Scriptwriting Essentials 4

Question 1

What is 'subtext' in dialogue?

Accepted Answer

The underlying meaning beneath the literal words spoken

Answer

The subtitles displayed on screen

Answer

A secondary plot line

Answer

Text written below a slugline

Question 2

What is a common problem with 'on-the-nose' dialogue?

Accepted Answer

Characters state exactly what they feel or mean, leaving no subtext

Answer

It is too quiet to hear

Answer

It uses too much slang

Answer

It is written in past tense

Question 3

What is the purpose of a 'logline'?

Accepted Answer

A one-to-two sentence summary capturing the story's premise and conflict

Answer

A list of every scene location

Answer

The film's opening line of dialogue

Answer

A timestamp log of edits

Question 4

In a screenplay, what is a 'beat' often used to indicate within dialogue?

Accepted Answer

A brief pause or moment of hesitation

Answer

A musical drumbeat cue

Answer

A change of location

Answer

The end of the act

Question 5

What does a 'CUT TO:' indicate in a script?

Accepted Answer

A transition from one scene to the next

Answer

A deleted scene

Answer

A character's exit

Answer

A sound effect

Question 6

Why should a screenwriter generally avoid specifying camera angles in a spec script?

Accepted Answer

Those decisions belong to the director, and they slow the read

Answer

Camera angles are illegal to include

Answer

It makes the script too short

Answer

Readers prefer no scene headings

Question 7

What is a 'spec script'?

Accepted Answer

A script written on speculation, without a contract or assignment

Answer

A technical specifications document

Answer

A script for special effects only

Answer

A revised shooting script