Moving Images, Understanding Media

Chapter 3 Sound and Image 103

Setting

One of the three Classical Unities is that of a single place, but an essential

function of the camera is its mobility, its ability to occupy and then to transcend

limitations of place. Among the fi rst decisions of the initial fi lmmakers was

the choice of setting, whether an everyday location or an elaborate set.

• Feasibility – What are the limitations of the production? Where can
  the crew shoot or what can be created to set the movie in a particular
  space or locale?


• Location – In motion pictures, the depiction of a particular location or
  type of setting can be a core foundation of the movie. It is important
  for screenwriters to explore fully the qualities inherent in a particular
  setting or space and to ask key questions about the usefulness and
  appropriateness of settings described in scenes. Do the locations serve
  the drama of the story? Do the settings off er ample opportunity to
  develop the visual resonance of the story?

Structure

Many of the most acclaimed and successful screenwriters have stressed the point

that the single fundamental goal of a screenplay is to provide a solid structure

for the narrative. Th is means that the depiction of the pursuit of objectives

and the confl icts and twists and turns on the course to resolution (or lack

thereof ) is grounded in a structure that serves the events and their outcome.

• Plot – In motion pictures, plot is the series of events that stem from
  the actions of the characters of the fi lm and that serve to advance
  character objectives on their way to further confl ict and potential
  resolution. In “character-driven” stories, the initial and subsequent
  actions of the individuals in the story drive the plot; on the other
  hand, “situational” or plot-driven narratives are regularly driven by
  outside forces and events that are then reacted to by the protagonist
  or central characters of the movie.


• Tension – Th e push and pull between the establishment of a situation
  and the complications that ensue revolve around tensions between
  what characters want and the opposing objectives or situations that get
  in their way. As a complication ensues, tension is created in the story
  and it tends to build and release at diff erent times during the story. Th e
  structure of dramatic storytelling revolves around the manipulation
  of tension between characters and their situations.

As you can see, our fi rst topics do not even mention dialogue. In your

exercises, you will start with conceptions of character, setting, and structure

to establish key elements in the development of dramatic narrative for

motion pictures. Once a strong framework for the story is built, the writing

of compelling and appropriate dialogue can be essential to the eff ectiveness

and success of a script and fi nal fi lm. Now, you will complete your formal

introduction to screenwriting by familiarizing yourself with the basic

components of screenplay format.

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