Am I writing for Film or for Theater?
We do plays and musical theater. This means that there are some stories we can’t tell.
Theater stories have to be told with words. Film stories are told with pictures.
Some stories can be told both ways. Which medium is best for your story?
Rather than talk about it, I’d rather show you by telling the same story first as a short film and then as a short play. This week is the film, next week is the play.
In the sample short screenplay below, notice how few lines are needed to tell the story as a film.
Sample Screenplay for Film
STAR TREK; THE REALITY
Int. Day. Starship Indianapolis recreation room.
The recreation room is a group of round tables with matching chairs. Every table is occupied with crew members, some alone, some in groups. All are hunched over their communicators.
V.O. SHIP’S COMPUTER
Captain to the bridge.
The captain, alone at his table, raises a finger in a gesture meaning, “In one minute.“ A few seconds pass.
V.O. SHIP’S COMPUTER
Captain to the bridge. Emergency.
The captain continues to work on his communicator. Another few minutes pass.
V.O. SHIP’S COMPUTER
Captain to the bridge. Emergency.
A red light begins to flash. The captain continues to work on his communicator.
V.O. SHIP’S COMPUTER
Captain to the bridge. Emergency.
A red light continues to flash, but faster. The captain continues to work on his communicator.
CAPTAIN
Almost done with this level of the game.
V.O. SHIP’S COMPUTER
Captain to the bridge. Emergency.
A red light flashes even faster. The captain jumps up from his chair in excitement.
CAPTAIN
I won!
The sound of an explosion and a bright light fill the screen before it goes black.
THE END
Next Week, the Theater Script
As you can see, the primary storytelling “language” in film is visual. The action happens and builds tension by what is shown on the screen. Some stories need to be told through action, on film.
Next week, I’ll contrast this with a sample theater script so you can see the difference for yourself.
I hope you’re enjoying this as much as I am. 🙂