5 answers
Chetsada
Student
Cork
1
Question
Updated
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How do I make effective and engaging scripts?
Hello!
I am a 2nd year Biomedical Engineering student, however, I am looking to start content creating and script-writing on the side.
Any tips?
Thanks #Spring24
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5 answers
Mari Novotny-Jones
Professor in the arts. This includes art, theatre, creative writing, speech, creative methods for problem solving
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Mari’s Answer
Chetsada,
All the answers are excellent in their advice. I am adding a little from my writing courses. I haven't said anything new here. I am including the dump exercise is a start to unlock your brain that has been trained to give the right answers. Allowing your thoughts to be open, eventually without fear or correctness is a means for your creativity to flow. One important thing mentioned before is the dictum, "Show, don't tell". If you plug that phrase into your browser, you will find writing sights that discuss and give you examples and exercises.
Read scripts -How are they constructed? Do any stand out you? What makes a script exciting if you are reading it.? What do you add to your work that a script you're reading has? Visual descriptions, character descriptions, setting, etc. These details make a script come alive. Dialogue is the hardest. Are you taking any classes in writing? At the university where you pursuing Biomed engineering, take a creative writing class to get your creative side engaged with the act of creativity
I suggest reading plays. Contemporary and older. Tom Stoppard writes wonderful plays. Look at what plays are on and off Broadway to find contemporary and actually remakes of older plays. Read Shakespeare - maybe a drama like Romeo and Juliet and a comedy - Midsummer's Night's Dream. Why do I say read? It is beneficial for you to see how language exists on the page. This is where you start. reading affords you examples of script writing. Go to see plays and movies. Differences between the two art forms? This is a part of your script wright research.
I remember a friend of mine who would sit in coffee shops and listen to conversations. He would often write down in a notebook interesting lines that struck him. Sometimes he could string together a few interesting dialogues.
By all means practice writing writing every day. Dump writing Is a great exercise for generating ideas. Mario suggests that you write everyday . Why do we say this? Writing is a muscle and you need to exercise it to access the good stuff inside you. Back to dump writing. You write 3 pages everyday for a month. Do not take you take your hand from the paper. Write down everything, even odd thoughts , such as, I am really hungry , this is stupid, I feel stupid... What you are doing is dumping out your thoughts - all thoughts. Then maybe after two weeks you start to write stories or parts of stories. Whatever you do keep going. Don't read what you have wrote. Just continue to vibrate with you. put them together produce writing on the page. This is a process exercise. At the end of the month, Go back and read what have written. Circle lines or words that veibrate with you. This might be an idea to expand. Even scriptwrighting has a story - an engaging story - that is the beginning of scriptwrighting. Good luck. You will probably be frustrated at times , keep going. I do suggest a creative writing course to help you generate ideas and it will assist you in creative storytelling. A class is good because all of you will be commenting on other's writing and also sharing ideas.
All the answers are excellent in their advice. I am adding a little from my writing courses. I haven't said anything new here. I am including the dump exercise is a start to unlock your brain that has been trained to give the right answers. Allowing your thoughts to be open, eventually without fear or correctness is a means for your creativity to flow. One important thing mentioned before is the dictum, "Show, don't tell". If you plug that phrase into your browser, you will find writing sights that discuss and give you examples and exercises.
Read scripts -How are they constructed? Do any stand out you? What makes a script exciting if you are reading it.? What do you add to your work that a script you're reading has? Visual descriptions, character descriptions, setting, etc. These details make a script come alive. Dialogue is the hardest. Are you taking any classes in writing? At the university where you pursuing Biomed engineering, take a creative writing class to get your creative side engaged with the act of creativity
I suggest reading plays. Contemporary and older. Tom Stoppard writes wonderful plays. Look at what plays are on and off Broadway to find contemporary and actually remakes of older plays. Read Shakespeare - maybe a drama like Romeo and Juliet and a comedy - Midsummer's Night's Dream. Why do I say read? It is beneficial for you to see how language exists on the page. This is where you start. reading affords you examples of script writing. Go to see plays and movies. Differences between the two art forms? This is a part of your script wright research.
I remember a friend of mine who would sit in coffee shops and listen to conversations. He would often write down in a notebook interesting lines that struck him. Sometimes he could string together a few interesting dialogues.
By all means practice writing writing every day. Dump writing Is a great exercise for generating ideas. Mario suggests that you write everyday . Why do we say this? Writing is a muscle and you need to exercise it to access the good stuff inside you. Back to dump writing. You write 3 pages everyday for a month. Do not take you take your hand from the paper. Write down everything, even odd thoughts , such as, I am really hungry , this is stupid, I feel stupid... What you are doing is dumping out your thoughts - all thoughts. Then maybe after two weeks you start to write stories or parts of stories. Whatever you do keep going. Don't read what you have wrote. Just continue to vibrate with you. put them together produce writing on the page. This is a process exercise. At the end of the month, Go back and read what have written. Circle lines or words that veibrate with you. This might be an idea to expand. Even scriptwrighting has a story - an engaging story - that is the beginning of scriptwrighting. Good luck. You will probably be frustrated at times , keep going. I do suggest a creative writing course to help you generate ideas and it will assist you in creative storytelling. A class is good because all of you will be commenting on other's writing and also sharing ideas.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4881
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Chetsada,
Effective and Engaging Script Writing Tips
Script writing is a creative process that requires a combination of skill, practice, and understanding of storytelling techniques. Here are some tips to help you create effective and engaging scripts:
1. Know Your Audience: Before you start writing your script, it’s essential to understand who your target audience is. Tailoring your content to suit the preferences and interests of your audience will make your script more engaging and relatable.
2. Develop Strong Characters: Compelling characters are at the heart of any successful script. Ensure that your characters are well-developed, with clear motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and arcs that drive the story forward.
3. Create a Solid Structure: A well-structured script follows a clear beginning, middle, and end. Develop a strong plot that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Consider using popular structures like the three-act structure or Save the Cat beat sheet to guide your storytelling.
4. Focus on Dialogue: Dialogue plays a crucial role in script writing. Write natural-sounding dialogue that reveals character traits, advances the plot, and keeps the audience interested. Avoid unnecessary exposition and aim for authenticity in conversations.
5. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of explicitly stating information, show it through actions, expressions, and interactions between characters. Visual storytelling can be more engaging and impactful than relying solely on dialogue or narration.
6. Use Visual Cues: Incorporate visual cues in your script to guide the director, actors, and production team on how scenes should be visually represented. Describe settings, emotions, and important visual elements to enhance the overall impact of your script.
7. Edit and Revise: Writing is rewriting. Take time to edit and revise your script multiple times to refine dialogue, pacing, structure, and character development. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve the quality of your work.
8. Study Successful Scripts: Analyze scripts from successful movies, TV shows, or plays to understand what makes them effective. Pay attention to pacing, character development, dialogue techniques, and plot twists that keep audiences engaged.
9. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, script writing improves with practice. Set aside dedicated time to write regularly, experiment with different genres and styles, and challenge yourself to push creative boundaries.
By following these tips and continuously honing your craft as a content creator and scriptwriter alongside your studies in Biomedical Engineering, you can develop the skills needed to create compelling scripts that captivate audiences.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
ScreenCraft - “10 Tips for Writing Great Dialogue”
The Script Lab - “The Importance of Visual Storytelling in Screenwriting”
MasterClass - “How to Write a Script: The Definitive Guide”
These sources provide valuable insights into various aspects of script writing such as dialogue creation, visual storytelling techniques, structuring scripts effectively, and practical guidance on improving writing skills in this field.
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Effective and Engaging Script Writing Tips
Script writing is a creative process that requires a combination of skill, practice, and understanding of storytelling techniques. Here are some tips to help you create effective and engaging scripts:
1. Know Your Audience: Before you start writing your script, it’s essential to understand who your target audience is. Tailoring your content to suit the preferences and interests of your audience will make your script more engaging and relatable.
2. Develop Strong Characters: Compelling characters are at the heart of any successful script. Ensure that your characters are well-developed, with clear motivations, strengths, weaknesses, and arcs that drive the story forward.
3. Create a Solid Structure: A well-structured script follows a clear beginning, middle, and end. Develop a strong plot that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. Consider using popular structures like the three-act structure or Save the Cat beat sheet to guide your storytelling.
4. Focus on Dialogue: Dialogue plays a crucial role in script writing. Write natural-sounding dialogue that reveals character traits, advances the plot, and keeps the audience interested. Avoid unnecessary exposition and aim for authenticity in conversations.
5. Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of explicitly stating information, show it through actions, expressions, and interactions between characters. Visual storytelling can be more engaging and impactful than relying solely on dialogue or narration.
6. Use Visual Cues: Incorporate visual cues in your script to guide the director, actors, and production team on how scenes should be visually represented. Describe settings, emotions, and important visual elements to enhance the overall impact of your script.
7. Edit and Revise: Writing is rewriting. Take time to edit and revise your script multiple times to refine dialogue, pacing, structure, and character development. Seek feedback from peers or mentors to improve the quality of your work.
8. Study Successful Scripts: Analyze scripts from successful movies, TV shows, or plays to understand what makes them effective. Pay attention to pacing, character development, dialogue techniques, and plot twists that keep audiences engaged.
9. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, script writing improves with practice. Set aside dedicated time to write regularly, experiment with different genres and styles, and challenge yourself to push creative boundaries.
By following these tips and continuously honing your craft as a content creator and scriptwriter alongside your studies in Biomedical Engineering, you can develop the skills needed to create compelling scripts that captivate audiences.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
ScreenCraft - “10 Tips for Writing Great Dialogue”
The Script Lab - “The Importance of Visual Storytelling in Screenwriting”
MasterClass - “How to Write a Script: The Definitive Guide”
These sources provide valuable insights into various aspects of script writing such as dialogue creation, visual storytelling techniques, structuring scripts effectively, and practical guidance on improving writing skills in this field.
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Mario D. Leone
Produced Screenwriter
24
Answers
Spring Valley, New York
Updated
Mario D.’s Answer
Absolutely, go ahead and craft a script that's rooted in biomedical science!
Here are a few examples of successful biomedical screenplays to inspire you:
1. "Contagion" (2011) - Penned by Scott Z. Burns, this movie portrays the swift transmission of a deadly virus and the desperate attempts of medical scientists and public health officials to halt the epidemic and discover a remedy.
2. "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013) - Authored by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, this film narrates the real-life tale of Ron Woodroof, who challenges the medical community and pharmaceutical corporations after being diagnosed with AIDS, and initiates a covert operation to provide unapproved yet effective treatments to patients.
3. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" (2017) - Written by Peter Landesman and Alexander Woo, based on Rebecca Skloot's book. This HBO production recounts the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were unknowingly harvested in the 1950s and became instrumental in medicine, contributing to countless scientific advancements.
Remember, write about what you're familiar with. Blend your personal experiences with your writing. As a screenwriter, you're often up at 5 AM, not out of desire, but out of necessity to carve out a quiet 20-minute writing window. Treat writing like a daily vitamin, meaning you should write every day, even if it's just for 5 to 10 minutes.
Consider starting with a short film, perhaps 15 minutes long. That equates to about 15 pages of script. You might even be able to film it yourself using a quality cell phone, a few external microphones, and a small cast. This could serve as a concept video. Alternatively, you can simply focus on writing your script with the goal of selling it.
Start combining material
Write every day from 5 to 20 minutes
Wake up early, so you have more time
Go to sleep early so you can wake up early
Research first create a line and then build from there
Here are a few examples of successful biomedical screenplays to inspire you:
1. "Contagion" (2011) - Penned by Scott Z. Burns, this movie portrays the swift transmission of a deadly virus and the desperate attempts of medical scientists and public health officials to halt the epidemic and discover a remedy.
2. "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013) - Authored by Craig Borten and Melisa Wallack, this film narrates the real-life tale of Ron Woodroof, who challenges the medical community and pharmaceutical corporations after being diagnosed with AIDS, and initiates a covert operation to provide unapproved yet effective treatments to patients.
3. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" (2017) - Written by Peter Landesman and Alexander Woo, based on Rebecca Skloot's book. This HBO production recounts the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were unknowingly harvested in the 1950s and became instrumental in medicine, contributing to countless scientific advancements.
Remember, write about what you're familiar with. Blend your personal experiences with your writing. As a screenwriter, you're often up at 5 AM, not out of desire, but out of necessity to carve out a quiet 20-minute writing window. Treat writing like a daily vitamin, meaning you should write every day, even if it's just for 5 to 10 minutes.
Consider starting with a short film, perhaps 15 minutes long. That equates to about 15 pages of script. You might even be able to film it yourself using a quality cell phone, a few external microphones, and a small cast. This could serve as a concept video. Alternatively, you can simply focus on writing your script with the goal of selling it.
Mario D. recommends the following next steps:
Jennifer Jackson
Film Director
78
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Chetsada,
Absolutely, getting into content creation and script-writing can be an exciting endeavor. Here are some tips to help you create effective and engaging scripts:
1. Know Your Audience: Understand who your target audience is and tailor your content to resonate with their interests, preferences, and expectations.
2. Clear and Concise Messaging: Ensure that your scripts deliver a clear and focused message. Avoid unnecessary complexity and strive for simplicity and clarity.
3. Engaging Storytelling: Craft your scripts around compelling narratives, anecdotes, or stories that can captivate your audience and hold their attention.
4. Research: Thoroughly research your topics to provide accurate, insightful, and valuable information. Well-researched content can enhance the credibility and impact of your scripts.
5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Engage with peers, mentors, or fellow content creators to seek feedback and collaborate on script ideas. Quality feedback can help refine your scripts and spark new creative ideas.
6. Adapt to Different Platforms: Consider the platform for which your content is intended (e.g., YouTube, podcasts, social media) and adapt your scripts to suit the specific format and audience expectations of each platform.
7. Authenticity and Originality: Strive to infuse your content with authenticity and originality. Share your unique perspectives and experiences, and explore innovative angles to stand out in the content creation space.
8. Practice and Refinement: Like any skill, script-writing improves with practice. Continuously work on refining your scripts, seeking ways to enhance clarity, engagement, and impact.
As you embark on your journey as a content creator and scriptwriter, the most important aspect is to find your unique voice and style. Experiment with different formats, topics, and storytelling approaches to see what resonates most with you and your audience. Your background in biomedical engineering can also provide you with a unique perspective and potential topics to explore in your content. Enjoy the process, and stay open to learning and growth as you develop your skills as a content creator and scriptwriter.
Best of Luck!
Jennifer
Absolutely, getting into content creation and script-writing can be an exciting endeavor. Here are some tips to help you create effective and engaging scripts:
1. Know Your Audience: Understand who your target audience is and tailor your content to resonate with their interests, preferences, and expectations.
2. Clear and Concise Messaging: Ensure that your scripts deliver a clear and focused message. Avoid unnecessary complexity and strive for simplicity and clarity.
3. Engaging Storytelling: Craft your scripts around compelling narratives, anecdotes, or stories that can captivate your audience and hold their attention.
4. Research: Thoroughly research your topics to provide accurate, insightful, and valuable information. Well-researched content can enhance the credibility and impact of your scripts.
5. Collaborate and Seek Feedback: Engage with peers, mentors, or fellow content creators to seek feedback and collaborate on script ideas. Quality feedback can help refine your scripts and spark new creative ideas.
6. Adapt to Different Platforms: Consider the platform for which your content is intended (e.g., YouTube, podcasts, social media) and adapt your scripts to suit the specific format and audience expectations of each platform.
7. Authenticity and Originality: Strive to infuse your content with authenticity and originality. Share your unique perspectives and experiences, and explore innovative angles to stand out in the content creation space.
8. Practice and Refinement: Like any skill, script-writing improves with practice. Continuously work on refining your scripts, seeking ways to enhance clarity, engagement, and impact.
As you embark on your journey as a content creator and scriptwriter, the most important aspect is to find your unique voice and style. Experiment with different formats, topics, and storytelling approaches to see what resonates most with you and your audience. Your background in biomedical engineering can also provide you with a unique perspective and potential topics to explore in your content. Enjoy the process, and stay open to learning and growth as you develop your skills as a content creator and scriptwriter.
Best of Luck!
Jennifer
Kade Ivy
Proposal writer
2
Answers
Sardis, TN
Updated
Kade’s Answer
All good advice here! I've dabbled in script writing in my own work, and the best advice I've received and try to keep in mind is that writing for a video is vastly different than writing for the page. Short and conversational almost always win the day. Avoid complex sentences; make sure your speaker can say the sentence in one breath. Use impactful words that will stay with your audience; keep in mind that they'll be hearing, not seeing what you write. If you know your speaker, you can also try to write in their style of speech or inflection to add some of their personality. All in all, know your audience, but also know your format and the possibilities and limitations it offers.