Fundamentals of Screenwriting and Cinematography Techniques

Screenplay Fundamentals

A Screenplay is a document containing the planning of a film, from the start of filming until its completion in post-production (editing room). It is generally divided into two parts:

Types of Screenplays

• Literary Screenplay: A literary narrative detailing the actions seen on screen, the characters' dialogues, and specifying the time and space of the action.
• Technical Screenplay: The technical planning of the film, written with detailed instructions regarding what is seen and heard (the action and sound).

Literary Screenplay Structure

Scene

An action that occurs in the same space and time, and involves the same characters.

Sequence

A narrative unit comprising a set of scenes, identified by its core content.

Parts of a Sequence:

• Title or numbering.
• Stage directions (indicating the time and place where the events occur).
• Character name (in direct style).
• Notes on formal approach and interpretation (showing the actors what to do and how).

Technical Screenplay Structure

The information starts with the shot number and is then divided into different columns detailing what is seen and what is heard. Before shooting, the Storyboard (a technical illustrated screenplay) is also elaborated.

Cinematography Resources

A Shot (or Plan) is defined as the image space presented, including the elements that appear within it.

Types of Shots (Plans)

Type	Definition	Functions
Extreme Long Shot (ELS)	The human figure appears very small or not at all.	Presents the scenario and setting.
Long Shot (LS)	The human figure occupies about a third of the frame.	Situates the character within the context.
Full Shot (FS)	Captures a group of figures in their entirety.	Shows relationships between characters.
American Shot (AS)	The human figure is cut off around the knees.	Brings the viewer closer to the character.
Medium Shot (MS)	Cut to the character from the waist up.	Shows gestures, especially those involving the body and arms.
Close-Up (CU)	Shows faces, highlighting the character's emotions and detailing feelings.	Emphasizes emotional expression.
Detail Shot (DS)	Shows a body part, an object, or specific details.	Highlights specific points or elements.

Camera Angles

The angle is the position where the camera is placed for filming; it varies depending on the view desired for the action. There are three main types of angles:

Type	Definition	Vision/Effect
High Angle (HA)	The camera is placed above the subject's line of sight.	Indicates inferiority, panic, or loneliness of the character. Suggests the scene is viewed from a high place.
Normal Angle (NA)	The camera is located at the character's eye height.	Creates a feeling of naturalness and objectivity. It is the most common angle used in filming.
Low Angle (LA)	The camera is placed below the subject's line of sight.	Expresses grandeur, pride, or strength. Suggests the scene is viewed from a lower place.