Before beginning todays task, we started the session by looking at how Scripts are created and what makes a good script. We identified that it is essential to have a clear beginning, middle, and end structure, so that the plot follows a clear route. It is also important to use the correct terminology when script writing to reveal more information about the action, characters and dialogue. In order to help us understand how to read and act out a script, we started the session by doing some in-class Improvisation with various scripts. This allowed us to read through some scripts and understand different ways in how they can be interpreted.
For this task, we were given a setting, a head masters office, and two characters, Leo and Mr Briggs, and asked to create an intriguing scenario in the form of a script. We needed to include both lines of dialogue and action in our writing, as well as the key elements of script writing. I have included a copy of my short script below.
“Leos Day”
By
KADEN WHITE
INT. Headmasters office – day
Leo (16), troublesome, destructive, and careless, is being summoned to Mr. BRIGGS, (56) the head teacher, who is short-tempered, structured, and precise.
A large tidy office room, with books placed precisely on the shelf. Mr. BRIGGS is sat at a dark brown desk, straight backed, with his hands clasped in front of him, resting on the desk. There is a big shatter of broken glass removed from the window behind his head.
Suddenly, the door opposite his desk swings open as Leo enters with a confident walk.
Mr. BRIGGS glares at him with deadly eyes.
Suddenly, the door opposite his desk swings open as Leo (16) enters with a confident walk.
Mr. BRIGGS glares at him with deadly eyes.
MR. BRIGGS
Sit down.
Leo stands behind the chair on the other side of the desk and begins to snigger.
MR. BRIGGS
Now.
Mr. Briggs slams his fist onto the desk. There is a moment of silence. His small cactus plant falls on its side due to the force of his hand hitting the table. He takes a breath and stands it back up.
Leo slowly picks up the chair and pretends that he is about to throw it at Mr. Briggs. Mr. Briggs does not flinch as if to imply that they have been in this situation before. Leo slowly backs the chair away, continuing to snigger and smirk, and he places the chair facing the door. He sits down on the chair backwards.
MR. BRIGGS
I don’t know what to say to you.
LEO
Ok, I’ll be off then!
Leo begins to get up out of his chair and walks towards the door.
Almost immediately, Mr. Briggs stands up from his chair and shouts angrily.
MR. BRIGGS
SIT. DOWN.
Leo’s hand touches the door handle as he shouts. There is a moment of pause as Leo contemplates his options. He turns around and returns to his seat, glum faced.
MR. BRIGGS
You promised you would get back on track. After everything we’ve spoken about. Why would you do something like this?
Mr. Briggs and Leo sit back down.
LEO
Like what? I haven’t done anything. I don’t know what you’re talking about.
MR. BRIGGS
You know exactly what I’m talking about.
He slides his chair to the left, revealing the giant crack in the window. Leos facial expression does not change.
LEO
I didn’t do that.
MR. BRIGGS
Don’t lie to me, Leo. I know it was you and –
LEO
Prove it.
Mr. BRIGGS looks startled at the fact that Leo has asked him to prove it.
MR. BRIGGS
Excuse me?
LEO
Prove that I smashed the window.
MR. BRIGGS
I don’t have to prove anything to you. We both know that you smashed the window. You have really gone too far this time.
LEO
I swear, it wasn’t me.
MR. BRIGGS
I’ve heard all your excuses before, and I’ve had enough. I have tried to help you but I there is nothing more I can do!
LEO
I am telling you – it wasn’t me! Surely there is some CCTV or something to prove that I didn’t do it.
MR. BRIGGS
Going by your previous record of incidents like these, I have all the proof I need. And as I said, this time, you have gone too far.
Leo begins to become agitated that Mr. Briggs is not listening to him.
LEO
But I’m telling you-
MR. BRIGGS
I have listened to what you’re telling me, and I don’t want to hear any more of it. I am sorry, Leo, but due to the amount of damage you have caused, I must permanently exclude you from our school.
LEO
No!
MR. BRIGGS
Yes. And on top of this, you and your parents will also be required to pay a fine of £150 pounds to pay for the damage repairs.
LEO
You can’t do this.
MR. BRIGGS
I already have. Please go and collect your things and leave the school site. Your parents will be notified.
LEO
But…
MR. BRIGGS
Goodbye, Leo.
Leo stands up, with his shoulders slumped and leaves the room. A CU of Mr. Briggs opening a drawer in his desk and taking out a large rock. He does an evil smile as though to imply that it was in fact him who smashed the window.
The End.
Overall, I found this script writing task useful in learning the basics of how to successfully write a script. In the future, I will continue to ensure that my script is formatted, making it easier to read.
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