Creating Visual Scenes by Dorian Scott Cole
Creating Visual Scenes
Copyright © 2003, Dorian Scott Cole
EXCERPTS:
Step 1.
Think of a scene as a miniature story. Scenes typically have a very brief opening that establishes the conflict, followed by rising tension, and a climactic resolution. Thinking through the scene, and then creating a representative shot, will help focus the drama and influence the visual presentation.
To create a story arc (rising tension) and a representative shot, ask yourself what character need is driving the action to this scene, why there will be a conflict, and what is going to happen in the scene.
Step 2.
Ask how important the scene is to the story. If the scene was missing, would the story still be intact? If no, it is an important scene, so choose an appropriate setting that enhances the drama, and if needed, give it time. But if the scene isn't that important, use the available locations or sets, and give it less time.
Step 3.
Sketch a single shot that represents the entire drama in the scene. This very visual shot would represent the height of tension where the conflict is fully developed, the climax.
This shot can also form the locus of activity in a short scene, so the drama will focus in this space. Any other set features then are incidental, and are there for variety only. However, creating too many scenes in this manner, that limit physical action to a small space, would make the movie (or novel) come off like a stage play. Cinema presents the probability of larger movement. Establishing a locus is one helpful technique for creating a short scene.
In the scene, to create the arc (rising tension) think through the battle. Make sure that the physical action matches your character's personality.
What would your character do? Think about a range of actions: cry, beg, demand, argue, build a case, use metaphors to help... While the original picture may tell the story, an individual character action may need to be altered to fit his personality.
When you are finished, you have a scene that is presented visually, is dynamic, and fits your character.
COMPLETE ARTICLE
Copyright © 2003, Dorian Scott Cole
EXCERPTS:
Step 1.
Think of a scene as a miniature story. Scenes typically have a very brief opening that establishes the conflict, followed by rising tension, and a climactic resolution. Thinking through the scene, and then creating a representative shot, will help focus the drama and influence the visual presentation.
To create a story arc (rising tension) and a representative shot, ask yourself what character need is driving the action to this scene, why there will be a conflict, and what is going to happen in the scene.
Step 2.
Ask how important the scene is to the story. If the scene was missing, would the story still be intact? If no, it is an important scene, so choose an appropriate setting that enhances the drama, and if needed, give it time. But if the scene isn't that important, use the available locations or sets, and give it less time.
Step 3.
Sketch a single shot that represents the entire drama in the scene. This very visual shot would represent the height of tension where the conflict is fully developed, the climax.
This shot can also form the locus of activity in a short scene, so the drama will focus in this space. Any other set features then are incidental, and are there for variety only. However, creating too many scenes in this manner, that limit physical action to a small space, would make the movie (or novel) come off like a stage play. Cinema presents the probability of larger movement. Establishing a locus is one helpful technique for creating a short scene.
In the scene, to create the arc (rising tension) think through the battle. Make sure that the physical action matches your character's personality.
What would your character do? Think about a range of actions: cry, beg, demand, argue, build a case, use metaphors to help... While the original picture may tell the story, an individual character action may need to be altered to fit his personality.
When you are finished, you have a scene that is presented visually, is dynamic, and fits your character.
COMPLETE ARTICLE
Labels: Dorian Scott Cole, dramatic writing, how to, scenes, screenwriting, tips, visual
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