Writing Scenes For Screenplays: (The 15-Minute Movie Method) by Wang Wallace

Author:Wang, Wallace [Wang, Wallace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-04-10T00:00:00+00:00

While functional, the above example fails to define the tone of the scene. In this example, Mike seems exhausted, but is he happy, sad, burned out, or just physically tired? Whatever choice we make, we can then apply this tone to the home.

Let's say Mike is sad and just glad he got through the day for whatever reason. Instead of just describing a generic home, define a run down home. Maybe the paint is peeling off the wall to show neglect (just like Mike's life). Maybe it's an old house that has seen better days and has faded, peeling wallpaper. Maybe it's a cramped older house filled with junk cluttering the hallway. Maybe the front door doesn't even match the rest of the house to show that the door is more functional than aesthetically pleasing.

Notice how all of these types of choices suddenly make the home as a setting match and reflect the character's mood whatever that might be?

There's a reason why movies always show rain during tumultuous times of a character's life. When a character is sad, the setting is usually dark, gloomy, and dismal. When a character is happy, the setting is usually brighter, cleaner, and beautiful.

Setting plays a huge role in shaping the tone of every scene. If you use generic settings, you're missing out on the chance to further shape and manipulate the audience's emotions.

So make sure your setting reflects the tone of the scene. Just this simple difference can make every scene in your screenplay feel more alive.

Exercise: Pick a scene from a favorite movie and identify the setting. Is this an expected setting for the scene, such as a restaurant for a date or a conference room for a business meeting? How does this expected setting still work against the hero?

If the scene takes place in an unexpected setting, how does this grab and hold our attention? How does this unexpected setting still work against the hero?

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