Introduction
Scriptwriting is the main talking point in the entertainment world regarding storytelling. Whether for a feature film, TV series, web series, or commercials, scriptwriting is critical in how a story reaches an audience. Each medium has its way of telling a story, different formats, and requirements. If you want to be an entrant to the industry, enrolling in a scriptwriting course in Mumbai at e-Drishyam may give you the necessary skills and exposure. This guide will cover the different types of scriptwriting and what makes each distinct.
What is scriptwriting?
Script writing, or as the more understandable term describes, screenwriting, is narrating a tale through scripts for a visual medium, such as a film, television show, web series, or advertisement. A script is, therefore, a blueprint for production, including storylines, characters' dialogues, scene descriptions, and actions taking place onscreen.
Good scripts make good stories. Each medium requires a unique writing style to tell a story, and understanding what distinguishes one from another can go a long way toward helping an aspirant develop his or her craft in scriptwriting.
Types of Scriptwriting
The art of scriptwriting can be classified into different types based on the format and medium.
The four primary types of scriptwriting include:
- Film Scriptwriting
- TV Scriptwriting
- Web Series Scriptwriting
- Commercial Scriptwriting
Each category requires unique techniques and structures to cater to the audience and the medium they are presented.
Understanding Film Scriptwriting
Film script writing includes writing scripts for films, whether major films, minor ones or documentaries. A film script usually follows a particular format because
It is generally structured with the three-act structure:
Act 1 or Set Up- where characters, settings, and the central conflict are introduced
Act 2 or Confrontation- where the conflict is developed and the stakes get raised
Act 3 or Resolution- where the story is resolved and closed
Most horror films usually have around 90 to 120 pages, meaning a page would probably relate to one minute of screen time. This means that for the screenwriting to be very attractive, his imaginative ideas must carry good weights of character development and a knack for understanding cinematic techniques and utilisation.
Some of the key components of writing film scripts are;
- Well-defined protagonist and antagonist
- Powerful character arcs
- Engaging dialogues
- Detailed scene descriptions
- Gripping narrative structure
Writing a film script is the most challenging but most fulfilling kind of screenwriting because it requires a highly creative story and a good understanding of the language of cinema.
Understanding TV Scriptwriting
Unlike film scriptwriting, TV scriptwriting is more of an episodic activity in which one—or two-minute plots are arranged in an assemblage to create a complete story—an entire episode.
There are two categories of TV scripts -
Serialised TV Shows - The narrative runs through several episodes, seasons, etc.( e.g., Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad)
Procedural TV Shows - A self-contained plot in each episode- Law & Order, CSI.
Salient features of TV scriptwriting:
- Shorter runtime per episode (22-60 minutes per episode)
- Multiple story tracks run parallel to each other.
- Good character evolution over several seasons
- Season-ending cliff-hanger-audience keep ready-for-next-season's premiere
TV scripts also strictly adhere to a four-act or five-act structure for pacing, balancing the overall narrative with comic timing and eventual satisfaction to accommodate advert breaks.
Understanding Web Series Scriptwriting
Today, almost everyone is fond of web series because of the emergence of OTT platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, etc. The art of scriptwriting in web series combines writing in cinema and television, allowing a storyteller to write freely about the length of episodes and format.
These are the essential features in web series script writing:
- The episodes can run anywhere from as short as 5 minutes to as long as more than an hour.
- Character-driven narratives that are very strong.
- The possibility of writing niche genres and unconventional story-telling styles.
- It's open to a much larger audience.
Web series scripts are meant for online viewers, so they require binge-worthy content. Compelling story arcs and cliffhangers at the end of episodes are helpful.
Understanding Commercial Scriptwriting
Commercial scriptwriting involves writing a script for an advertisement, promotional video, or brand promotion. The difference between film and TV and commercial scripts is that commercial scripts are very short, usually flashing in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
The main characteristics of commercial scriptwriting so far include:
- Brief anecdote
- Heavy emphasis on the brand message
- Evocation of emotion or wit to reach the audience
- Call-to-action [that is, CTA]: to induce sale or interest in the public.
Commercial scriptwriting involves creating a creative script with a firm grasp of marketing. This knowledge allows the writer to create advertisements that work wonderfully for the target audience.
Why opt for e-Drishyam for scriptwriting?
e-Drishyam offers the best scriptwriting courses in Mumbai. The course covers all modes of scriptwriting, including film, TV serials, web series, and commercials.
What does e-Drishyam offer?
Expert-led training –
Learn from the best in the field of film and television.
Practical Learning –
Practical exercises in scriptwriting and real-life situations.
Portfolio Development-
Your portfolio gets bolstered enough to capture opportunities in the industry.
Networking:
Connect the dots with industry professionals, directors, and production houses.
Flexible Learning:
For beginners to advanced learning courses.
For a budding scriptwriter, the best course to enroll in for scriptwriting in Mumbai is to hone your writing skills and step into the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Scriptwriting is essential for those seeking to tell stories through any medium, such as film, television, web series, or advertising. While many of these forms require different approaches, the essential ingredients of captivating storytelling, character development, and narrative structure are common.
If scriptwriting is in your blood and you wish to sharpen your skills under expert guidance, e-Drishyam's scriptwriting course in Mumbai is the best place to start. Whether you aspire to write for Hollywood, Bollywood, or the digital world, scriptwriting promises to provide an exciting avenue in the entertainment field.
So, sign up now and take the first step towards your screenwriting career!