Cadettes
LIFE SKILLS
Cadette Screenwriter Badge Activity
What Makes a Script Good
Learn what makes television shows work.
Activity Details
Time needed: 1–3 hours
Materials needed:
- Television or computer
- Notebook or paper and pen or pencil
Activity:
Decide what makes a good script good. In this step, think about the movies or television shows you love most. Then examine them for clues as to what makes them work. Look beyond the actors, and focus instead on the characters’ words, the scene changes, and the situations the screenwriter puts the characters through—and how all three elements work together.
CHOICES—DO ONE:
Watch one movie or three shows in your favorite genre. (A genre is a category, like adventure, comedy, or drama.) Take notes on how at least three elements, such as the actors’ scripts, the scene changes, or the plot changes, make things entertaining. Refer to them for inspiration while working on your own script.
For More FUN: Analyze one movie or three shows you don’t find entertaining. Looking at what doesn’t work can be as helpful as concentrating on what does. If you could remake a film or show to make it more entertaining, what would you do differently? Add a talking cat? Make the main character obsessed with chocolate?
OR
Host a script-dissection party with friends online or over the phone. Agree to watch one movie or three shows in the same genre, then discuss and write down what everyone likes and doesn’t like about the script.
OR
Read two scripts. What better way to learn the craft of writing for the screen than by reading a real script? Look for the scripts of your favorite shows or movies, or scripts from shows you’ve never seen. Ask a librarian for help, check out your library online, or team up with an adult to look online. You can also find examples in books about screenwriting!
Note: Girls, volunteers and families are encouraged to take the time and space they need to adjust to this period of rapid change and uncertainty. When they’re ready, we’re here to support Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts to safely take action in their communities—whether it’s helping ensure kids are still getting the nourishment and enrichment they need out of school, responding to the possible ramifications of isolation during social distancing, adapting an existing project to positively impact local communities today, or something else entirely!
Troop Leaders: The instructions for all badge steps are available free of charge in your Girl Scout Volunteer Toolkit.
Girl Scout Activity Zone activities have been adapted from existing Girl Scout programming.
Adapted from Step 1 of the Cadette Screenwriter badge. Purchase the Cadette It's Your World Badge Activity Set to complete all requirements and earn the badge.
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