TV Script Project: Day 3

How to Make a TV Show (introductory trailer)

TV Groups:

Crazed Carnival: GROUP: Valerie (head writer), Liz, Farhan, Tali, Jonaya, Melinda

Domino Effect: GROUP: Lesana (head writer), Keniah, A'layza, Aalaysia, Bisharo, Zachariah

The Big Crunch: GROUP: Degraj (head writer), Tia, Emma, Madison, Makenna, Wesley

Today check in with your group. Use Google docs and make sure you share your notes so that all members of your group have access to a character list, set list, and episode guide.

TODAY in CLASS/LAB:

• Each writer should choose 1 of the episodes from the season to write. The head writer must write the pilot (or episode #1). Pilot episodes are the first episode of a series. They help to establish the tone, characters, setting, genre, etc. of the series.
• Use index cards (3) to detail your episode script's 3-act structure (see details below...!)
• Share your index cards with your group. Discuss how you can improve your story! (Get feedback from your peers!) Is it going to make sense, for example, in the season's sequence? Remember not to kill off a character without permission from your head writer, or the group who might be planning on using that character later in the season!
• With the help of your group, brainstorm a list of at least 6 subplots for your minor or secondary characters in your series. In the Simpsons, for example, subplots involving secondary characters like Apu, Seymour Skinner, Moe, Barney, Grandpa, Nelson, or Ralph sometimes come up. These subplots help to define and characterize characters from episode to episode. You need ONE subplot to go along with your MAIN plot. Help each other come up with appropriate subplots!
• After meeting, go back to your computer and begin writing using your notecards and what you discussed with your writer group. 
• Use the handout I gave you regarding tv scripts to take the episode you chose to write, and begin writing it. IMPORTANT: before you begin writing, please READ the handout! TV scripts are formatted in a very specific way! Your script will be evaluated on whether or not you follow this format!
• If this still doesn't make sense to you, check out: How to Format a Screenplay - 5 Basic Elements and watch it, then do that.

3-act structure (one index card per act, for example). Structure in a tv show looks like this:

Beginning: (ACT 1) (card #1)
Prologue or teaser* (a short scene that introduces the inciting incident)

1. The main titles & intro
2. Status quo & the introduction of the first problem (exposition/rising action)
3. Introduction of the subplot

Act 1 will end with a complication or crisis for one of your protagonists
Introduce a deadline into your narrative--this is called the "time lock" in script writing

Middle: (ACT II) (card #2)
Development of the plot (rising action/crisis)

1. Development of the subplot (rising action/crisis)--a subplot usually comments on the main plot in a different way. It also can be used to highlight a minor character or theme
2. A turning point (crisis) where the story takes an unexpected turn

Act II usually ends with a dark moment for the protagonist--all looks bleak! (How will the characters solve the crime, solve their problem, react to further complications?, etc.)

End: (ACT III) (card #3)
Resolution of the subplot

1. An enlightenment moment for the protagonist--who now knows what they need to do (in a mystery, for example, the detective figures out who the killer is and must confront the criminal, etc.)
2. Climax (protagonist and antagonist meet)
3. Resolution - return to status quo

On your index cards, write the main actions for your plot (what you wrote on your story pitch) for ACT 1 (1 card), ACT II (your second card) and ACT III (your third card). Remember to be specific about the location or setting in which your action takes place! Also, make sure you are specific as to which characters are involved directly with the action. Use your group's cast and set list for help.

Again: Notes about subplots:

1. Focus on a character who is NOT the major character/protagonist of the main story line--while you can use a major character in the subplot, the subplot is a subplot because it does NOT focus on the main characters of the series or episode. 
2. Subplots should not be as complex or complicated as the main action!
3. Subplots should have a clear beginning, middle and end (inciting incident, complication, rising action, climax, resolution--see cards and your outline above!)

One subplot is required in your script draft! (again, see plot structure above)

WRITING THE TV SCRIPT:

• How to Write a Television Script
• How to Write a TV Show Pilot Script that Sells 
• Writing Advice from Trey Parker & Matt Stone (South Park) for NYU film students...

Use the this happens, then this happens, but...therefore, etc. technique Parker & Stone describe in the video lecture clip.

Once you have your story index cards and have read how to format a tv script, begin writing your 10-20 page television script. Use the character lists, the set lists, the index cards with your plot outline and subplot idea to guide your story.

Television scripts are comprised of:
1. A slugline (all in CAPS) indicating EXT (exterior) or INT (interior): LOCATION, and time of day.
2. Description (left justified) written in paragraphs that are NOT indented. Skip a line between paragraphs for easy reading. A general rule is to limit your scene action to four or five descriptive and specific lines PER action.
3. Dialogue has the character's name all in CAPS, indented to about 2.5" (5 tabs over); A character's dialogue appears under the character name. It is NEVER centered! Instead, tab over 3 tabs. ACTOR NOTES (if used) should be in parenthesis and 4 tabs over. Keep your dialogue specific. Do not waste your plot time with incidental or unnecessary dialogue!
4. Transitions. Transition notes are RIGHT justified. FADE OUT, CUT TO (are the most typical transitions); DISSOLVE TO, or INTERCUT are used less frequently.

FAQ:

If you plan a 10 page script for example, your first act should be about 3 pages, your second act should be about 4 pages, and your third act should be about 3 pages. -- This isn't a lot of space, please note. Your subplot should comprise no more than 1 page per act (1 of 3 pages in the first act; 1 of four pages in your second act; 1 of 3 pages in your third act, etc.)

In a 15 page script, you might have each act about 5 pages long. Of those 1 or 1.5 pages should be dealing with your subplot.

You may, if you need to, have a longer script. But 12-18 pages is a good target. 18=6 pages per act.

Get talking/meeting, then writing! This project is not due yet!

At the end of class (about 1:30) meet again with your group to discuss how things are going. Where are you in your writing process, what questions do you have, what problems are you facing? Etc. Help your group solve problems or find answers/solutions. Offer suggestions or help to collaborate with a weaker writer to assist them if you are progressing nicely.

HOMEWORK: None.