Scripts vs. Stories

[Lisa J]

I've been reading a good chunk of PR fanfiction, and I've noticed the same things. Mainly the discrepancy between writing a short story/novel and writing a script.

A lot of fanfiction that I come across are suppose to be written as stories, but the narrative of the story fades away very quickly because the dialogue from the characters have taken over. They have taken over so much that the narrator is speaking through them to tell the audience what has taken place instead of the narrator taking that responsibility. This story is now reading more like a script.

Then there are others that do write straight up scripts. The problem that I've seen is that there isn't enough direction given to the characters. The reader is just watching characters talk but does not know if the face has fallen, or if the characters looks bewildered, or how many steps did the character travel to stop another from leaving, etc. There has to be specific direction or else the script does not do its purpose to direct the actors/actresses.

Why am I writing all of this? Because I feel like a lot of people get so excited about writing fanfiction that they lose the actual "writing" aspect. You still have to tell the story, and you still have to choose which format to tell it in. If you are going to write a short short/novel, then it has to be a lot more narrative than a script would. You have to describe the characters and the surroundings deeper than a actual script. (Although, if one were to write a treatment for a script, then that's where the deep description would go.)

If you are going to write a script, then you should do some research in script formatting first. Then you really have to think as the writer and director of the project so that the script will reflect exactly want you want the actors/actresses to do. For more information about Script Format, I've already setup the Google search for you here (http://www.google.com/search?q=script+format&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&).

I hope this helps people. If you agree, awesomeness. If you disagree.....BRING IT! :D

[DarkStarShadow]

I've been reading a good chunk of PR fanfiction, and I've noticed the same things. Mainly the discrepancy between writing a short story/novel and writing a script.

OMG, I was just thinking that five minutes ago when I saw the third script format story in the last 24 hours.

People, please, scripts are good for plays, but not as fiction. That's why in Lit class, they don't teach you how to write scripts, they teach you to write stories. Yeah, they're easier to write, but please, for all that is good in the world, AT LEAST WARN US BEFOREHAND!

[GreenNinja]

As far as my writing goes, I've been doing story format since my very first fanfic on here, and will continue to do so until I stop writing (which I never will). The only thing I use script format for is my Fivers, which rely more on wordplay, punnery, and dialouge than the actual story. I just like writing in story format. It's better for telling it, as far as I'm concerned. You get both descriptions and dialouge in easier AND they're easier to read.

Script format works for a script, naturally, but when it comes to writing fanfic, I prefer story.

[Lisa J]

Actually, scripts are good for fiction as well, but it's a different take on it. Look at Shakespeare and more recently plays like Death of a Salesman.

Yu can write a great story with a script, but you have to write a good script. A good script is not just people talking, and that's what I've seen so much of here.

[DarkStarShadow]

The only thing I use script format for is my Fivers, which rely more on wordplay, punnery, and dialouge than the actual story. I just like writing in story format.


Your Fivers are brilliant for the snazzy one-liners and such, but you're doing that for comedic mockery. The other scripts aren't. There's a difference.

[GreenNinja]

Your Fivers are brilliant for the snazzy one-liners and such, but you're doing that for comedic mockery. The other scripts aren't. There's a difference.
I'm aware of that difference. Just adding my own two cents to the "Script" part of this discussion.

[Kimberflames]

Script formats can become annoying when reading fanfiction, but its not to say that people can't write them in script format. But yeah, rather you write a script or novel type story know your stuff either way. It can't even be inbetween those two formats, because then the story still isn't done correctly.

Story/novel format is about descriptions and detail. Script format is basically dialogue and character direction.

[Eternal]

Right on, Lisa.

To add, scripts, arguably, are the lazy way out from paying the cost of time and effort.

[hasso_opitz]

Calling scripts "the lazy way" is pretty insulting to people who don't do it just because it's the "easy way" and "almost effortless".

I am very special. I have a gift that allows me to read both..and understand both. Scripts and/or story format isn't bad because it's that format, it's because the writer sucks.

[Lisa J]

I don't want this to be the "bash scripts" thread, as scripts are hella hard to write well. It's all in the right dialogue and pacing, but not a lot of people here have the patience to do the research.

[DarkStarShadow]

I don't want this to be the "bash scripts" thread, as scripts are hella hard to write well. It's all in the right dialogue and pacing, but not a lot of people here have the patience to do the research.


I agree. I mean, my stories start out in one big script format at times, and scripts are pretty difficult to write, but I don't think that a script format-only piece should be submitted as fanfiction. Fiction is a story, not a script. I don't mean to be rude or bitchy, but fiction and scripts are two different things, and...yeah, you know where I'm going with this. Scripts are cool and interesting, but to me, they're not fiction.

[Lisa J]

fic·tion
n.

3.
1. A literary work whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact.
2. The category of literature comprising works of this kind, including novels and short stories.

-------

I'm just sayin...

[hasso_opitz]

fiction and scripts are two different things?

So..the script for the movie "Lord of the Rings" was a bio-pic?

[Lisa J]

Huh? My point was scripts and short stories/novels are both fiction, just different ways of expessing it.

[hasso_opitz]

Talking to DarkStarShadow, he's the one who said scripts aren't fiction ..whatever that means.

[Crazy Firebird]

I can read and understand both script writing & story writing, however, when I go to write anything like in a RPG I often find it easier to do script that way I can put myself in the mind-set of the character and not need to rely on a 3rd-person's point of view.

eg:

*Jack runs over to the fight ready to morph*

Jack: It's Morphin' Time! PHOENIXZORD! *morphs and starts firing volley after volley of energy arrows from his Phoenix Longbow into the crowd of Putties*

That's how I role-play. To do it in story writig would be something like this:

Jack is running over to the fight pulling out his morpher and yelling out "It's Morphin' Time! PHOENIXZORD" to morph before pulling out his Phoenix Longbow and unleashing volley after volley of energy arrows into the crowd of Putties.

Now considering that I do a lot of character-to-character interaction between characters I play, I find the script writing is easier to do since it allows me to keep a track on who's talking when.

[Eternal]

Psycho,that's my point. It's *easier* for you, but where's the challenge? Didn't "Dark Wish" teach you anything?

[Angelfox]

everyone has there own style has to what they prefer, but you can use either one, if its welll written...there is no problem either way..in fanfiction you would expect a story/ novel setting..some people just prefer a script cause the story doesnt matter, only the dialogue, just depends on what you like..

[hasso_opitz]

Fanfiction doesn't need to be challenging to be good. It's all for us, right? I don't care if a machine zapped it out of his head automatically of what he would've written. You, Eternal, just seem like you want people to do it the "harder" way as you say, and it isn't about a personal preference on how you choose to read it, just how they written it.

[Eternal]

Well, hasso, if substance isn't an issue for you, then have a blast in the shallow end of the fan fic pool.

[T-Rexor Ranger]

Well isn't it up to whoever writes it, to write it the way they want? Though I feel if you can't write worth shit, then it'd be pretty bad, but if you're a good writer, even decent, this shouldn't be an issue since they write what they want to write.

Telling people how to write fanfiction, if they can write is really unnecessary. Though if it's just dialogue, with nothing else, that isn't a script or a story, it's IM Chat... which isn't even writting, period, in the world of literature.

And this is my opinion, but m-e-h, agree, disagree, just don't flame. ^__^'

[Nic]

Personally, I find the script format hard to follow. I agree that most of them are usually poorly done, with the exception of GreenNinja's fivers (of course those are done that way for effect). But, that doesn't mean the story's not there.

Most writers, I find, that do things in script mode are ones that find it hard really describing or getting into their characters' heads. I like reading those things when I read a story. I want to know the reasons characters do things, not just that they do those things.

Script format is not a bad thing. I've written many scripts. But, from my college courses, I was taught that scripts are meant to be produced, not read for entertainment. So, in my mind, a script is like a manual or directions for a story that's supposed to play out on screen. It doesn't lend itself to painting a picture of what's actually happening and how things really look (because that's not the script writer's job), which can detract from some of the entertainment value, when we don't get the final on-screen product.

[Eternal]

Who said anything about telling people how to write fan fiction? I made it clear script format is the easy way out from challenging an author to pen/key a story that requires real time and effort, as well as imagination. Having to manage a multitude of characters, plot, etc is part of the package. It's so incredibly easy for an author to say "I don't have to so I won't" to alleviate him or herself from the necessary labor. But if you want to create a deeper, fleshed out world of Rangers, zords, plot, emotion, etc, then script format ain't it. Of course if thinking is not your cup of tea, then by all means....


NIC writes: I was taught that scripts are meant to be produced, not read for entertainment.


Bingo.

[T-Rexor Ranger]

*shakes head* Hey I write fanfiction in story format, not here anymore, but I do write on other boards, and I write scripts to be filmed later on once I complete my film course. And saying thinking isn't my cup of tea? Ummmm...newsflash, I do think.

I was just giving my opinion on what I've been reading in this topic, and you and many others seem to put down script writing for fanfiction, hell if you can write it well enough then there should be no problem, but like I said IM Chat isn't writing a story/script, it's just Chat and that's not good writing all.

[Eternal]

If you are going to film it, then fantastic. Script is the thing to do, but if it's not going to be filmed then script is not the appropiate format.

[T-Rexor Ranger]

But if that's what they want to do, then I say all the power to them, as long as they can write well enough. And this thread, to me at least, seems to be a disscouragement to the people who can write script format fics really well, or at least give a decent shot at it.

I know you guys don't like it, but that's what they want to do. What gives us the right to disscourage them from that? As long as it is done well, because some scripts can be done pretty well to show you the emotion and what the character goes through in his/her mind, I can't think of one off the top of my head, but I do know some script writers put some more effort into their work, though it depends on the writer as well.

[hasso_opitz]

Well, hasso, if substance isn't an issue for you, then have a blast in the shallow end of the fan fic pool.
You know how jerkish you sound when you say that? I'd use a more stronger, fitting word but Lisa doesn't want a fight.
Who said anything about telling people how to write fan fiction? I made it clear script format is the easy way out from challenging an author to pen/key a story that requires real time and effortExplain the difference:

John: I can't let you do that

John takes the letter from Randy's hand. He crumbles it up and throws it in a fire. Randy is stunned

Randy: In a whisper How...how could you do this to me? Your own brother! Randy punches John in the face in a rage. He dies


"I can't let you do that!" said John. He grabbed the letter from Randy's hand and threw it in a fire. Randy is stunned.

"How...how could you do this to me? Your own brother!" In a rage, Randy punches John in the face. He dies.



It took me longer to write that in script form. Yah see? Both got the exact same idea across. How dare you say fanfiction writers who want to write in script have the idea it's easier, and takes less work. We read SCRIPTS in english class like A Raisin in the Sun, and we got the story out pretty nice. How lazy of them to make the book identical to the original material. They should have written it out in story form.

[Eternal]

It's rare for non-filmed scripts to stand out. People ought to be encouraged to write a story because of this thread, to be challenged to think up new stories, new characters, zords, plot lines, and the rest. My aim certainly isn't discouragement. No one should be satisfied with mediocrity.

[hasso_opitz]

So in a script, new stories, characters, zords, plot lines and the rest cannot be created at all?

[T-Rexor Ranger]

Well still, it seems like this is what it's turning out to be, that's all I'm saying. 'Cause I hate a one sided disscussion... and really that's what it was ending up to be. Also even if it's rare, it still does occur, so ya just got to be on the look out for them.

[Eternal]

Hasso, what you provided is rarely seen here. If scripts like that were truly common here, I would not debate it. Scripts seen here have far less impact.

[ZeoFury]

><

I hate reading scripts, but that doesn't necessarily mean the story is any better or worse than a traditionally written fan fiction piece.

[Bridge Rocks]

Smartest thing I've read all night. Thank you for bringing my hopes up in meeting more intelligent people on this planet.

I write a bit of fanfiction myself, so yes, I understand what you're saying. I find myself actually relying on the characters' dialogues to tell my story. It not only gets out of hand, but it's also quite difficult... in a way...

[BLANKS]

Eternal and Nic have already voiced my opinions of the matter (even though they did not know my opinion persay, but nonetheless...). Personally, if I ever pull a fic up in script format, I dont hesitate to press the back button.

I want to read a story, not read the words and try to imagine what the scene looks like. I love discriptions of the atmosphere, the locations that the characters are interacting with. I want an author to make me feel as if I am actually seeing what I am reading. Scripts can't do that. In no way am I bashing any author or anyone else who writes in script format, but I just wont allow myself to read a fic in that format.

Maybe I am missing out great idea's by doing so, but hey, thats me.

[Eternal]

Bridge Rocks proves my point again. You rely on one thing. Is everything else that is involved in writing intimidating?

[hasso_opitz]

Hasso, what you provided is rarely seen here. If scripts like that were truly common here, I would not debate it. Scripts seen here have far less impact.
So good scripts aren't seen here...therefore people who write them just want an easy way out?

You made the assumption scripts are for movies only, and fanfiction is for stories BECAUSE scripts as only fanfiction are the "easy way out" that anyone who does it is after.

What people are failing to realize, scripts describe the scene. A script is not

Man: Hi

Man 2: Hi.

words written like this describes what they are doing

When a scene changes, the scene is described. I don't want to read a story that dedicates 2 paragraphs just for a garden. Adjective overkill.

Scripts aren't a bad way of writing it, it only works if you're good at it. To think a script isn't descriptive enough is pure bullshit because the writers are hardly ever on set to help "describe" it, it is said in the script. At least the ones I've needed for class or whatever.

You said it's for people to take the easy way out, NOT because it's not seen "well" here. Either way, to say assume why people write scripts and if it isn't good here, it isn't good is a joke.

[BLANKS]

the bad scripts dont necessary mean here on this board. FF.net is loaded with plenty of crappy ones, (mainly the ones that I refered to in my original statement). I have yet to see one here, mainly because I wont allow myself to read one, mainly for the script format being used.

However, now I am intrieged. I will be looking out for more script based stories here on RB and maybe FF.net just to see if there is any that may sway me.

[hasso_opitz]

If you don't like reading it in script format that's totally understandable, but to think you lose or gain something because the format changes or one is used by lazy asses is the problem. I could take virtually any story, make part of it a script, and the only difference people would see is how it's shown.

[Angelfox]

Scripts aren't a bad way of writing it, it only works if you're good at it. To think a script isn't descriptive enough is pure bullshit because the writers are hardly ever on set to help "describe" it, it is said in the script. At least the ones I've needed for class or whatever.

You said it's for people to take the easy way out, NOT because it's not seen "well" here. Either way, to say assume why people write scripts and if it isn't good here, it isn't good is a joke.



well said, problem is most script writing on here is a pair of talking heads like beavis and butthead..we all know how much thought went into that pair..namely NONE...bottom line..if you dont like it...dont read it

[Eternal]

Given, real scripts do provide what you listed but the ones seen here are still considered scripts no matter how lax the author is on detailing their scenes.

Scripts ARE for movies period. That's why they are SCRIPTS, because they will script the dialogue and character direction for the film intended to be shot afterward.

[hasso_opitz]

Okay, the ones you've seen here suck, but that doesn't make the writer lazy.

[Angelfox]

good point eternal, a movie takes out a lot of the despriction that a story has to provide so you can see all the details, thats why its more difficult to right..

[Angelfox]

Brandon try Mystic Force SPD crossover part 1 by hedister, its not to bad...the problem with some scripts is that they would make great stories and lack the depth they need to be great

[BLANKS]

nod, nod. consider it done.

[Crazy Firebird]

Psycho,that's my point. It's *easier* for you, but where's the challenge? Didn't "Dark Wish" teach you anything?

*ahem* Us Aussies are only up to about 'Recognition' in SPD since SPD only just started on 01/07/06 (July 1st) in Australia. So I haven't seen any MF let alone "Dark Wish".

[ZeoSaturn]

Personally, I think that a script is a good set up for the real fic itself. In script mode, it is easy to edit it before it goes onto the next step.

[Angelfox]

Personally, I think that a script is a good set up for the real fic itself. In script mode, it is easy to edit it before it goes onto the next step.


a good place to start and brainstorm...better if you expand it

[Crazy Firebird]

This is a typical post for me in a RPG on PRE. Please note the dialouge between the 2 characters I control:

((Sorry about that Howler you can be Cam if you want and I'll stick with Shane))

((OOC: Okay, I just wanted to know if you were still in this.))

*Jack is in his old Sapphire Quantum Dragon Zord in orbit around Earth, monitoring activity on Earth, when he notices a energy signature that matches and is confirmed as Lothor's.*

Jack: That's odd, I thought Lothor was trapped in the Abyss of Evil, then was turned into a doll by Mesogog. I wonder if Cam know's about this. *opens a comlink to Cam's computer* Cam, are you there? This is Jack Tudor here, and I've found some disturbing information regarding Lothor.

Cam *sits down at his computer as the visual of Jack pops up on the monitor*: Yeah Jack, this is Cam here. I've already detected Lothor, and it seems that he's working with a revived Master Org.

Jack: Master Org is Back?! Do the Wild Force Rangers know about this?

Cam: Yes, I've already contacted Princess Shayla, and in turn, she's contacted the Wild Force Rangers. *turns about and looks at Shane* Shane! Do you mind? I'm on the commlink with someone. *turns back to his monitor to the visual of Jack* Now, where were we?

Jack: So you've contacted Princess Shayla and the Wild Force Rangers so they know about this new evil, correct?

Cam: Yes, and Princess Shayla said something about "The Phoenix Will Rise Again.", you have any clue to what that's about?

Jack: Yes, I know exactly what Princess Shayla means by that. Anyway, I'm currently in orbit of Earth right now, I'll be landing outside the waterfall soon, alright?

Cam: Okay, I'll meet you there. *cuts the commlink and turns to Shane* Now Shane, any particular reason you are here, or are you just bored?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Jack cuts his end of the commlink and sets the SQDZ into a atmospheric entrance angle and enters the atmosphere, landing just outside the secret waterfall entrance to the Wind Ninja Academy, and climbs out after landing and waits for Cam.*

((OOC: I think I'll leave it there for now.))

Notice how I have a lot of communication in there with a small amount of action that leaves it to the reader's imagination to think about the scenes instead of actually telling the reader exact details about the scenes?

[Angelfox]

that looks interesting..can i get link to it??

[Crazy Firebird]

This is the RPG thread: http://www.powerrangerempire.com/community/showthread.php?t=7004
This is the particular page that post (Post 86) is from: http://www.powerrangerempire.com/community/showthread.php?t=7004&page=5

[Angelfox]

thanks

[Crazy Firebird]

No problems. Also, if you read through that RPG, you'll see people using different styles of writing for their characters.

[Angelfox]

read it, it was interesting..noted the differences...reminds me of improv

[Knuckles]

As someone expertly pointed out, scripts are made to be produced, not read for entertainment. This statement is so true. I have never personally read a well-written and entertaining Power Rangers script. All I see is line upon line of dialogue. It has become a personal hate of mine, and I simply can not enjoy reading a script, no matter how 'good' it is presented and done, whereas, I can gain immense enjoyment from reading a well-written fanfic.

If you are someone who can love reading script format, good for you, but I personally can not stand it.

[ZeoSaturn]

a good place to start and brainstorm...better if you expand it


Yeah. Script can be a great brainstorming tool when creating the fic. It can help you keep track what you have done. I know it is extra work but it's worth it if you use it.

I agree that I can't stand reading script fics. It is hard on the eyes and not as descripive when read.

[Kimberflames]

I never heard of people using script format as a start for novel/short story format, usually, I hear it the other way around. Like for movie books,(Xmen 3 is a good example), script develope first then the movie or the same time by the same writers?

The novel books always has more than the movie itself. I bought X3 movie novel and it had extra scenes and abit more truer to character as it could be, while sticking to the plot of the movie.

But yeah, I hate reading script formats, it's annoying.

[[]V[]etal []_ion]

i tell you, it is really hard tryin to describe eveyrtting, i mean i hate msn type stories, really put me off the fics no matter how good the ideas may be, but i always try and give the characters direction, or atleast throw in a bit of description, but sometimes i can't avoid but do a section full of speech!

[Lisa J]

This is a typical post for me in a RPG on PRE. Please note the dialouge between the 2 characters I control:



Notice how I have a lot of communication in there with a small amount of action that leaves it to the reader's imagination to think about the scenes instead of actually telling the reader exact details about the scenes?
Dude, RPGs are a different beast alltogether. The point of most of them is to get straight to what happened instead of describing scenes, characters' thoughts, etc.

And a lot of RPGs are bad. They try to be well-written scripts, but it's just people fangasming over dialogue left and right. There's letting the reader use their imagination, and then there's letting the reader do all the work.

[Angelfox]

agreed that a novel has more detail, it tells you what a character is feeling, saying, and more importantly what there thinking!!! how are you supposed to know what a character is thinking just by getting a closeup of him/her/it???

[cyrax037]

Given, real scripts do provide what you listed but the ones seen here are still considered scripts no matter how lax the author is on detailing their scenes.

Scripts ARE for movies period. That's why they are SCRIPTS, because they will script the dialogue and character direction for the film intended to be shot afterward.

LOL, That narrow-minded as hell! You completely left out series, commercials, plays, shorts!:icon_fU:

[Angelfox]

LOL, That narrow-minded as hell! You completely left out series, commercials, plays, shorts!

that's a good point..