Writing the Teleplay

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Chapter 18

• Writing the Teleplay

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• Anybody can direct. There are only 11 good
  writers. Mel Brooks

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Characteristics of Television Programs

• Visual audience need not rely on imagination
  (unlike radio or print)
• Scale TV is limited by the small screen
  (contrast with film wide screen). Effect?
• Pace What is pace? Examples of shows with
  slow pace? Fast pace? How do commercials affect
  the pace?
• Co-expression Audience draws the story from a
  combination of images and words equally
  important.

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Elements of Playwriting

• Exposition sets up the story. Situation,
  background of characters, explanation of the
  circumstances. In a TV series, little exposition
  is needed. Why?
• Plot (see chart) What is it? Conflict leads to
  complications stemming from interaction of
  individual or group with some other force
  (rising action). (Seinfeld example).

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Elements of Playwriting (cont.)

• Where do commercials go?
• Climax (?)
• The point where one force wins over another. The
  ultimate outcome.
• Resolution final clarification, if needed.
• Character (?)
• Prime factor in determining action. Interaction
  of character and plot is continuous.

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Elements of Playwriting (cont.)

• (Character, cont.) Character is revealed by
  what a character says or does in reacting to
  conflict and complications (?)
• Characters must remain consistent, but they may
  change. Examples?
• Dialogue (?)
• Lines spoken by the characters. Must be
  consistent with the character, reveal the
  character, advance the plot.
• Visual action can substitute for dialog (?)

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• Script Format
• Title page (example, 1/3 down, centered)
• SERIES TITLE
• Title of Episode
• written by
• Writers Name
• Contact info
• (block, lower right)

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• (Script Format, cont.)
• Page numbers upper right, start on first page
  of dialogue
• Scene headings new each time scene changes.
• (INT. OFFICE)
• (EXT. SCOTT HOUSE)
• Exposition (scene descriptions)
• -- Flush left, describes characters and action

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• (Script Format, cont.)
• Exposition (Scene descriptions, cont.) Indicate
  every time character enters or exits (MARK
  ENTERS)
• (SUSAN RUNS OUT)
• Dialogue centered, in blocks.
• Characters name is ALL CAPS, centered.
• Dialogue is in upper and lower case.

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• Script Format (cont.)
• At end of page when dialog block goes from one
  page to the next, type CONTINUED, lower right.
  Type CONTD, top of next page.
• Transition Cues
• Each act should normally begin with FADE IN, end
  with FADE OUT.
• Indicate DISSOLVE, etc. as required between
  scenes.