Script Breakdown

By Darryl Green

  • Script Breakdown – Script and Scene Analysis

    A) Actor as Story-Teller

    There are many facets of a actor’s prep on any film or TV show – from location scouts and creative meetings to casting and scheduling.

    But the first, and most important part of your job, is to understand the script – what the story is about; the themes; the story points; the characters.

    An actor is a story-teller, and to be a good story-teller, you need to understand every detail about the story you are telling. There’s an old expression that says if it doesn’t work in

    the script, it won’t work on the set – and boy is that true! Understanding the story requires a lot of work on your part because you need to rip the script apart to find out what it is about, what works and what doesn’t.

    B) Script structure

    Here is the “traditional” Three Act structure of any story:
    ACT ONE – THE SET-UP (Boy Meets Girl)
    ACT TWO – CONFRONTATION (Boy Loses girl-fights to get her back)
    ACT THREE – RESOLUTION (Boy Gets Girl)

    NOTE: There has been a lot of debate lately on script structure – how many acts there are in a script! Because this is not a writing course, (and every story ALWAYS has a Beginning, Middle and End), I will refer to all scripts as having the traditional Three Act structure. Even Television scripts follow the Three Act structure – they are just divided into Act Breaks because that is where the commercials go.

    Here is a “general guide” to the physical structure of TV scripts:
    1) Half-Hour Episodic TV (22-25 pages and Two Acts)
    2) One-Hour Episodic TV (50 – 65 pages and Four Acts)
    3) Two Hour TV Movie (100 – 110 pages and Seven Acts)

    Television scripts can also be broken down further by using a Teaser and a Tag. So a one-hour TV Script could be divided up like this:
    a. Teaser
    b. Act One
    c. Act Two
    d. Act Three
    e. Act Four
    f. Tag

    C) Script Analysis

    When you first get your script, find a nice quite place and just read it through once – from start to finish. Your first pass is to get an idea of what the story is about, where it takes place and who the characters are. This is when you form your first impressions of the story and it is probably the only time you will ever enjoy the script as a story – because from now on it’s all work!!

    Then, read the script again (and again, and again…) and start making notes and jotting down the answers to the following questions:
    1) what is the PLOT? (what is the story about)
    2) what is the THEME? (what is the message)
    3) what is the LOGIC? (does the story make sense)
    4) what is the EXPOSITION? (what are the characters doing/thinking)
    5) what is the COMPLICATION? (what is the drama in the story)
    6) what creates the tension? (what will happen next)
    7) what is the MAIN QUESTION? (what problem is to be solved)
    8) what is the MAIN action? (what event hooks the audience)
    9) what is the CAUSE OF THE action? (what happens to the main character)
    10) what is the RESULTING action? (the answer to the main question)
    11) what is the CONCLUSION? (how does the story end)
    12) who is the PROTAGONIST? (the main character)
    13) who is the ANTAGONIST? (could be one or more characters)
    14) who is the MOST INTERESTING character? (not always the main character)
    15) where does the story TAKE PLACE? (location, time period)

    D) Scene Analysis

    Once you have an understanding of what the story is about, you then need to analyze each individual scene in the script.

    1) what is the INTENT of the scene? (what is the scene used for dramatically)
    2) what are the PLOT POINTS? (points that move the story forward)
    3) what is the climax of each scene? (what is the turning point)
    4) what is the RESOLUTION? (how is the theme resolved)
    5) what is the CONCLUSION? (how does the scene end)
    4) what are the important LINES OF DIALOGUE? (contain story points)
    5) which character CONTROLS the scene? (who pushes the story forward)
    6) what are the BEATS/UNIT CHANGES? (where does the story change directions)

    E) Other Structural Elements

    Here is a partial list of some other elements you need to look for during your script breakdown:
    1) foreshadowing
    2) recurring motifs
    3) scene transitions
    4) counterpoint
    5) repetition
    6) contrast
    7) clarity of information
    8) action and stunts
    9) comedy scenes
    10) special effects (explosions etc)
    11) visual effects (CGI, green screen etc)
    12) locations

    F) In Conclusion

    Your script breakdown will be a never-ending process. Each time you read the script, you find out something different about the story or the characters.

    The script will constantly evolve. It will change because of the your creative notes – writer changes – actor changes – producer changes – network changes – location availability and on and on and on…

    As long as you know what the story is about and where the story is going, you can adjust to all the changes.

    About The Author

    Peter D. Marshall has worked in the Film and TV Industry for over 32 years. In 2000 he created www.ActionCutPrint.com as an online resource center for Filmmakers where you will find filmmaking tips, articles and directing workshops. Peter also publishes the free monthly ezine, “The director’s chair.”http://www.actioncutprint.com mailto:pdm@actioncutprint.com

    Recommended Posts

  • Ad

  • 10 Notable Quotes by Jessica Chastain

    10 Notable Quotes by Jessica Chastain (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Jessica Chastain is an American actress and producer known for her versatile performances across film, television, and stage. She was born on March…

    10 Notable Quotes by Christian Bale

    10 Notable Quotes by Christian Bale (Arranged by Christian Bale) Christian Bale is a British actor known for his intense performances and transformative roles in a wide range of films. He was born…

    10 Notable Quotes by Gary Oldman

    10 Notable Quotes by Gary Oldman (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Gary Oldman is an English actor and filmmaker who has earned widespread acclaim for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. He…

    10 Notable Quotes by Cate Blanchett

    10 Notable Quotes by Cate Blanchett (By Carmichael Phillips) Cate Blanchett is an Australian actress and producer who is widely regarded as one of the most talented performers in the film industry. She…

    10 Notable Quotes by Ryan Gosling

    10 Notable Quotes by Ryan Gosling (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Ryan Gosling is a Canadian actor and musician who gained widespread recognition for his roles in various films. He was born on November…

  • Ad

  • 10 Inspirational Quotes by Oscar Isaac

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Oscar Isaac (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Oscar Isaac, the talented actor known for his compelling performances and versatile roles, has shared various insightful quotes over the years. Here are…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Jake Gyllenhaal

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Jake Gyllenhaal (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Jake Gyllenhaal, the talented actor known for his diverse roles and compelling performances, has shared various insightful quotes over the years. Here are…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Amy Adams

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Amy Adams (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Amy Adams, the versatile and talented actress known for her captivating performances, has shared various insightful quotes over the years. Here are some…

  • Ad

  • 10 Inspirational Quotes by Frances McDormand

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Frances McDormand (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Frances McDormand, the talented and acclaimed actress known for her powerful performances and outspoken nature, has shared many insightful quotes over the years….

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Tom Hardy

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Tom Hardy (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Tom Hardy, the versatile actor known for his intense performances and dedication to his craft, has shared various insightful quotes over the years….

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Leonardo DiCaprio

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Leonardo DiCaprio (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Leonardo DiCaprio, the acclaimed actor and environmental activist, has shared various insightful quotes over the years. Here are some memorable quotes attributed to…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Brad Pitt

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Brad Pitt (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Brad Pitt, the renowned actor, producer, and philanthropist, has shared various insightful quotes over the years. Here are some memorable quotes attributed to…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Matt Damon

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Matt Damon (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Matt Damon, the accomplished actor, writer, and philanthropist, has shared numerous insightful quotes over the years. Here are some memorable quotes attributed to…

  • Ad

  • 10 Inspirational Quotes by Joaquin Phoenix

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Joaquin Phoenix (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Joaquin Phoenix, the acclaimed actor known for his intense performances and thought-provoking roles, has shared many insightful quotes over the years. Here are…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Cillian Murphy

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Cillian Murphy (Arranged by Cillian Murphy) Cillian Murphy, the Irish actor known for his intense performances and diverse roles, has shared several insightful quotes over the years. Here are…

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Tom Hanks

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Tom Hanks (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) Tom Hanks, the beloved actor known for his versatile roles and genuine personality, has shared many insightful and inspiring quotes over the years….

  • Ad

  • 10 Inspirational Quotes by Margot Robbie

    10 Inspirational Quotes by Margot Robbie (Arranged by Margot Robbie) Margot Robbie, the talented Australian actress, has shared various insightful and inspirational quotes over the years. Here are some memorable quotes attributed to…

    10 Inspirational quotes by Tom Cruise

    10 Inspirational quotes by Tom Cruise (Arranged by Carmichael Phillips) “I’ve learned that life is very tricky business: Each person needs to find what they want to do in life and not be…

    Do Actors Have to Swear?

    Question: Do Actors Have to Swear? (By Carmichael Phillips) The use of swearing or explicit language by actors in film, television, or theater depends on the script, the nature of the characters, and…

    Do Some Actors Refuse to Kiss?

    Question: Do Some Actors Refuse to Kiss? (By Carmichael Phillips) Yes, some actors may choose to refuse or express discomfort with on-screen kissing scenes for various reasons. These reasons can be personal, professional,…

    Why Do Actors Not Kiss on the Lips?

    Question: Why Do Actors Not Kiss on the Lips? (By Carmichael Phillips) In some film and television productions, actors may not engage in on-the-lips kissing for various reasons. There are several factors that…

  • Ad