BLOGGGGG! The script draft for the cast is here! Isabel and I finished writing the dialogue for the opening while on our field trip, as we are both currently in Tampa! Here is the process of writing our script draft:
Class Notes
Before we got to attempting to create the layout of the script, we learned about some of the structural elements and how to organize the information, such as character actions and the location of the scene at hand.
Additional Research
In addition to the class notes, I wanted a quick guide on the most important aspects of a screenplay, so I searched online and found this really helpful website. You can find that website right overrrr here. The website allows anyone who wants to write a script (professional or inexperienced) to do so, providing descriptions on aspects like parentheticals and how CHARACTER NAMES should be first displayed, along with a visual reference of "The 6 Elements You Have to Get Right":
I did have previous experience writing a screenplay as I have demonstrated before (in 8th grade writing the original plot for our current film) so I was familiar with the formatting and what needed to be included, however, Isabel and I also wanted to a reference real used script that is slightly similar to our own opening. We decided to choose the Black Widow opening sequence that we were inspired by which I've discussed quite a bit, and found this script: here. We used this one just because Isabel is familiar with the story (I've never watched it), but also looked at the Titanic script (I'm not sure why I chose that one but I did, here it is). Seeing the introductory descriptions and the script as a whole helped me get an idea of the whole structure which I very much need to.
Writing the Thing.
Now we got to writing it! We currently have our draft for the cast so that they can start to read their lines, even though there is a limited amount of dialogue. Our opening prioritizes not overexposing/ giving away the rules of their world, but instead alluding to/ emphasizing the societal tensions and stereotypical aspects of a dystopia such as surveillance and order so that the audience gets comfortable, but not too comfortable. We still need to put our script into Celtx.com and make a translated one (the younger versions of each character were taught English as well as a foreign language as a part of a psychological experiment). But for now, here is the script we will probably use for the cast!
Script
INT. TESTING FACILITY - DAY
BETH, the head of TESTS (The Experimental and Social Testing Society), sets up a camera to film the monthly updated file report on TESTS victims , grunting and mumbling at her attempt to succeed at the set up.
BETH
(Slightly frustrated, still composed)
State your age.
FIDELIA
I’m eight
BETH
Just your age.
FIDELIA
Eight
CUT TO:
INT. DORANS BED ROOM - DAY
Beth’s son DORAN (17) is in his darkly lit and enclosed bedroom. He is attentively watching his laptop, as he was sent a confidential/secret file from an anonymous source which we later find out to be his siblings: FIDELIA (14), MIRIAM (17), SAGE (15), and SALVIA (15). A CLOSEUP of a his hands on the keyboard are shown.
CUT BACK TO:
BETH
Who are you.
FIDELIA
Fide-
BETH
The number.
FIDELIA
Oh, five
CUT TO:
Doran puts his hands on his face while he's attentively watching the screen.
CUT BACK TO:
BETH
State your age.
SALVIA
I’m nine
Doran skips ahead to another part of the file video.
BETH
Who are you.
SAGE
Number three
SALVIA
Number four
CUT TO:
Now, even more concerned.
DORAN
(Confused and lost)
What the-
CUT BACK TO:
BETH
State your age.
MIRIAM
Eleven
BETH
Who are you.
MIRIAM
Miriam.
BETH
No. Your number.
MIRIAM
I am Miriam.
BETH
(Frustrated sigh)
A guard of TESTS comes to get Miriam, pushing her out of the frame as the camera begins to wobble.
MIRIAM
(defensive, strong)
No! Stop!
A closeup of Doran's eyes perplexed and in shock almost covers the frame.
BETH
What do we do when children get out of place.
FIDELIA, SAGE, SALVIA
Punish them
Doran, in shock and filled with questions, looks up at the camera of the computer and shuts it.
CUT TO BLACK
The title of the film THE LOST FILE appears center screen, with a black background. The follow-up with a frame of the words Five Months Earlier will appear.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE - DAY
Sequential introductory shots of Doran’s workplace, being a center for incoming file reports, will appear with different angles. Doran’s sisters FIDELIA and MIRIAM are working there as well.
Doran opens his computer and begins to type, while occasionally looking around the room. Fidelia goes over to Miriam’s working station and murmurs a joke.
MIRIAM
(Whispering)
Fidelia go back.
FIDELIA
(annoyed)
Okay, but you don’t have to punish me for it.
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