Introduction to Scriptwriting 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the typical script font?

Times New Roman
Arial
Comic Sans
Courier (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Courier

Courier 12-point font is the industry standard for screenplays because it maintains a consistent page-to-minute ratio, where one page of script roughly equates to one minute of screen time. This standardization helps producers and directors estimate the length of a film or show accurately. Using other fonts can disrupt this crucial timing.

Question 2: How many pages should a script for a 15-minute short film have?

20
10
It is determined by the genre.
Approximately 14-18 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Approximately 14-18

The general rule of thumb in scriptwriting is that one page of a properly formatted script equals approximately one minute of screen time. Therefore, a 15-minute short film would typically require a script between 14 and 18 pages, allowing for slight variations in pacing and dialogue density. This guideline helps writers manage their story length effectively.

Question 3: The dialogue should always be what?

Be amusing
Suitable for the character (Correct answer)
Long and detailed
Sarcastic

Correct answer: Suitable for the character

Effective dialogue is always tailored to the specific character speaking it, reflecting their personality, background, education, and emotional state. Dialogue that is suitable for the character sounds authentic and helps to further define who they are, making them believable and relatable to the audience. Inconsistent dialogue can break immersion.

Question 4: You should include camera angles and views when writing a script.

True
False (Correct answer)

Correct answer: False

Generally, screenwriters are advised to avoid including specific camera angles and technical directions in their scripts. These decisions are typically left to the director and cinematographer during production. The writer's role is to tell the story through action and dialogue, allowing the director creative freedom in visual execution.

Question 5: Parts of the action/description should ________.

Only describe what the audience can see. (Correct answer)
Just on television scripts.
Slow down the story's speed.
Be stuffed with words.

Correct answer: Only describe what the audience can see.

Action descriptions in a script should focus exclusively on what is visually observable or audibly heard by the audience. Writers should avoid describing internal thoughts or feelings that cannot be externalized through action or dialogue. This principle ensures the script is practical for filming and focuses on cinematic storytelling.

Question 6: What is the best way to introduce a new character?

Regular typeface with little explanation
In uppercase characters and with minimal explanation
Character description in capital letters (Correct answer)
Character description in normal font

Correct answer: Character description in capital letters

When a new character first appears in a script, their name is typically introduced in all capital letters within the action description, followed by a brief, concise description of their appearance or key traits. This formatting immediately draws attention to their introduction and provides essential visual information for casting and production.

Question 7: The format of the script is as follows: intro, body, and _______ .

Extro (Correct answer)
Ending
Concluding

Correct answer: Extro

While 'intro' and 'body' are common terms for parts of a narrative, 'extro' (or outro) is the term used in some contexts, particularly in media production, to refer to the concluding segment. In a script, this would encompass the falling action and resolution, bringing the story to its close.

Introduction to Scriptwriting 1

What is the typical script font?