Setting up or describing a location definitely isn’t the sexiest part of screenwriting, but it’s essential.
A good script is easy for the reader to visualize and no matter how you shake it, location is a big part of that visualization.
But new writers can get stuck on setting up their locations. So we decided to take a look at how some of great writers set up locations in their scripts.
Keep reading, and you’ll never get stuck on describing locations again.
A good script is easy for the reader to visualize and no matter how you shake it, location is a big part of that visualization.
But new writers can get stuck on setting up their locations. So we decided to take a look at how some of great writers set up locations in their scripts.
Keep reading, and you’ll never get stuck on describing locations again.
The Bourne Identity
So often, location description also serves as the reader's first actual introduction to your screenplay. That's part of why setting up locations is such an important skill.
And this excerpt from "The Bourne Identity" is amazing.
First, we're introduced only to "darkness" and "the sound of wind and spray."
How badass is that?
But then there's a reveal... "The darkness is actually water."
This location description immediately introduces the reader to the thematic significance of Bourne's journey. For Jason Bourne, nothing is as it seems, and he'll encounter that reality time and again on his journey to discover his true identity. And that confusion all starts here... With the description of the very first location of the film.
YES! That's really, really cool. And beyond that, this location description totally nails the tone of the movie. This description works on so many levels it proves that locations definitely CAN be sexy, if you write them with purpose.
BOTTOM LINE
Consider adding thematic relevance to the locations you describe (particularly in the beginning of the movie). People think these connections don't matter, but they help the audience acclimate themselves to the kind of story you're telling.
And this excerpt from "The Bourne Identity" is amazing.
First, we're introduced only to "darkness" and "the sound of wind and spray."
How badass is that?
But then there's a reveal... "The darkness is actually water."
This location description immediately introduces the reader to the thematic significance of Bourne's journey. For Jason Bourne, nothing is as it seems, and he'll encounter that reality time and again on his journey to discover his true identity. And that confusion all starts here... With the description of the very first location of the film.
YES! That's really, really cool. And beyond that, this location description totally nails the tone of the movie. This description works on so many levels it proves that locations definitely CAN be sexy, if you write them with purpose.
BOTTOM LINE
Consider adding thematic relevance to the locations you describe (particularly in the beginning of the movie). People think these connections don't matter, but they help the audience acclimate themselves to the kind of story you're telling.
Jurassic Park
Like the "Bourne Identity", this location description is also the very beginning of the movie. But that's not why we chose this example.
Here's what's really great about this description...
It's ACTIVE.
"An eyeball stares raptly"
"The trees shake"
"The bulldozer pushes forward"
There's constant movement here, and the audience is introduced to the location through movement, activity and unpredictability. By introducing the reader to a dynamic location, you can grab their attention from the very beginning.
BOTTOM LINE
Don't get lazy with your location descriptions. Challenge yourself to write something as active as the description of the jungle excerpted above.
Here's what's really great about this description...
It's ACTIVE.
"An eyeball stares raptly"
"The trees shake"
"The bulldozer pushes forward"
There's constant movement here, and the audience is introduced to the location through movement, activity and unpredictability. By introducing the reader to a dynamic location, you can grab their attention from the very beginning.
BOTTOM LINE
Don't get lazy with your location descriptions. Challenge yourself to write something as active as the description of the jungle excerpted above.
The Apartment
Okay. This is obviously a long description, and you've probably read a lot about the value of brevity in screenwriting. That's true. Short and sweet is usually good to keep in mind.
But you can't be afraid to really give the reader some details, especially when you're setting up a person, place or idea that's as crucial as the apartment is in "The Apartment."
This is a very old script, and stylistically it reads a little bit like a play, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from it. Places reflect the people who live there, what their lives are like, and who they are.
Use your location descriptions wisely, and they can reveal important details about the characters in your script.
BOTTOM LINE
Don't be afraid to take your time when you're setting up an important location. Just make sure you're including details that draw the reader into your story, or tell us something about the characters that live there. Everything we learn about the apartment gives us an insight into the protagonist, and in that way, it's introducing setting and character at the same time.
But you can't be afraid to really give the reader some details, especially when you're setting up a person, place or idea that's as crucial as the apartment is in "The Apartment."
This is a very old script, and stylistically it reads a little bit like a play, but that doesn't mean we can't learn from it. Places reflect the people who live there, what their lives are like, and who they are.
Use your location descriptions wisely, and they can reveal important details about the characters in your script.
BOTTOM LINE
Don't be afraid to take your time when you're setting up an important location. Just make sure you're including details that draw the reader into your story, or tell us something about the characters that live there. Everything we learn about the apartment gives us an insight into the protagonist, and in that way, it's introducing setting and character at the same time.
Frasier
Just like in "The Apartment," this description tells us a lot about the character that lives in this location. Frasier's place reflects his character almost to a T. But here's the thing... This location is introduced quite a few pages into the script. By that point, the reader already has a good idea of who Frasier is. So why not describe this place merely as an "Upscale Apartment" and leave it at that?
1) Because this is going to be an important set in every episode of the story
2) Because this description is all set up for a punchline. As soon as this description is complete, Niles arrives with Martin (Frasier's blue-collar dad), who is the antithesis of everything this apartment represents. The more familiar the reader is with how ridiculous Frasier's house is, the better the joke lands when Martin arrives.
BOTTOM LINE
Remember that locations can have multiple purposes in your story beyond simply describing a place. Here, the location sets up the joke of Martin's arrival. In fact, Martin's criticisms of the apartment (and his introduction of a ratty old chair), add a lot to the comedy throughout this pilot and offers a visualization of the interpersonal conflict between Frasier and his dad that serves as the engine for much of the series.
1) Because this is going to be an important set in every episode of the story
2) Because this description is all set up for a punchline. As soon as this description is complete, Niles arrives with Martin (Frasier's blue-collar dad), who is the antithesis of everything this apartment represents. The more familiar the reader is with how ridiculous Frasier's house is, the better the joke lands when Martin arrives.
BOTTOM LINE
Remember that locations can have multiple purposes in your story beyond simply describing a place. Here, the location sets up the joke of Martin's arrival. In fact, Martin's criticisms of the apartment (and his introduction of a ratty old chair), add a lot to the comedy throughout this pilot and offers a visualization of the interpersonal conflict between Frasier and his dad that serves as the engine for much of the series.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
We included this description because it's not visual at all!
That's right. The Bueller household is set up completely with audio cues. But this unorthodox approach tells us everything we need to know about the house we're in.
That just goes to show you... Don't get caught up in any pre-conceived ideas of what scene painting needs to be. That goes for screenwriting, too.
Follow your instincts, and don't be afraid to try something new every now and then.
Locations can be sexy. Just write them like you care. Give them a purpose, and they'll really take on lives of their own.
That being said... Don't be afraid to keep it simple either. We didn't include any super simple locations above, but if a location speaks for itself, there's often no need to dress it up. (Think: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY or EXT. BEACH). Too much description can hurt a script if it's not carefully placed.
That's right. The Bueller household is set up completely with audio cues. But this unorthodox approach tells us everything we need to know about the house we're in.
That just goes to show you... Don't get caught up in any pre-conceived ideas of what scene painting needs to be. That goes for screenwriting, too.
Follow your instincts, and don't be afraid to try something new every now and then.
Locations can be sexy. Just write them like you care. Give them a purpose, and they'll really take on lives of their own.
That being said... Don't be afraid to keep it simple either. We didn't include any super simple locations above, but if a location speaks for itself, there's often no need to dress it up. (Think: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY or EXT. BEACH). Too much description can hurt a script if it's not carefully placed.