Create a Script

Take a small segment or scene from one of your favorite literary works and create a script.

Read attentively

What do you see in your head? Write that.

After choosing a piece to interpret read it. But while you are reading pay attention and make note of how you see it laying out in your head. What kind of environment are the characters in? Is the door on the left side of the room or the right?

When you finish reading, write from your head straight to your hand. You can keep the dialogue the same but in between each line should be a movement or stage direction. The lines of personal interpretation will create your vision of the scene.

Example

A excerpt from "The Story of My Nine Lives" by Wes Marfield.

"Life No. 4

Edna. Nana. Lover of patchwork, assisted-living-village social chair, a little forgetful at times. I had no idea that the Fancy Feast you gave me was actually expired tapioca pudding you’d been storing in the bread maker. But in your defense, neither did you."

Possible production version:

Narrator: Edna. Nana. Lover of patchwork, assisted-living-village social chair...

View of grandma knitting sitting in an old chair facing a window. Outside the window a sign for assisted-living-village.

... A little forgetful at times.

Grandma puts Fancy Feast in fridge, glasses lay on counter in shot view.

... I had no idea that the Fancy Feast you gave me was actually expired tapioca pudding you'd been storing in the bread maker.

View of Grandmas hands grabbing the pudding from the bread maker and scooping it into bowl labeled "Cat" on the counter beside her.

...But in your defense neither did you.

Shows gravestone labeled "Cat."

End of scene.

A Step Further

If you are really into the script you have now written and have the ability to film it, try. Find friends or family, if stuck at home, and have them read the lines and act out what you have written. Remember it doesn't have to be perfect, even if your family members are resistant to putting emotion into their lines you can still get a feel for how the scene may look as it plays out. With the absence of family to film, try stuffed animals!

Good Luck!