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A2 Media Studies

The Script Exam

1. Why are some directors driven to write their own script?- Out of sheer frustration.

2. You shouldnt make an intense character study if you are scared of what? - Actors.

3. What should you be careful of if you only have 5k to make your film?- Writing to many stunts or effect sequences in because it could cost too much.

4. If a feature film might be described as a novella, how might a short bedescribed?

- HaikuStripping wallpaper down to local newspaper. To think about it.5. What are the length boundaries different film festivals stipulate in their short

sections?

- Min: 2 minutes- Max: 30 minutes- Some festivals have set times for example; 15 minutes.

6. If the function of you short is to make your audience laugh, how long should itbe?

- In between 2-3 minutes.7. What are the three basic elements any kind of dramatic story requires?

- Problem, Character, World.8. Why can it be useful to set your film around a familiar event/ritual?

- More recognisable to the audience.9. Why can a literal journey be a good setting for a short film?

- It can take the character on a visual or metaphorical, mental, emotional journey.10.What are the 5 most important questions to ask when you begin to develop your

story?

- Who is the main character?- What are they?- What is their problem?- Does the audience recognise the problem?- Are the stakes high enough?

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- Whats the best POV?11.One of three things must drive your character through the story. What are they?

- A want, a need and an obligation.12.What crucially must accompany this element?

- An external obstacle ( a problem/challenge )13.Why are a lot of short films about children and teenagers?

- As they have lack of experience in the world.14.What is one of the most important ways that you can demonstrate your skill as a

filmmaker and not just a story teller?

- Make the characters problem the heart of the whole film. 15.What does ensuring that something is at stake in the story mean the audience

can do?

- Connect to it emotionally, understand the characters feelings. What they are goingto lose if the problem doesnt get solved?

16.How can a different POV change a story?- By changing point of views it can make you see the story in different ways.

17.Why do many short film scripts fall down?- Characters journey isnt instinct with the journey that you are trying to convey.

18.Why does awareness of the meaning inherent in your story matter?- It helps you make your choices of what to do.

19.What is tone intimately connected to and what are the implications of this?- Tone is connected to genre; this is how youre going to present it.

20.How does tone emerge in a film?- The lighting in a horror helps to support the meaning and the tone of what is going

ontone is almost the by-product of the meaning.

21.What is a common flaw of most short scripts submitted for funding?- They arent developed properly.

22.What is the ten point plan to test the spine of your story?- Genre/tone- Want/need/obligation- Title- Setting

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- Main character- Opposition- Catalyst for change- Climax-

Resolution- Theme/audience reaction23.What point does Marilyn Milgrom make about unity?

- Unity time, every scene must take us forward. It must increase our understandingof the story.

24.How can we make sure that what happens in the end could not have happenedearlier?

- Each scene must move the story on.25.What is the step outline and what does it ensure?

- It is the way to check that there is no weak links in your film.26.Every scene of significant action should deliver something on at least two out of

three possible fronts. What are these fronts?

- What is revealed isnt significant to the plot.27.What is signified by the order in which you tell the story?

- Whether it is linear or not linear.28.What do audiences instinctively know?

- When something is portentous or dis-honest.29.As a writer what is the crucial thing you are looking to ensure?

- Having to keep the audience engaged.30.How do we establish the world and the character?

- Speed and minimal dialogue.31.What advice is given for making the film CINEMATIC once you have a good

story?

- Visuals, sound and tone- Active- Change- Cinematic devices

32.What final advice is given for ensuring that a short is more cinematic, lesstelevisual in feel?

- Less dialogue.

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33.Who is the first audience of your film?- The person who reads your script.

34.How can you help the reader SEE the film you are intending and not getirritated?- Develop the script and to follow screenwriting conventions.

35.Why is SIMPLE a useful descriptor for your short?- Small story leaves a big impression and gives it a dramatic flair.

36.Name some of Daniel Mulloys shorts and the awards they have won?- Short film Bafta

37.Compare/contrast Antonios Breakfast with dad?- There is a reversal there, meaning opposites.

38.Explain what Mulloy is aware of and has a strong sense of when developinghis scripts?

- What needs to be communicated?39.What does Neil Hunter suggest is the best way to tackle a short which covers a

lot of ground?

- The place and style have to be very close together.40.What idea did the short film The Sickie develop from?

- The character over hears the voice in the film hes in.