How to Write a Simple Screenplay (for Kids)
Write or type the name of the play on a piece of paper., Write down a list of actors and their parts., Draw a picture of each character and write a paragraph about him/her so you feel like you know your characters., Write down your setting., Name...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Write or type the name of the play on a piece of paper.
When thinking of a name, make sure that you do not plagiarize the name of a book or popular poem.
Think of what you want the play to be about before you name it; this will help guide you. -
Step 2: Write down a list of actors and their parts.
Do not worry about thinking of a lot of characters, and focus on creating good quality characters.
More ideas, and thus, more characters will come to you, but value quality over quantity. , Think about how your character feels, what she/he looks like, and their personality. , Describe it.
Is it in a park or at a factory? Is it sunny or raining? The little details are very important, because they give the work unity and clarity.
Write down the setting place and time for every new scene.
When something changes in a scene, record it.
You would not want the screenplay to get its chronology mixed up! , This will make it easy for the actors and actresses to study and practice their lines, and it erases confusion from the mix in the hectic play preparation process. , Make them fit with your characters' personality and emotions, and make sure that they are not bland or insipid.
Be creative, and avoid using overly-dramatic scenes (unless it is a melodrama).
Do not necessarily subscribe to theatrical cliches either (Male hero attempting to save a helpless princess).
In other words, adapt the play to modern times and avoid centering it on over-used, tired story lines. , If you are in your school drama program, this will be done for you.
If you are allowed to pick the actors and actresses yourself, avoid giving positions only to friends.
Choose whomever you know that could play the part well. , Whether you are performing the play at your school, or with siblings at home, ensure that you are ready and prepared.
Do not expect for everything to work perfectly the first time, but persevere even if it was a disaster! If you begin to write very good screenplays, you may have a future job as a Hollywood movie director. -
Step 3: Draw a picture of each character and write a paragraph about him/her so you feel like you know your characters.
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Step 4: Write down your setting.
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Step 5: Name your characters and some stage directions so that the performers know what they are doing.
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Step 6: Write the lines!
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Step 7: Assemble your cast.
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Step 8: Perform it!
Detailed Guide
When thinking of a name, make sure that you do not plagiarize the name of a book or popular poem.
Think of what you want the play to be about before you name it; this will help guide you.
Do not worry about thinking of a lot of characters, and focus on creating good quality characters.
More ideas, and thus, more characters will come to you, but value quality over quantity. , Think about how your character feels, what she/he looks like, and their personality. , Describe it.
Is it in a park or at a factory? Is it sunny or raining? The little details are very important, because they give the work unity and clarity.
Write down the setting place and time for every new scene.
When something changes in a scene, record it.
You would not want the screenplay to get its chronology mixed up! , This will make it easy for the actors and actresses to study and practice their lines, and it erases confusion from the mix in the hectic play preparation process. , Make them fit with your characters' personality and emotions, and make sure that they are not bland or insipid.
Be creative, and avoid using overly-dramatic scenes (unless it is a melodrama).
Do not necessarily subscribe to theatrical cliches either (Male hero attempting to save a helpless princess).
In other words, adapt the play to modern times and avoid centering it on over-used, tired story lines. , If you are in your school drama program, this will be done for you.
If you are allowed to pick the actors and actresses yourself, avoid giving positions only to friends.
Choose whomever you know that could play the part well. , Whether you are performing the play at your school, or with siblings at home, ensure that you are ready and prepared.
Do not expect for everything to work perfectly the first time, but persevere even if it was a disaster! If you begin to write very good screenplays, you may have a future job as a Hollywood movie director.
About the Author
Megan Campbell
A passionate writer with expertise in lifestyle topics. Loves sharing practical knowledge.
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