How to Read a Script Quickly and Efficiently

Actors, directors and producers read a script before choosing to produce it.

  What is a script?

A script is the structural bones of a film, television program or stage production. A script or screenplay has dialogue, scene descriptions and directions. It does not have the same descriptive components like a novel. Similar to an outline, a script needs to be read as something that will be performed. If you are working on a production or deciding whether you want to work on it yourself read a script quickly and efficiently by first understanding its format.

    How to Format a Screenplay Without  Screenwriting Software?

  

Instructions

1. Understand the basic format of a script. A script has acts, which break it up into a beginning, middle and end. The acts are broken into scenes, where the action takes place, and the scenes contain short descriptions and dialogue from the characters. Writers may also add directions for the actors. Once you understand the format, you can read it more quickly.

       

2. Read the first ten pages and the last ten pages of the script first. By reading the beginning you understand the set up of the film. Then read the last few pages so you understand what the outcome is. It will help you read the middle section more efficiently. You will look for the plot structure that leads you towards the finale.

 3.Pinpoint turning points in the screenplay and mark them in the script with a pen. Turning points are when something happens in the plot to change its direction. For example, in the movie "Erin Brokovich," the first turning point is when she forces Ed Masry, the lawyer to give her a job. This creates an opportunity for her and it changes the direction of the story. Hollywood scripts usually have five turning points. Marking them, helps you break down the script for easier reading. 

4. Read through the scene descriptions and dialogue carefully. Visualize as you read the script. Using care to read it the first time through means you will not have to reread any sections you skimmed over. You will lose out on important details when you skim to quickly.

5. Write notes in the margins of the script rather than separately. This will help find your notes more quickly rather than using a notebook or scrap paper would. Choose a pen color that stands out against the black print of the script, such as red.

    Choose a location to read where you can give the script your undivided attention.

 a. Open up the script's binding so you can read each page separately, rather than trying to crease the script open.

 
2. Read lots of scripts. The more familiar you are with script reading, the more efficient a script reader you will be. You will understand what to look for in a good script and how to see it visually in your head. 

 

  3.  If you read too quickly, you may not read it properly.

 http://www.ehow.com/how_2171578_

SCRIPT FOR PRACTICE


FADE IN:

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - MORNING

TWIN BOYS, RUDY AND JACOB CARGES (12), ride their bikes through a suburban neighborhood.

Rudy, the more athletic of the two, rides at a breakneck pace. 

Jacob rides slowly due to a HOCKEY MASK that he wears over his face.  

It’s making it difficult for him to see. 

The boys turn down a DIRT PATH and ride deep into some WOODS.

INT. WOODS - CONTINUOUS

Rudy and Jacob ride to the edge of a CLEARING andstop.  

Across from the clearing is a large OAK TREE,      which has a TREE HOUSE perched high up in its branches.     

 The boys cautiously look around and whisper.

Jacob

You see ‘em?

RUDY

No. But that doesn’t mean they’re not here. 

 

RUDY (CONT'D) 

Jacob, come on. It’s cool.

After a beat, Rudy gets off his bike and starts walking  towards the tree house. Jacob stays behind, eyeing their safety.

    

Rudy 

(CONT'D)(cont’d)

Jacob, come on. It’s cool.

  

Suddenly, a ROCK comes careening from off screen. 

It hits Jacob in the head and knocks him to the ground. 

Rudy darts for the oak tree as a hail storm of rock and debris come flying at him.

As Jacob rises, a stream of blood pours down the front of his mask. He quickly runs for the tree.

TWO BOYS, JEFF AND KENNY (14), trailer park, punks come running out of the woods, rocks in hand.

 

INT. TREE HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

 

Jacob looks back and sees Jeff and Kenny, running over.

 

Rudy crosses to the door with a BUCKET of liquid. 

 

JACOB

What the hell is that?

 

RUDY

Piss. 

 

Rudy dumps the piss onto Jeff and Kenny.

 

EXT. TREE HOUSE - SAME TIME 

 

Now drenched with piss, Jeff and Kenny jump from the tree,screaming. They try to shake the urine off.

 

Kenny spits the taste out of his mouth and angrily calls up to the boys.