OUTLINE AND SCRIPT

Marilia Mello Pisani

This text is part of the Video Production course and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 3.0 License.
Not Adapted. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at [Link]
 When you think of a script, what is the first thing that complexes of images and sounds that can
to have a thousand relationships between themselves, which can be
who comes to mind? Would the script be some sort of written version
from the movie? And is that all there is? sharp or ambiguous, violent for some and so-
The script can be thought of as a transcription of it goes to others that can impress the
intentions, but it is not the first step to make a vi- intelligence or reaching the unconscious, which
idea/film. First of all, you need to develop the initial idea. intertwine, that blend into each other, that
they can even repudiate each other, which brings to light
Only after visualizing the images in our heads
we set off to transcribe everything we created. It is important to re- the invisible things.” (Comparato, 2000, p. 20)
to reflect how faithful we will be to our mental images...
it will be – thinking of Plato's Allegory of the Cave – thatThe a script would be the soul of the film, the human soul, for it is
Is the script an imperfect copy of our ideas? the fruit of a desire for communication and expression. A good
The initial challenge for building a script is tothe do film must start with a good script: it would be theVIDEO chrysalis
PRODUCTION
a study of one's own intentions. If you have clarity queofse converte em uma borboleta (Comparato, 2012). Outline Existem
and Script

What you wish, the way will be open to create a good threeroute.
fundamental elements in a script (idem, p. 20-1):
In this measure, the idea we wish to express can be
scripted in different ways, either through a script Logos: it is the word, the discourse, the verbal organization
detailed, whether through an open and experimental script. of the script. It is the language that allows communication
But what is the definition of a script and what is it used for?
among human beings.
A script is, according to Doc Comparato (2000), 'thePathos:
form it is the drama, the dramatic part of a story; it
writing of any audiovisual project." It is the art of telling
provokes identifications and repulsions, sadness and pain,
a story through images, dialogues, descriptions, in- joys and laughter; affects people; it is life and actions
contained within a dramatic structure. The script is the text humans exposed in their daily conflicts.
written to be executed, recorded, performed. However, the it is the reason for writing, it is the why.
Ethos:
its form is not that of literary narrative, but rather that of the process
means something and the ultimate reasons and meanings of
or of the visual narrative. Paraphrasing Jean Claude Carrière, a story. Here lies the sphere of responsibility.
Comparato affirms: the legitimacy and the political, social, and ethical implications of
story that wants to be told. It doesn't need to bring a
an answer or a moral lesson, but it can be the ex-
Writing a script is much more than just ...position of a simple question.
to write. In any case, it is to write in another way-
neira: with glances and silences, with movements 46
and immobility, with incredibly sets
 If these would be the basic elements of a script, Don't forget to watch movies and identify these genres.
Now we need to start thinking about what and how to con- also don't forget to get to know the work of the screenwriters. Pes-
To develop a script, we need to find a quiz and watch the videos available for this class.
theme, structure an idea, define the characters, research and get to know other ideas about scriptwriting.
the data, structure the scenes and polish them, day by day. InWethe need
interview with filmmaker and video artist Kika Nicolela,
review and change the elements according to the technologies and the artist differentiates between more technical scripts
you will see that
available recording conditions. the most free scripts, mentioning the possibility of creating in
In this lesson you will learn to build your script with works without a script. In this case, it is about a job.
following some main steps. Each of these stages with chance or improvisation. Kika Nicolela left the world of
It constitutes a specific activity, which will allow you to create feature films and moved on to experimental videos by
reach a minimum script in the end. Before closing this flexibility. According to her, if we all change all of us
presentation, keep with the minimum questions that should be asked, so how to manage to work with the same script for
to accompany you in this initial stage: What? Who? Where? five years? That is a perspective. VIDEO PRODUCTION
Outline and Script
When? How? Why? Think and feel what you want with So, think about your final project: what kind of script
your final video project. Will you work? What type of video or short film do you
Can we establish a general classification of scripts? Will it require a detailed script or a description?
Based on the framework proposed by Comparato. However, you are more gentle and experimental with your ideas?
you can choose or create your own. According to him,The wedelimitation
can of the idea is essential for you to have
having six types of scripts: less work at the time of recording the scenes and the
edition, as you will make an anticipation of possible problems.
Adventure but it all depends on the type of work you will create.
Comedy; Discuss your idea with your colleagues and with your
Crime tutor: this is a good way to organize your thoughts and
receive tips on how to develop your theme and, later,
Melodrama the script. Share experiences, talk about your difficulties and
Drama; suggest formulas.
•Others (miscellaneous: fantasy, documentaries, de- final project, you will create a video and work with
In the
mister, history, series, educational, advertisements
a script that will have the complexity defined according to the
erotic, among others). your project. The more you can detail what
the closer to your ideal, the better the project will turn out.
47
1. About the Idea: But there are so many possibilities, how to define the best
path to follow? Besides talking to people, asking
tips and suggestions, the answer will have to be constructed. There is al-
The first difficulty faced by those who start Some tips to which you can pay attention, for it is not enough to have
the adventure of audiovisual construction can be an idea for it to become a movie: it is necessary
dissected,
according to Lucena (2012), in two factors: a work of thought and reflection for this to happen;
It is necessary to know what one wants (cf. Lucena, idem, p. 33):
Lack of knowledge about filming and editing;
Difficulty in formulating an idea and developing What [Link] I want to show?
How do I want to show this?
According to Lucena, the first instruction he offers Why do I want to show this?
to those who are learning to produce their first Who is my character? VIDEO PRODUCTION

movies are: What is he going to do? Outline and Script

How is he going to act?

(...) observe your surroundings, the neighborhood in which
I have to, the region where they work, the people With the idea and the answers defined, the work begins.
with whom they interact, the individuals whothat even-completely takes over you: "we started to think
currently find, the news from the newspapers in the movie when we are stuck in traffic, imagining ce-
nas, images,
or from the TV. I emphasize that everything can motivate a making plans at bedtime” (ibid). From
documentary [or an audiovisual project], then one begins to define the characters and the
and when they start to discuss in a grouptheme, the we started to think about the environment we want to show,
possibilities, they have fantastic [Link] the basic lines of the narrative: 'All of this has to be year-
(Lucena, 2012, p. 31) so that it transforms into a good synopsis and then
in an argument" (ibidem). The secret would be to work
the ideas that tend to be broad and abstract, making them
Some of Lucena's students developed projects increasingly clear.
with social themes such as anorexia and bulimia, trafficking Oneof suggestion made by Doc Comparato (2000) is that
of anabolic steroids, the street vendors and the poetry of the movements
hands. In other words, the world of possibilities is open youforwrite
the down on cards or in a notebook the ideas that come up
passing to your mind: let them flow and start jotting them down in a way
imagination in audiovisual construction. unpretentious. The author also proposes a Framework of Ideas,
48
divided into six items (pp. 81-86):
 Selected idea: it is an intimate and personal Afteridea;
that you will be able to produce a synopsis, that is,
Verbalized idea: it is that idea that emerges a synthetic description in five lines of what the first is
from something
that someone told; presentation element of an audiovisual project. These
•Read idea (for free): they are free ideas five lines
thatmustarisebe extremely objective in order to
to clearly
in contact with everyday life, in newspapers, magazines, in show what the film is, so that the reader
street, etc. you can visualize it. Avoid long sentences and practice a lot, do
Transformed idea: it is an idea inspiredvariations by another and freeone tests after a brainstorming. Select the
idea; it arises from reading a book, when best phrases and constructions in order to structure the idea in
two or three sentences. (Lucena, 2012, p. 35-6-7)
watch a movie, see a play, listen to a myth, etc.
that can be the basis for new stories, from Then you will be able to write the argument, which
of a process of adaptation; functions as a pre-script and directs the entire production
Requested idea or proposal: arises from of theamovie: 'If in the synopsis you revealed what the movie is about,' in
request
or someone's order; you should show 'what your movie will be' indi- VIDEO PRODUCTION
SCRIPT AND OUTLINE
The sought idea arises from a marketwhen the characters, the theme, the filming locations, the uncle
demand.
of archival material that will be used (photos, graphics)
(same, p. 36).
You can start developing this framework of ideas. The argument is a kind of draft of the project that
and talk to colleagues and your tutor. describe the content and style of the filming, that is, the structure
basic structure of the audiovisual project; its skeleton or backbone
dorsal. The argument must be between 20 and 30 lines long. It must be
It is clear to have a beginning, middle, and end.
2. Synopsis and Argument Com esses dois elementos, a sinopse e o argumento,
You will already be able to start visualizing your final project.
After talking to your tutor, discussing with your
colleagues and finalize the idea of your audiovisual project, you can
start organizing it and writing it down.
A first tip is to write a storyline, a pe-
a text of five lines that describes the matrix conflict that
of the video, in case you choose to tell a story. This
A brief summary may change throughout the other stages.
but serves more as a starting point to organize ideas. 49
3. The Escaleta (or structure) Outline
Scene 1:
Finally, a decisive step for strengthening Hot morning. City center. On the ground, the face of a
the idea is the outline, which allows transforming ideas 40-year-old
intowithwoman appears invading the screen. She is dead,
pale
scenes. The outline is a pre-formatting of your [Link] is a touches your [Link] heel of people
and wide eyes.
very important and delicate moment in the creation process
audiovisual, "because the outline will determine how many Scene
scenes will2: be-
necessary to convey the actions of the characters and Center street. Two men about 30 years old are fighting.
the complete story" (Moletta, 2009, p. 34). The outline kicksallows
and punches. One is in a suit and the other in a shirt and
that the screenwriter separates the scenes that will [Link]
story watch and shout on the sidewalk. Sounds of boo-
and will serve as an argument for the script. "The clean deafening
outlinescreeches.
the edges, inserting only what is really necessary to tell the Scene 3: VIDEO PRODUCTION

story through images and sounds according to the narrativeInterior of a slightly used car. One of those involved in the fight, the
SCALE AND SCRIPT

chosen (ibid). a man in a shirt and tie sees something that catches his attention
Get out of the car in the middle of the street.
The construction of a outline requires you to make a
a new writing and a new language because, to write Scene it, it is 4:
ne-
It is necessary to think in images and write in the form [Link] another car. The other person involved in the fight, the man
Let's look at an example of a script, which will serve as a in a suit, horn and shouts for the man in the shirt to take off the
model.
street car. Nervous, he also gets out of the vehicle.
to build your own in the proposed activity right ahead.

Now, proceed to the activity and build your outline.

with the most important scenes of your audiovisual project and
send to your tutor.

50
4. The Script visuals: 'the script is not a work of literature, not
try to be poetic or metaphorical” (Lucena, 2012, . p. 43)
Moletta (2009) suggests that the characters and the
At this moment, your idea is taking shape and the actions should be indicated in uppercase to facilitate
Scenes from your script are already predefined. You realize the marking of those who read immediately. The description
he writes the script for his video project. Do you remember it appears
that glued to the edge of the sheet in space of
simple
this script is important for you to organize all the production andparagraph;
post-production of your material. It is part of what we•Characters:
call marked in uppercase and centered.
of pre-production. Italicized parentheses suggest actions.
of the character at the time of their action. This allows
We will only provide you with a general script template.
You can adapt according to your needs. create a dramatic action, but it is not a rule;
You will notice that there is a certain flexibility in the way of•Dialogues: these are the lines that appear during actions.
How it describes scenes that unfold before us, VIDEO PRODUCTION
write it, as everything depends on the theme you are going to build.
That's why it's worth researching itineraries. But, despite the
all script must be narrated in the third person, the ver-
Outline and Script

diversity, we can suggest certain more formal structuresthey must be in the present or, eventually, in
general gerund or present continuous, 'because the time of
the viewing of a film is always the present, even
One suggestion is to write two versions of scripts: inone the case of a flashback." The dialogues appear in scenes-
first script (pre-script), which after being reviewed and discussed
translated on the page and in single space. Between the ca-
will finally become the final script of your project. header, the description and the dialogue can have 1.5 spacing.
The main elements of a script are:
Another tip proposed by Lucena is to pay attention to the timing.
•Header: indicates the scene number; indicates the space for the reproduction of a scene written in script form: it is necessary
in which the action of the character takes place (INT. for be attentive and keep track of the reading time of the narration
Internal and EXT. for external); then specify the location
with the timing of the scene that takes place in the movie. In the example the
(street, city center, etc.) and finally the weatherThe written text corresponds to one minute of film.
from the action (morning, afternoon, night, dawn); appears
IN UPPER CASE; Example 1. The room, an old auditorium with high ceilings.
•Visual description or action: indicates what happens ima-
high and dark walls, is empty. A single lamp
gently during the character's action and what hanging from the high ceiling, right in the center of the room. Two large
happens around him. Avoid adjectives, metaphors Cabinets flank the door, which opens slowly.
or details that do not correspond to information 51
 Example 2. Peanut takes a deep breath, takes out the handkerchief with
3. INT. USED CAR - DAY
that covers the face. It's tense. Closes the eyes and rubs.
the hand on the forehead, thoughtful. Gradually, hisA expression
man in a shirt wipes the sweat from his forehead, when something out of the...
it becomes calmer, until a smile begins the car catches your attention. He STOPS the car and GETS OUT immediately.
it appears on your lips. (Lucena, 2012, p. 47)
you, leaving the vehicle in the middle of the street.

4. INT. BACK OF CAR - DAY

Now you will see a script template that can inspire you.
in the construction of yours. Read this model carefully, take the
MAN
your doubts with the tutor and start the last activity of this IN A SUIT honks violently. Other cars in the queue also...
lesson:
I honk my horn, drawing the attention of passersby.
the creation and writing of the script.
MAN IN SUIT
"Title of the Script" (angry, shouts) VIDEO PRODUCTION
The traffic light turned green, buddy!! Get that garbage out of Outline
the way!!
and Script
Author name
1. EXT. BOARDWALK - DOWNTOWN - DAY
MAN IN A SUIT ALSO GETS OUT OF HIS VEHICLE, GOING IN THE DIRECTION
of the MAN IN THE SHIRT, who does not pay attention to you.
Morning of intense heat. A face of a person appears, invading the screen.
WOMAN, 40 years old, wide-eyed. The woman is dead. Several (* Example was provided by Alex Moleta, 2009, p. 36-7).
the heels of people next to the body indicate that they are in-
different from her.
2. EXT. STREET - CITY CENTER - DAY

Sounds of horns and shouts. TWO MEN, one in a suit and the other in
shirt and tie, around 30 years old. The two fight with punches and
kicks.

MAN IN SUIT
challenging
Do you want to catch a bum? Do you? (punches him violently) Slacker!

The shirtless man rises furiously towards the man of pa-

crowd. People shout, cheer, boo, like in a cockfight. 52
Referências bibliográficas

COMPARATO, Doc, From creation to the script. Rio de Janeiro:

Rocco, 2000.
LUCENA, Luiz Carlos. How to make documentaries: concept,
language and production practice. São Paulo: Summus editing-
rial, 2012.
MOLETTA, Alex. Creation of a short film in digital video:
a low-cost production proposal. São Paulo: Sum-
mus, 2009.
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Outline and Script

SUPPORT:

53