Screenwriting Lab (Multi-Day Workshop): You will plan, draft, and revise an original, school-appropriate screenplay scene (target length: 3–6 pages) to include in a writing portfolio. This formative guides you through professional screenplay formatting, story structure within a single scene, character + conflict, and dialogue. You will complete planning + drafting steps here, then write your scene in your own document and submit your final version to your portfolio workflow as directed by your teacher.
Which option shows a correctly formatted scene heading (slugline) in a screenplay?
Which option is formatted most like screenplay dialogue (not a short story or a play)?
Match each screenplay element to what it does on the page.
| Draggable emne | arrow_right_alt | Korresponderende emne |
|---|---|---|
Parenthetical | arrow_right_alt | Tells location + time |
Character name | arrow_right_alt | Tells what we see happen |
Scene heading (slugline) | arrow_right_alt | Labels who speaks |
Action (description) | arrow_right_alt | Shows what is said |
Dialogue | arrow_right_alt | Gives how a line is said |
Scene planning (portfolio prep): Describe your main character’s goal, the obstacle/conflict, and the stakes—all within a single, school-appropriate, original scene (3–6 pages when drafted).
Put these single-scene story beats in a strong order (a common, workable structure for a 3–6 page scene).
Pressure escalates or new information raises the stakes
Obstacle or conflict blocks the goal
Character pursues a clear goal in the moment
Button: a final image/line that lands the moment
Establish where/when we are and what’s happening now
Turning point: a choice, reveal, or consequence shifts the scene
Day 2 Drafting Checklist: Select all requirements you will include in your draft scene (3–6 pages, written outside Formative).
Beat outline (drafting prep): In 6 bullet points, outline what happens in your scene from start to finish. Each beat should include (1) what the character does, and (2) how the pressure/conflict increases or shifts.
Dialogue drafting (write outside Formative): Draft 10–14 lines of dialogue for your scene. For each character, briefly explain what they want in this moment (their objective) and what tactic they use to try to get it.
Match each dialogue technique to the effect it usually creates in a scene.
| Draggable emne | arrow_right_alt | Korresponderende emne |
|---|---|---|
Interruption / overlap | arrow_right_alt | Characters mean more than they say |
Button line | arrow_right_alt | Adds realism and tension |
Subtext | arrow_right_alt | Changes who has power |
Status shift | arrow_right_alt | Shows a new way to pursue a goal |
Tactic change | arrow_right_alt | Ends on a memorable moment |
Which turning point is strongest for a single scene (3–6 pages) because it forces an immediate choice or consequence?
Day 3 Revision — Formatting & Clarity Audit: Select all items you checked and corrected in Draft 2.
Match each revision focus area to what you should look for in your scene.
| Draggable emne | arrow_right_alt | Korresponderende emne |
|---|---|---|
Character + conflict | arrow_right_alt | Sluglines, action blocks, and dialogue layout are correct |
Clarity for the reader | arrow_right_alt | Clear escalation and a turning point that changes things |
Dialogue craft | arrow_right_alt | Goal, obstacle, and stakes stay active on the page |
Scene structure | arrow_right_alt | Subtext, tactics, and distinct voice (not filler) |
Formatting accuracy | arrow_right_alt | We can visualize what happens without confusion |
Draft 2 Revision Plan: List 3 specific changes you will make from Draft 1 to Draft 2. For each change, name (1) what you’re changing, (2) where it happens in the scene, and (3) why it improves the scene.
Peer/Teacher Feedback Notes: Summarize one piece of feedback you received on your draft (format, story, or dialogue) and explain exactly how you applied it in Draft 2 (or why you chose not to).
Final Portfolio Submission (outside Formative): Provide your scene title, the file name/location where you submitted it (Google Drive/Celtx/WriterDuet/etc.), and a brief reflection: What is the strongest moment (your turning point or button) and why does it work?