Glossary

1.4 Brief History of Screenwriting

3 min read•august 6, 2024

Screenwriting has evolved dramatically since the . From the rise of to the 's influence, writers have adapted to changing industry demands. The transition to sound revolutionized storytelling, while studio control shaped standardized practices.

and the in the 1960s-70s brought fresh voices and unconventional stories. The has further transformed screenwriting, creating new opportunities and challenges in the modern landscape.

Early Film Era

Silent Films and the Rise of Talkies

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  • Silent era lasted from the late 1800s to the late 1920s, characterized by films without synchronized recorded sound or dialogue
  • Early silent films relied heavily on visual storytelling techniques, such as exaggerated acting, title cards for dialogue, and live musical accompaniment
  • Talkies, or films with synchronized sound, emerged in the late 1920s with the release of "" (1927), revolutionizing the film industry
  • The transition from silent films to talkies had a significant impact on screenwriting, as dialogue became an essential element of storytelling

The Studio System's Influence on Screenwriting

  • The studio system, which dominated Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, involved major film studios controlling all aspects of production, distribution, and exhibition
  • Studios employed screenwriters under long-term contracts, often assigning them to specific projects or genres
  • Screenwriters worked collaboratively within the studio system, often as part of a writing team or under the supervision of producers and studio executives
  • The studio system's emphasis on efficiency and formula led to the development of standardized screenwriting practices and structures, such as the and the use of genre conventions

Auteur Theory and the Rise of the Writer-Director

  • , which emerged in the 1950s, posits that the director is the primary creative force behind a film, with their personal vision and style shaping the final product
  • The rise of the figure in the 1960s and 1970s challenged the traditional separation of writing and directing roles, with filmmakers like Woody Allen, Francis Ford Coppola, and Paul Schrader writing and directing their own scripts
  • Auteur theory and the writer-director trend emphasized the importance of personal vision and creative control in the filmmaking process, leading to more experimental and unconventional storytelling techniques

New Hollywood and the Spec Script Boom

  • New Hollywood, which emerged in the late 1960s and lasted through the 1970s, was characterized by a new generation of filmmakers who challenged traditional Hollywood conventions and explored more mature, complex themes
  • The New Hollywood era saw a surge in the popularity of spec scripts, original screenplays written on speculation without a contract or commission
  • Successful spec scripts like "" (1969) and "" (1973) demonstrated the potential for original, unconventional stories to succeed in Hollywood
  • The spec script boom led to increased opportunities for new and diverse voices in the film industry, as well as a greater emphasis on original, high-concept ideas

Modern Screenwriting Landscape

The Role of the Writers Guild of America (WGA)

  • The (WGA) is a labor union representing writers in the film, television, and new media industries
  • The WGA negotiates contracts with studios and production companies, establishing minimum pay rates, residuals, and other benefits for screenwriters
  • The WGA also serves as an advocate for writers' creative rights, such as credit determination and script ownership
  • Membership in the WGA is often seen as a mark of professional status for screenwriters, with many high-profile writing jobs requiring WGA membership or eligibility

The Impact of the Digital Revolution on Screenwriting

  • The digital revolution, which began in the 1990s and accelerated in the 2000s, has had a profound impact on the screenwriting landscape
  • The rise of digital filmmaking tools and distribution platforms has lowered barriers to entry for independent filmmakers and screenwriters, enabling them to produce and distribute their work more easily and affordably
  • The proliferation of like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu has created new opportunities for screenwriters, with a growing demand for original content across a wide range of genres and formats
  • The digital age has also led to changes in the way scripts are written, with an increased emphasis on shorter scenes, visual storytelling, and non-linear narratives that are well-suited to online viewing habits

Key Terms to Review (15)

Auteur theory: Auteur theory is a film criticism concept that emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film, viewing them as the 'author' of the work. This idea suggests that a director's personal style, thematic concerns, and vision significantly shape the film's narrative and aesthetic, often reflecting their own experiences and viewpoints. It connects deeply to the evolution of filmmaking and encourages understanding different screenwriting approaches based on the unique perspectives of various directors.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is a classic American film released in 1969, directed by George Roy Hill and written by William Goldman. The movie is based on the real-life outlaws Robert LeRoy Parker (Butch Cassidy) and Harry Longabaugh (the Sundance Kid), focusing on their adventures as they escape law enforcement and ultimately flee to Bolivia. This film not only became a significant part of cinematic history due to its unique blend of humor, action, and drama, but it also showcased a shift in screenwriting that combined historical figures with fictional storytelling to create a compelling narrative.
Digital revolution: The digital revolution refers to the shift from analog technology to digital technology, which began in the late 20th century and transformed various industries, including entertainment and media. This transition has dramatically changed the way content is created, distributed, and consumed, reshaping the landscape of screenwriting and storytelling in the modern era.
New Hollywood: New Hollywood refers to a significant shift in the American film industry during the late 1960s to the early 1980s, characterized by a move away from traditional studio control to more creative freedom for filmmakers. This era is marked by innovative storytelling, the rise of auteur directors, and a focus on more personal and socially relevant themes, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of America.
Non-linear Narrative: A non-linear narrative is a storytelling technique where events are presented out of chronological order, creating a more complex and engaging experience for the audience. This approach allows filmmakers and writers to explore themes, character development, and plot twists in innovative ways that challenge traditional narrative structures. By manipulating time and perspective, non-linear narratives can enhance emotional impact and maintain viewer interest.
Silent film era: The silent film era refers to a period in the history of cinema from the late 19th century to the late 1920s when films were produced without synchronized sound, particularly dialogue. During this time, filmmakers relied on visual storytelling techniques, intertitles, and live music to convey narratives, making it a crucial stage in the evolution of screenwriting and filmmaking.
Spec script boom: The spec script boom refers to a significant period in the 1980s and 1990s when there was a surge in the writing and selling of speculative screenplays, which were scripts written without a prior commitment from a producer or studio. This era marked a transformative time in the screenwriting industry, where fresh talent emerged, and many writers found success by selling original ideas rather than working exclusively on adaptations or established franchises. The boom also highlighted the changing landscape of Hollywood, where studios began to rely on these unique narratives to capture audience interest.
Streaming services: Streaming services are platforms that deliver video and audio content over the internet, allowing users to access a wide range of media on-demand without the need for downloads or physical media. They have revolutionized how audiences consume entertainment and have drastically altered the landscape of screenwriting by creating new opportunities and challenges for writers in the industry.
Studio system: The studio system was a dominant form of film production and distribution in Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, characterized by a small number of major studios controlling the majority of film production, distribution, and exhibition. This system allowed studios to have significant control over the entire filmmaking process, from script development to casting, marketing, and distribution, ultimately shaping the narratives and styles of films produced during this era.
Talkies: Talkies refer to motion pictures with synchronized sound, particularly dialogue, that emerged in the late 1920s. This innovation transformed the film industry, allowing for a more immersive storytelling experience and significantly altering screenwriting, as writers began to craft scripts that incorporated spoken dialogue and sound effects.
The Jazz Singer: The Jazz Singer is a landmark 1927 film that is widely regarded as the first significant 'talkie' in cinema history, marking the transition from silent films to sound films. It tells the story of a young man, Jack Robin, who defies his family's wishes to pursue a career in jazz music, featuring both silent scenes and synchronized sound, including songs performed by the lead actor, Al Jolson. This film fundamentally changed the landscape of filmmaking and screenwriting, influencing how stories were told in the years that followed.
The sting: The sting refers to a narrative device commonly used in storytelling, particularly in film and literature, where a surprising twist or revelation occurs at the end that alters the audience's understanding of the preceding events. This technique is often employed to create a sense of satisfaction and emotional impact by leading the audience through a series of misdirections, only to reveal a deeper truth or an unexpected outcome. The use of the sting can elevate a story from a simple narrative to a more complex and engaging experience.
Three-Act Structure: The three-act structure is a narrative framework that divides a story into three distinct sections: setup, confrontation, and resolution. This structure helps screenwriters organize their plots and develop character arcs while creating a compelling emotional journey for the audience.
Writer-director: A writer-director is a filmmaker who takes on both the roles of writing the screenplay and directing the film, allowing for a cohesive vision and unified storytelling. This dual role often leads to a more personal and expressive film, as the writer-director has complete control over both the script and the visual interpretation of their story. This connection between writing and directing has evolved throughout the history of screenwriting, shaping the way films are made and perceived.
Writers Guild of America: The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is a labor union representing writers in the film, television, and digital media industries. It plays a crucial role in advocating for writers' rights, negotiating contracts, and ensuring fair compensation, making it an essential organization in the screenwriting landscape.
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