Technical Elements of Script

Starting Point
In the initial primary phases of composing a script it normally commences by incoporating a simple editing strategy (for example 'Fade Out') This immeditelly allows us to engage with the plot, building up interest until the opening scene is under way.

FADE IN:

Scene Heading/Slugline
This element details precisley where the location of the shooting will be set, it can also be used to document the time/moment of the day the shooting of the scene is initiated. It must be realised this particular segment is highlighted in capital letters on the script to emphasise the relevence of how it is to be composed, for example this could be 'INT.MEDIA ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON'. This helps relate to others, such as the crew, detailing when and where the shooting will be done. 'INT' is an abbreivation for interior - this suggests the shot will be conducted in an indoor environment. If you were to consider participating in a scene outside then this wouldbe represented as 'EXT' (exterior).

EXT: SUNDERLAND COLLEGE - NIGHT

Action
Refers to the section of the script that focuses upon what physical events occur in the scene - this will all be printed in present tense for the reader to understand. It can include action for animate objects (humans/animals) or inanimate (vehicles). For example the narrative description may come across as 'its the middle of the night and a car RIDES past a suburban street' and is always printed in present tense.

Character
All characters names are to be displayed in capital letters to emphasise them above other components of the script, as in essence they cannot be ignored if the filming is to flow smoothly. It could be normally shown something like 'GAIL skipped cheerfully down the street, blissfully unaware of the man who is stalking her'. Their name will always be above their speaking lines, moreover if the character has virtually no impact or importance in the content (an extra) then they may be referenced to 'customer' or 'crowd member'

Dialogue
Interacts with a characters line of speech, whether they are present on the set or not - can be used when a character is off screen, this is commonly described as a 'voice over' and will be displayed as a conventional piece of dialogue such as 'is everyone okay?'

STEVE

Hey, how are you?

Transitions
Only viable on a shooting script, describing the editing transit in continuation from one shot to the next. These filming editing instructions are often seen presented 'FADE OUT' or 'CUT TO' so they are not to be overlooked by the director. Transitions most importantly construct how a scene is to change or develop throughout the progress of the script.

DISSOLVE TO:

Shot
When this technical event commences during filming the audience will be able to identify the focal point in the environment has been manipulated and changed - this could be an instance when an incremental zoom is employed to get a closer view point on a certain actor of interest.