Writing a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle TV Script

This is a group activity designed to follow A Reduce, Reuse, Recycle TV Story Outline. The groups will write a video or teleplay script based on their previously developed plot outlines.

Skills addressed include:

• establish a situation and introduce characters
• organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally
• use narrative techniques, such as dialogue, description, and pacing, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations
• analyze how dialogue or incidents in a drama propel the action,
  reveal aspects of a character, or provoke a decision
• use technology to produce and publish writing
• develop and strengthen writing by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach
• participate in collaborative discussions

Preparation

Do A Reduce, Reuse, Recycle TV Story Outline activity.

Hand out copies of the worksheet Writing a TV Script.

Procedure

1. Each group writes a script based on the previously created story outline.
2. The groups produce good copies of their scripts using a word processor. Suggest the following form:

   SCENE #:
   A sentence or two describing the location.

   CHARACTER 1
   What character 1 says.

   CHARACTER 2
   (If necessary, a description of the action)
   What character 2 says.

3. Each group then distributes copies of the script and gives a reading for the whole class. The reading is not a full performance - students remain seated in a loose group and each role is assumed by a single student who reads the appropriate dialogue and any stage directions.
4. Tell the class that they will be acting as reviewers and will be asked for helpful suggestions so they should listen carefully and make notes during the reading.
5. Lead a class discussion of the reading. What suggestions are there for improvement? Did the dialogue seem natural - did it sound like the way the characters would really talk? Did the words and actions of each character show you something about the character? Did they remind you of words and actions you've seen in real life? Did they make you react - did you laugh, admire somebody, feel frustrated, agree or disagree in your mind? Did they contribute to the overall plot?
6. Based on the class discussion, have the groups review their scripts with the option of making changes.
7. After all the scripts have been read and reviewed, lead a discussion comparing them. What was the same? What was different? Which did you enjoy the most? Which did you react to most strongly? Did the different scripts present similar or different messages or points of view? Have the class provide support for the analyses in as much specific detail as possible.

Extensions

• Stage a full performance with costumes and props. Actors and extras may be drawn from outside the original group.
• Produce a video of the episode. Arrange for location shooting and editing, if possible.
• Have groups compose reviews of the other groups' presentations and present them to the class. Are the reviews similar? Are the opinions supported by specific examples?

Variation

Do both the story outline and this script writing activity on a current local topic or a topic that is selected by the class during a brainstorming session.