SYD FIELD: The Screenwriter’s Workbook

There is a chapter on structuring a screenplay that i found very useful.

“What is a screenplay? It is a story told in pictures, in dialogue and description, and placed within the context of dramatic structure.”

In the book he states that “There are two definitions of the word ‘structure.’ first definition is the root of the word struct which means to ‘put something together.’ and the second definition is finding the “finding the relationship between the parts and the whole.” Meaning that in your script, of course you need a storyline and characters but it’s the relationship and connection they have with each other that helps make a good, structured script. 

The advice given is that when you write your screenplay it is always better to approach it as a whole, it’s always good to have everything planned out and well thought about when it comes to characters, plots, action, dialogue, scenes, sequences, incidents, events; and as a writer you have to form it into a definite shape from the beginning, middle, and end.

A screenplay is completely different from a novel or a play. With a novel it usually sets within the mind of the main character, while a play it occurs on stage and the audience becomes a fourth wall as if they are ease-dropping.

A screenplay is different, it is a visual medium that helps intensify the story line to the audience. You have to add description and visualize when writing a screenplay of how you would like it to be seen screen.

Field, Syd. The screenwriter's workbook. New York, N.Y.: Dell Pub. Co., 1984. Print.