Screenwriting Terminology

Although movies are considered to be of a more visual nature, it is initially a literary blueprint with words on paper. Although it may be considered quite effortless to come up with a story line for a movie, in actuality screenwriting is one that poses a great challenge to such a writer. The writer must use the appropriate screenwriting terminology in a manner that best suits the story in creating characters that should ideally engage the audience and provide structure.

The first few pages on a screenplay are the most important, not only for the audience but also for those involved in the production of the film. Also, as script readers are generally quite impatient, if the script were to be unable to connect with them they will move on to the next scrip without any further consideration. Screenwriting terminology, provided it is done in a proper manner, has the ability to enhance the story and project its potential effect that is to the script readers, in terms of how the movie would be seen if it were to go into production.

Screenwriting terminology used today also greatly aid the directors and actors in the scenes involved in the making of a movie. The screenwriting terminology used by the writer would show all parties involved the vision the writer had in making the movie of the written script. Directors particularly tend to adhere to the screenwriting terminology in the script as they do not wish to take away from the visualization of the story and thereby the movie, that the writer conjured. By understanding the screenwriting terminology as well as the writer’s vision, the Director would be able to produce the movie with more ease as he now has a sense of direction himself.

It is also important that the writer, and potentially director and actor, understand to the fullest extent the exact meanings of the screenwriting terminology included in the script. A misunderstanding of the words could lead to a production not in par with the original idea, and thereby lose its value. It is hard to mention each and every term involved in screenwriting terminology. However there are many glossaries dedicated to providing an understanding of the commonly used terms in the script writing process which should greatly aid any party having to deal with the terms used. In using screenwriting terminology the writer has to ensure that they do so with the utmost care and consideration for the story they wish to develop, in order for his vision to be a success.