Advice on Writing Scripts

[BubblyMac]

Attempting something I've never done before....write a script D:

I was wondering if anyone had any advice for me. I know what I want to write, the mood I'm trying to convey, even the camera changes that would be incorporated. I just haven't the slightest clue of how to put it all together into a script. Help :O

This is a Skyrim piece, by the way :P

[MSWorrywart]

Script for animation, I'm assuming?

The best advice, since you will be collaborating (likely, unless u animate yourself) is to provide a juicy plot with nothing excessive: un-immersive digressions, unspoken wordplay, and dictator-like control of an animator's ability to interact and manipulate the story are all great ways to scare off collab partners. Give them room to breathe and create within the space of your story.

If this is for a game, the advice is really similar, except that you should also be aware of the player as an interactive force, and not make the game too linear.

Be funky and new and different.

That's all I can think of. ;) Good luck!

[BubblyMac]

I was actually thinking more along the lines of a movie scene, but it could work for animation. The problem is that I have an EXACT idea of what I want, right down to the music. I don't really know if there's a way to write it and still give the animator/director the freedom they want.

[MSWorrywart]

At 3 hours ago, BubblyMac wrote: I don't really know if there's a way to write it and still give the animator/director the freedom they want.

You may have trouble explaining this to an artist whose expertise lies in music, film-making, art, or animation. It would be like one of them telling you how to write.

One option is to choose artists whose tastes fit into your vision. Look around for collaborators who might think like you, or who might abide by your whip, if not follow your vision.

In my opinion though, your outlook makes me sad. :( This mode of thinking plagues the world of bad art, and pop art. Socrates believed he knew nothing (except some very specific astrology, I forget which strand), yet still he taught. I refer you to him, since my faculties are too insufficient to provide you an answer that wont torture my soul.

[Ravariel]

My advice would be to write what you THINK you want it to be, then talk to an animator/film dude to see if it's possible/not prohibitively difficult/costly, and then take their advice. Be open minded and realize that you may need to alter your vision in order for the technical aspects of the film to be done.

I'm a composer, and let me tell you it is very tempting to write stuff for a large and eclectic ensemble, or an orchestra piece that requires 4 percussionists, some saxophones, 2 pianos and a harp. Unfortunately in the real world, a piece like that won't get played because ensembles like that don't exist and orchestras aren't going to shell out the dough for extra performers to play the work of someone whose name isn't Beethoven.

And a few technical notes: One page of script should be approximately one minute of film. Take a peek at a few scripts online (I know there's a (alleged) Romero Resident Evil script floating around that would probably give you some good pointers. First thing's first, though: just write it down. You can tweak the format/details later.

[BubblyMac]

At 39 minutes ago, MSWorrywart wrote: In my opinion though, your outlook makes me sad. :( This mode of thinking plagues the world of bad art, and pop art. Socrates believed he knew nothing (except some very specific astrology, I forget which strand), yet still he taught. I refer you to him, since my faculties are too insufficient to provide you an answer that wont torture my soul.

Ahhh. Sorry D: But yeah I'm familiar with Socrates - nice guy :P

Well guys, thanks for the information and the references. Like I said, I've never attempted a script before so I'm not entirely familiar with the workings of one and the process you go through. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction (: