Action descriptions in a screenplay are your brush strokes on the canvas of cinema. As a newbie screenwriter, mastering the art of writing compelling action descriptions is essential. They serve as the bridge between your imagination and what the audience will see and hear on screen. In this blog entry, we'll explore the dos and don'ts of crafting action descriptions that bring your screenplay to life.
Action Descriptions: Painting a Visual Story
Action descriptions, often referred to as narrative blocks or simply 'action', are the prose-like passages in your screenplay. They provide the reader with a visual and auditory experience of the scene. Here's a breakdown of what action descriptions should achieve:
Present Tense: Write action descriptions in the present tense. This creates a sense of immediacy and makes the reader feel like they're experiencing the events in real-time.
Active Voice: Use active voice to keep your writing dynamic. Instead of writing, "The book is picked up by Sarah", say, "Sarah picks up the book". Active voice focuses on the action and the character performing it.
Conciseness: Be concise and to the point. Action descriptions should convey the most essential information without unnecessary embellishments. Short, punchy sentences often work best.
The Dos of Writing Action Descriptions
Be Specific and Vivid: Use descriptive language to create clear mental images. Instead of saying, "He walks into the room", say, "He strides confidently into the dimly lit room, casting long shadows".
Show, Don't Tell: Rather than telling the reader how a character feels, show it through their actions and expressions. For example, "Her trembling hands fumble with the key" reveals nervousness without directly stating it.
Use Action Verbs: Action descriptions should be filled with active, engaging verbs. Replace generic verbs like "walked" with more specific ones like "sauntered", "darted", or "stumbled".
Create Visual Rhythm: Mix short, impactful sentences with longer ones to create a dynamic rhythm. Short sentences can convey urgency, while longer ones allow for reflection.
Focus on What's Relevant: Avoid describing irrelevant details that don't contribute to the narrative or character development. Keep the action descriptions streamlined and purposeful.
The Don'ts of Writing Action Descriptions
Avoid Over-Describing: While details are crucial, excessive descriptions can bog down the pacing of your screenplay. Stick to the most pertinent visual and auditory elements.
Avoid Passive Voice: Don't use passive voice: Passive voice weakens the impact of your action descriptions. Instead of saying, "The ball was thrown by Jack", say, "Jack threw the ball".
Don't Tell the Reader What to Feel: Let the character's actions and dialogue convey emotions naturally. Avoid lines like, "She was sad" in favor of actions that show sadness.
Avoid Predictable Clichés: Steer clear of tired, overused phrases and descriptions. Find fresh and original ways to convey actions and emotions.
Don't Crowd the Page: Action descriptions should be well-spaced and easy to read. Dense blocks of text can be intimidating and disrupt the flow of reading.
In Conclusion
Remember that action descriptions are your primary tool for immersing the reader in your screenplay's world. They should evoke emotions, create tension, and paint a vivid picture that captures the essence of each scene. As a newbie screenwriter, practice and refinement are key to mastering this craft.
Happy writing!
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