Screenplay facts for kids

This is a screenplay for The Godfather Part II. It shows the written story for the movie.

A screenplay or script is like a detailed plan for a movie, a TV show, or a play. It's a written document that tells everyone involved what will happen. Think of it as the blueprint for the story you see on screen or stage.

This special document includes everything from what the characters say to what they do. It also gives instructions for how the scenes should look and how the story should be put together.

What is a Screenplay?

A screenplay is the complete written version of a story for a visual production. It's not just a story; it's a guide. It tells the actors what to say and do. It also guides the director on how to film each scene.

Screenplays are used for many types of entertainment. This includes big-budget movies and popular TV series. They are also used for plays performed in theaters.

What's Inside a Screenplay?

A screenplay contains several key parts that bring a story to life:

• Plot: This is the main story or sequence of events. It's what happens from beginning to end.
• Dialogue: These are the words that characters speak to each other. Each line is written out exactly as it should be said.
• Characters: The script describes the people (or creatures!) in the story. It tells us their actions and sometimes their feelings.
• Action: This describes what happens on screen that isn't dialogue. It includes movements, sounds, and visual details.
• Editing Instructions: Sometimes, the writer includes notes on how scenes should be cut or put together. This helps the editor create the final flow of the story.

Who Writes Screenplays?

The person who writes a screenplay is called a screenwriter. They are the storytellers who put the ideas onto paper. They create the characters, the plot, and all the dialogue.

When a screenplay is written for television, it has a special name. It's called a teleplay. So, a writer for a TV show is often called a teleplay writer.

How Screenplays Change

A screenplay is often the starting point, not the final version. During filming, directors and actors might make small changes. They might add or remove lines of dialogue. They could also change how a scene is performed.

This is a normal part of making movies and TV shows. It helps to make the story even better for the audience.

See also

In Spanish: Guion cinematográfico para niños