introduction to screenwriting with matthew schwartz

Introduction to Screenwriting

withMatthew Schwartz

schwartztastic@gmail.com

ABOUT ME:● Currently Senior Writer/Producer, WarnerMedia

(TBS, TNT, TruTV) in Atlanta, GA● Previously with Cartoon Network, Adult Swim,

and MTV● Co-Creator and Writer of Dollar Toy Squad for

Pocket.Watch● Independent development of original animated

shows● Degree in Radio-TV-Film from Northwestern

University with special focus on creative writing

Getting Started

Every script begins with an…

Preparing to Write

What is the story I want to

tell?

Will audiences care?

Who might direct it or star

in it? Does my idea require

research?

Questions to Ask Yourself

STORY ELEMENTS:

● SETTING (WHERE?)● CHARACTERS (WHO?)● PLOT (WHAT?)

ALSO THINK ABOUT:

● GENRE● INSPIRATIONS● STYLE

Story Is:

CONFLICT

• Scene Heading• Action• Character• Dialogue• Parenthetical• Transition

Anatomy of a Script

NOTE: One page is approximately one minute of screen time

INT. CLASSROOM -- DAY

The scene heading is in all-caps and tells you the location and time of day for the scene.

STUDENTCharacters appear centeredin all-caps. Dialogue is centered with wider margins!

TEACHER(smiling)

Don’t forget parentheticaldirection that can add moredetails.

Here’s where you can describe the student’s reaction to the teacher’s comment.

STUDENT(rolls eyes)

Yes, I already know allabout parentheticals.

CUT TO:

INT. LIBRARY -- DAY

We see the student looking up how to spell the word “parenthetical”.

Character & Dialogue

Scene Heading & Action

Transition

Parenthetical

Tools You Can Use!Software Does It for You

Production Timeline

WRITING PRE-PRODUCTION PRODUCTION POST-PRODUCTION RELEASE

● Budget & Schedule● Hire Crew Leaders● Creative Planning● Location Scouting● Build Sets● Equipment Rental● Casting● Rehearsal

● Filming!● Lights (Electric)● Camera (DP)● Action (Director)● Props● Hair & Makeup● Wardrobe● Effects● Stunts

● Editing● Visual Effects● Score and Music● Test Screenings● Sales & Marketing

QUESTIONS?

What is the production process like?

Is the writer involved in casting?

What are post-production challenges?

How to get a job in the entertainment business?

● Film School● Internships● Young Writer Workshops● Writer Conferences● Film Festivals● Apprenticeships● Theater Programs● Improv Comedy● D.I.Y.

“Breaking In”

WRITER TIPS!● Watch lots of movies● Read scripts (IMSDB.com)● Imagine your cast when

writing● If stuck, try the

“opposite” approach● Story Cubes● Wouldn’t it be cool if..?

THANK YOU!

Matthew Schwartzschwartztastic@gmail.com