screenplay, a science chapter 2

Before going into screenplay writing, I just want to throw some light on what writing by it self and how screenplay writing is different from other forms of writing.

Why do we write ? the fundamental reason is to express oneself.

It can be in any form from a essay of 200 words to a novel of 2000 pages.

The reason might be all same but the purpose of writing might differ. Like, some one writes a novel, the purpose is to read it, similarly some one might a poem so on.
When some one writes a novel or poem, a third person reads it, there is a lot of room to imagine things. The challenge might be, how close is the writer thought and the readers understanding, or some times the writer might want the reader to take things in his own way. In this case when a writer writes some thing as a novel or a poem and a reader reads, the purpose is complete.

But in case of screenplay it's not so, It's the first step in the production, or the first step towards the purpose. Then every one involved understands it and produce a film. So here in case of screenplay the gap between the writers thought and the readers understanding should be as minimal as possible, that's the biggest challenge.

screenplay, a science chapter 1

what is a screenplay ?

There is a lot of confusion among the new film makers and the so called established film makers on what a screenplay is.

It is nothing but a paper work for the film which you want to make.

Will it have all details about the scene ?
will it contain even the camera angels ?
will it have this ? and will it contain that ?

Answer is, a screenplay is the paper work which contains the details and content which can be read and under stood by any one.
Its a film made on paper work.

Example case study 1:

A screen writer writes a screenplay, the production starts and money is invested, exactly on the third day of the shoot the screen writer dies in a car accident.
What happens to the project if he has the screenplay in a format which, only he understands, or in a language only which he knows, the production unit should know what he has written in order to produce the film. In this case the production will stop if the screenplay is in a form which no one other than him understands.

Screenplay is not some sort of a secret code.

So how can every one understand a screenplay, we all from different background and different departments ?

a shoes flower is called kuchi bu in africa,senbaruthi in Tamil Nadu (India), bacjuka in antartica and it has many other names in many other places but its botanical name is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (its a scientific name which is common all over the world, so that every one can understand).

Similarly over the years people all over the world developed different formats to write a screenplay, but there is a standard format which prescribed all over the world which is followed as the standard format for screenplay.

Next chapter will be on what the format is

screenwriting , what and how

Introduction
If you are new to screenwriting, planning to write a screenplay or script of any kind, the good news is that writing in screenplay format is easier and more intuitive today than at any time since first Lanier Word Processing Machine. Advances in screenwriting software now save the hours you would previously have spent learning how to write a screenplay in professional Hollywood format can now be allocated to polishing your plot, honing your dialogue, or learning screenplay structure. Some think screenplay writing is eclipsing the pursuit of the Great American Novel but it certainly isn't any easier. At any rate the making of movies is a collaborative process which demands that those in screenwriting produce a document in particular format, notation, and length called a 'script.'
This overview will begin acquaint you with the screenplay format writing rules and screenwriting etiquette you'll need to know about, and as you browse the following material you may notice the words 'don't', 'avoid' and '...' unless you are directing the movie.' Take that advice to heart. As you become more familiar with the world of screenwriting you'll understand why but for now the scope of this document prohibits a deeper explanation.
Learning how to write a screenplay involves many facets but I hope this basic information will give you a head start on your endeavors, including practical information to help you get your scripts read. And hopefully turned into movies.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Is a Script? What Makes Good Story?
Script Styles, Submission Scripts, and Shooting Scripts
Spec Screenplay Page Properties and Script Length
Script Elements and Scene Heading
Action
Character Name
Dialogue
Parenthetical
Extension
Transition
Shots
Page Breaking, Finer Points, Dual Dialogue, and Adlibs
Abbreviations and Montages
A Series of Shots and Short Lines/Poetry/Lyrics
Intercuts
Titles or Opening Credits, and Superimpose or Title
Title Page
Production Drafts, Top Continued and Bottom Continued
Locking Your Script Pages and Locking Your Scenes
Header, Do's and Don'ts
Other Script Formats
Title Page of TV Movies
Books I'm Reading
The Right to Write: An Invitation and Initiation Into the Writing Life by Julia Cameron
Good in a Room: How to Sell Yourself (and Your Ideas) and Win Over Any Audience by Stephanie Palmer
Bulletproof Book Proposals by Pam Brodowsky, Eric Neuhaus
Software I'm Using
Final Draft 7.1.3 Version Upgrade + Extra Final Draft by Final Draft, Inc.
StyleWriter - The Plain English Editor by The Plain English Company
Final Draft AV 2.5.2 Academic & Military (Download) by Final Draft, Inc


from: http://www.screenwriting.info/