is a very different format to a T.V./radio show or film. It relies on an active player to be involved for the game to work, whilst T.V. show can still be presented and requires no interaction from viewers.
Due to this difference in medium, the scripts are very different and a video game will need a flowchart. Flowcharts are used for video game scripts as the player can choose what action to perform, so multiple scripted scenarios are set up based on their possible action choices.
5. Within a screenplay, a character's section is set out by starting with a stage direction that signifies that they have entered the scene. If the character has not yet already been introduced or established, along with the stage directions will be a character description.
Beneath the stage directions (and possible character description) will be the character's name, centralised, followed by a colon; The character's name is always written in capital letters for a script. This indicates that the text bellow is this character's dialogue.
Amongst this text may be a stage direction within brackets, which informs of how the character moves or sounds when delivering a certain line. If the character exits the scene before the scene is completed then it will note their exit in another stage direction.
6. A video game requires a synopsis as it serves as a narrative. This may seem unconventional for other mediums, such as T.V. and film, as they are presented in a way that the plot develops and the viewers understands more as the plot progresses. Yet, this works for a video game format so they player understands from the start what the story and objective of the game is.
7. Stage direction are used in T.V. and film screenplays to inform where characters are positioned and what actions to perform. They can also inform of specific lighting or camera angle choices.
A video game must also position characters and give them set actions/movements to perform.
A radio script has no visuals, so actors do not need to perform actions. However, how lines should be delivered and placements for certain sound effects are still included with the script.
8. When a sound effect or piece of music is included within a script, it is usually noted amongst the stage directions with the word "SOUND" or the acronym "SFX" (Sound effects), followed by a a colon. It would then state the title or a brief description of the music or sound effect.
The placement depends upon how the sound effect is used. If a scene opens with this sound, it is listed at the left hand side of the script, but if it interrupts the scene/character's dialogue, it will appear at the right hand side.
9. The mode of address refers to a character's dialogue and how it should be delivered by the actor. The mode of address can be within a character description or in brackets ahead of a character's dialogue. The mode of address informs on the whether the speaker talks formally or informally. This is effected by who is saying these lines, who they are speaking to, their relationship and the scenario.
10.The narrative structure within a screenplay is the plot, which can have already been set and revealed through character's dialogue, or be a developing story created by the choice of character's actions which are witnessed by the viewer.
*cross-cutting
Genre
Fiction and Non-fiction
'Fiction' refers to something that is not real. It has been made up.
A film, T.V. show, video game and/or radio show can be created with a fiction plot/story.
Sometimes a fictional piece is required to come with the following disclaimer "All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental." to avoid any legal action from those who may believe that the product is based upon themselves or someone they knew.
'Non-fiction' is based on fact. It is real.
A news T.V. show must be non-fiction as it reports true events.
A reality show should be based on actual spontaneous moments and reactions.
A documentary reports and presents true events.
Sometimes a product can be a mixture of fiction and non-fiction as they can be based on a true event or person but the story has been exaggerated or changed significantly.
Different Target Audiences
Not all products will appeal to the same target audience due to the different ranges you can have within an audience.
For one, people have their own personal preferences and interests in genre, and as their are different genres it become difficult for films to appeal to everyone.
Stan likes horror films. Stan may like The Shining but may not like Mama Mia.
There are different age groups, so films will target themselves at the specific age group.
A specific gender type can be targeted, so the product may then not appeal to the other gender.
Their are different classes, so a specific class group can be targeted which will effect the final film outcome as different classes live different lifestyles. This is explained through the ABC1s.
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