Unit 22: D1 - Script Evaluation

Meeting the brief

The Brief:

My screenplay meets the brief as it is a complete script for a short film that runs for 9 minutes. I know it runs for 9 minutes because I wrote my screenplay in standard formatting (meaning one page per minute of film) and total length of the script is 9 pages.

I also have tried to make my film appropriate to my target audience of teenage people. Based on my audience survey results conducted before scriptwriting, I knew my film should be Drama based, have a relatively complex storyline and that it should follow the main character closely (we find things out as they find out). There was a close balance between having a cliff hanger and not, I decided to resolve my story as I believe this would make more sense for this specific storyline. By implementing these into my script I believe that my film (if made) would appeal to the target audience of teenagers. This is because the things above are things that this target market actually voted for when ask, these are the things they want to see in order for them to like, engage and actually want to watch and recommend my film.

The genre of my short film is ‘Crime-Drama’. This is a very well recognised genre within the industry (and also matches what people in my survey voted for) with famous films such as ‘Sherlock Holmes’ following this genre. My film is a crime drama because it follows the story of an illegal loan shark and how one of his victims decide to take revenge in a surprising way.

My film also has a complex storyline with a twist at the end which is totally unexpected, coming a surprise to the audience and to the characters in the film.

When being developed further into an actual short film my script will go through a few further stages.

After the screenplay has been created a storyboard would be produced. This is a visual ‘slideshow’ of the screenplay. It will include snapshots from each scene and key moments in the film. The storyboard will then be used by set designers, costume designers and other production crew to make the film look like it was imagined by the screenwriter.

Then the Director and Director of Photography take the screenplay and convert it into a shooting script. The storyline is adjusted to make it practical for filming and then specific instructions on how the film should be shot are included. Such as ‘close up’ and ‘overexposed’. The film is also divided into dates of shooting so every member of the crew (including location designers, actors and camera crew) what is happening and when.


My Strengths

I believe one of my main strengths during the writing process of my script was the way I laid it out in a proper professional layout. I researched using a website called http://www.screenwriting.info all the different formatting techniques used for different parts of screenplays. I then implemented this into my own script to make it professional. I used the correct formatting for dialogue, action and scene headings. I also researched how to use montage and SFX in my script. All of these combined make my script very easy to read and understand by other screenwriters and people in the industry. This helped me when receiving feedback about other aspects of the storyline.

Another thing I also thought I did quite well in was the Dialogue. I received feedback from other members of the class and teacher. They told me it was very 'convincing' and 'realistic'. This was good because this means that when the actors are performing it it will feel natural therefor when the film is complete it won't feel like the script is being 'acted' or 'scripted'. It will feel realistic - as if it is actually happening.


My Weaknesses

Something that I initially struggled was how to describe how things happened correctly in the action sections. I wanted to describe different camera shots and what we as the viewers were seeing. After discussing with my teacher I realised that this was not something that would be included in the initial script but something that would be added later if a shooting script were developed.

From my survey research I knew that a twist at the end of my screenplay would be the best thing to keep the story exciting and the audience engaged, this was also something that was recommended by my class mates who read one of my first drafts. After this feedback I was really unsure how to progress with this so I discussed with my teacher on how best to re-write the end of my screenplay. He gave me some suggestions and how my secondary character could 'fight back' against my main character. I then managed to develop and re-write this into something that I am now quite happy with.


Opportunities

This first attempt at script writing has given me an insight into how things are done in the real world. When I continue to make more films in the future this will really help me on getting started as I will know the basics, helping me save time researching 'how to' do things and spend more time on actually writing a story. I have also collected valuable experience on what makes a good story and what the audience is looking for in a story, hopefully helping me to write better, more exciting stories in the future.

In terms of the film itself I think there is plenty of room for development. There could be a prequel to the film that follows the storyline of the doctor and how he got involved with the crime in the first place and his journey to the point where he is now. This could follow his experience at university and how the gang approached him when he was vulnerable (showing how he came from a tough background like the person he has targeted) - this would work well as it would give some back story to this film.

It is possible that my film could be made as a TV series also, there are lots of storylines that could be followed and developed (with the script I have written as a finale episode etc. The earlier parts of the series could be used to follow both of the characters leading up to the point they are at. We could see the doctor at university (like described above) and then Alexander Woodstock struggling in his life with no money (and how daily life caring for his family is a real challenge). This would really improve the final episode (what would be my film) as it would make the viewers have keeping feelings for the characters as they know more about them/have built a connection with them.

Threats

When developing this screenplay into an actual film I do have some concerns that could effect me how my work turns out. This is my first time producing a film on this scale (I am just used to 'point and shoot' kind of work) so think it will be difficult managing multiple different people and operating all the different equipment I require.

My film also includes a scene in a car. I will have to make sure everything is done legally and safely in this circumstance as filming whilst the car is moving could become dangerous if not done properly.

I also am also unaware on the level of quality of films that other people will be submitting to the film festival. These people may be professional or semi-professional filmmakers meaning there films will be of a very high quality. The best I can do in this situation is simply product a film that is to the best of my ability and make sure i don't submit it until I feel like I cannot do anymore. Then I know that I have done my best and have at least a good chance of succeeding in the festival!

Conclusion

To conclude I am very pleased with the work I have submitted so far. I think it is of a high quality after I have made all the improvements recommended by my class mates and teacher. I have learnt a lot of things that I can take forward into the rest of the project and into future projects as well. I am now ready to move onto to creating the film itself. I understand there will be some challenges but ultimately am looking forward to getting started.