Our Script #1

So my group and I have had many, many ideas on how we want to approach the making of this title sequence. As of right now, we do not have an exact script written in stone. However I did do some research as to what a typical movies script looks like, and what it entails. This is what I have learned:

1) A SCRIPT IS NOT JUST DIALOGUE

The script of a movie is more than just the dialogue for the actors. It also explains the actions they are supposed to physically perform, the emotions they are supposed to express, and even describes the mise-en-scene and cinematography that are to be used. It is an outline of the entire film, and should be written  in such a format that anyone can understand it. Alas, it should be made easy to visualize when reading it. 

2) A SCRIPT HAS A SPECIFIC FORMAT TO BE WRITTEN IN 

You will not find a script being written in Comic Sands font, and you certainly will not find a script being formatted the same as one might a book. A correct script will be typed up in Courier font, and is written in a vertical format instead of a continuous line from left to right like one may see in a story book. Why is it written in Courier font? This is because of timing issues. One formatted script page in Courier font equals roughly one minute of screen time. For example, a comedy that has 90 pages of script will run approximately 1 1/2 hours during exhibition. The entire document should be single-spaced, and the very first item on the first page should be the words FADE IN to show the introduction of the first transition. Along with that, the first page is never numbered. 

Here is an example of what a script should look like, with directions displayed as well to explain what each step means: 

I noticed how the characters names are always capitalized and placed above their line of dialogue when their line is up next. I also noticed when the character first appears in the scene, the characters name should be capitalized and a description of the character should be given. After that, the characters name doesn't need to be capitalized in the scene again. 

For my group and I, we do not have an exact script written yet, but as of right now I would assume the very beginning would look something like this: 

FADE IN:

INT. ROBERTS KITCHEN - EVENING

A large, messy kitchen in the suburbs of Florida. The counters are cluttered with dirty, used plates and kitchen wear. The kitchen is unkept with trash scattered on the floor. A dim evening light seeps into the kitchen through the dusty windows. 

CLOSE-UP of dirty kitchen sink as ROBERTS hands enter framing. He turns on the sink and scrubs viciously to wash seemingly clean hands.

Again, this is my own idea and interpretation of how the very beginning of the script will look. It is subject to change, and will definitely expand. Once my group and I decide on a final script, I will be sure to write about it on my blog to update everyone. 

Sources: 

http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/American_Psycho_Harron_Turner.html

http://www.movieoutline.com/articles/a-glossary-of-screenwriting-terms-and-filmmaking-definitions.html

https://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/