When you first get a script, you should read it completely through once without making any “detailed” notes. This initial read is crucial because it gives you a “one-time only” opportunity to familiarize yourself with the story and the characters - from the perspective of an audience member! (Remember: after this first read, it’s ALL WORK!)
Then read the script over several more times. This begins the process of knowing who the characters are and the events in the script. You will also start to develop a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as generate ideas for backstory and subtext.
Ask a lot of questions! The questions you ask about the script are a critical part of the script analysis process because questions lead to research. And the two most important questions you can ask are "Why?" and "What?"
When you ask "Why," you gain a deeper understanding of a particular story situation, problem, or challenge. For example, "Why is the character making this choice?" or "Why is this event happening now?" This helps uncover the motivations behind actions and events, providing insight into character development and plot progression. As you go through each scene of the script, your approach to solving each question becomes clearer.
When you ask "What," you're seeking more details about the story and characters. For instance, "What is the character not saying in this scene and why?" or "What is happening in this scene for the first time and why?" This type of questioning helps identify key details and nuances that add depth to the story, ensuring an understanding of the script's elements and dynamics.
Find the facts behind the words. Always look for the facts or the reality behind every line. Ask yourself, “What does this sentence REALLY mean?” You need to always consider the character's intentions, emotions, and their scene situation to understand the deeper meaning of the dialogue.
Also, anytime you find a line of dialogue or an action that is confusing or doesn't make sense, make a note of it. If something doesn't make sense when you read the script, it won't make sense when you shoot it, AND it won't make sense to the audience when they see the film either!
A well-crafted script that captures attention from the start has a better chance of connecting with its audience, so your first impressions are crucial, as they can influence whether a viewer continues to engage with the story.
NEXT ARTICLE: What to Look for on Your First Readings of the Script (pt2)
2 people like this
Very interesting, thanks for this.
2 people like this
Love this, especially asking "why" - it's so important and uncovers so much.