Script to Screen Evaluation

 

SCRIPT TO SCREEN EVALUATION:

From never writing a script before, the idea of writing a ten-page screenplay deemed to be quite the daunting. This was because it was something new that I had to learn from a blank canvas of information about the techniques included when writing. When coming up with an idea to write about, I went with the advice of ‘write what you know.’ This led me to the idea of a support group for parents who are reaching out for support to come to terms with their child’s recent diagnosed illness. When writing this script, my strategy was to just to blurt the script onto the screen then adjust it afterwards. I found this to be the best way for myself to write due to it almost reciting memories but just putting a spin on it to make it more of a story. From getting taught about screenplays, I made sure to include some form of conflict within the story arc which ultimately made writing easier as I had a focus on what I needed to include. After the first draft was completed, we had a one-to-one with screenwriter, Jane Marlow, to discuss how the first draft went and what more needs to be improved. From this call, I jotted down things that I can take on board such as relaxing the Steve character a bit to not make him as aggressive, show the son’s character and relationship with Louise more and lastly, show and not tell when Louise is talking to herself. The first draft that I wrote I was proud of it mainly due to it being the first script that I have ever written, but also, I felt like I got a good story that finishes nicely, making it feel complete. At this point I felt like I was in a good position to receive constructive criticism and not let it be overwhelming. After modifying the second draft of my screenplay, I felt as though the story felt more structured in a way that it didn’t go from one intensity to another without a gradual build up. This mainly relates to the Steve character as his character very suddenly went quite passive aggressive, so I changed this into him acting more sarcastic, which I think worked better. Overall, from looking back on my first scriptwriting experience I think it went successful as especially getting advice from a professional screenwriter, allowed me to critically think about how I can modify bits of my script to make it more impactful. I now feel as though when asked to write a script again, I won’t freak out as much and will approach it with more ease, although of course I will still need practice. And moreover, these skills learnt from script writing will aid me further down in the course when we go onto individual productions.

Regarding our main production of this unit, we got put into two groups and each group had a script that they were going to interpret. The script we did had the original writer in another group, so this made sure there was no bias and it was purely based on how the group perceived the script. In my group were myself, Callum, Lewis, Hollie and Lovelle. To pick a location was simple as we all gathered and started brainstorming possible locations that could be made to look eery and were also easy to commute too. Therefore, we ended up choosing Rochester and we used google street view to plan where possible shots could be taken to provide a further insight and I also did a storyboard of potential shot types. We dished out roles and where there were people wanting the same role, we spun a wheel so they both had equal, fair chances for that role. My main role was director. Throughout being director of this production, I found it being a rewarding role as I felt involved within filming as taking people’s ideas and trying to collaborate with them at times were challenging but when everyone agreed on a certain thing, there was a level of satisfaction. I think being director gives you a different perspective of the intricacy that goes into film making as people rely on you much more, so you must be one step ahead. Furthermore, this gave me a wider appreciation for the role of being director. Moreover, I also acted within the production due to the script involving only women and I felt comfortable enough to do so. My role in acting wasn’t a lot as I was the main character’s friend, however, this was difficult due to being director as I wanted to see what the shots looked like from behind the camera, meaning I had to trust the camera operators more.

Within postproduction, I also became the sound director and the editor. Being the sound director meant that when Hollie was recording her voice in the booth, I would give her instructions on the way that I wanted her to say her lines, such as the tone, pitch and tempo. This was a tedious process at times as it was quite a long haul and there were some miscommunications, for example when there was some confusion on the tempo of saying certain words, but eventually we created the sound we were looking for. This was my first type of role within sound and being in the sound room and I enjoyed it. As this was something new, I hadn’t done within the postproduction process, I was excited and willing to get involved as much as I could, and this is possibly something I would like to learn more on. As well as sound director, I was also one of the editors with Lewis. My role for editing was to compile a rough cut for the production before showing the class for constructive criticism and feedback. This was a tricky and challenging process as we wanted the product to be at quite a steady pace yet slowly building up in tempo which meant that each clip had to be cut down quite a lot so if it was already a shorter clip, it made it quite awkward. However, due to circumstances my end I couldn’t physically edit which meant Lewis took over, yet we still communicated so we both had a say.

Overall, I think that this unit has gone quite successful, due to developing skills that I already had or learning a new range of skills that happened due to participating in different roles that involve on camera, behind camera to postproduction. These new skills have given me a foundation to work with and that I can only construct further within the later years.

FINAL PRODUCTION LINK:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhVmMwLTQ1Q