Script writing and analysis

A film script is the blueprint for the visual telling of a story.

When writing a script you must use Courier font size 12 - it's the industry standard and easy to read. It also helps reader's to gauge the length of your script. Never use italics, bold or any kind of fancy formatting.

Slug line

Scenes are always preceded by a slug line that tells whether the scene is inside or outside, the location, and whether it is day or night.
INT. DIANA’S APARTMENT- DAY

Scene Description Lines

The slug line is followed immediately by scene description lines. These tell more about the setting, who is in the scene, and sometimes where they are located and what they are doing. Important instructions are placed here.
Scene instruction lines occur throughout the scene as needed. They often instruct about essential character physical actions.
A character's name has to be in ALL CAPITALS in the scene description lines and the first time the character appears in the script.

Script Analysis

The film script that I am going to analyse is called ‘I Robot’ by ‘Hilary Seitz’. It is an action/ futuristic based film.

The fade in on a deep darkness creates mystery and suspense. The beginning scene is not resolute; therefore a director can make it their own. There are themes which can be shown in any way to produce a reaction. For example the orange and yellow colours of the fire are supposed to create a sense of danger, while the sound of something shattering is supposed to shock the audience and grab their attention.

From the slug line we now know we are in ‘Spooner’s’ apartment. There is a camera direction here and although they are not much appreciated in scripts, I think it fits in here. The close will give us a chance to see ‘Spooner’s’ emotions clearly, especially what he thinks about the dream he just had.

The scene direction here is quite detailed, however because it is written in short sentences it does not seem story like. A lot of verbs are used which makes it easy for an actor/actress to follow.

Overall all I believe the beginning of the script is quite good. It is written in the standard Courier size 12 font making it simple and clear to read. They are no long sentences which again make it uncomplicated and straight forward. I believe it is also open to interpretation allowing the director or actor/actress to perform it how they see fit.