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Question 1

Character arc -

Answer 1

The emotional progress of the characters during the story.

Question 2

Character name

Answer 2

When any character speaks, his or her name appears on the line preceding the dialogue. In screenplays, the name is tabbed to a location that is roughly in the center of the line. In playwriting, typically the name is centered, but with the advent of screenwriting software that automatically positions the character name correctly, it has become acceptable to use a similar format for character names in stageplays.

Question 3

Cheat a script

Answer 3

• Fudging the margins and spacing of a screenplay on a page (usually with a software program) in an attempt to fool the reader into thinking the script is shorter than it really is.

Question 4

Close Up

Answer 4

A very close camera angle on a character or object.

Question 5

Commission

Answer 5

play for which a theater company gives a playwright money to write, typically with the understanding that the theater will have the right of first refusal to premiere it.

Question 6

Complication

Answer 6

• The second act of a three-act dramatic structure, in which “the plot thickens,” peaking at its end.

Question 7

Conflict

Answer 7

The heart of drama; someone wants something and people and things keep getting in the way of them achieving the goal. At times, the obstacles can be common to both the hero and villain, and the ultimate goal a laudable one for both parties.

Question 8

Continuing Dialogue

Answer 8

Dialogue spoken by the same character that continues uninterrupted onto the next page, marked with a (cont’d) in a stage play.

Question 9

Continuous Action

Answer 9

Included in the scene heading when moving from one scene to the next, as the action continues.

Question 10

Copyright

Answer 10

Proof of ownership of an artistic property that comes with registering your script through the United States Register of Copyrights.

Question 11

Copyright Notice

Answer 11

Placing © Your Name on the Title Page of a script.

Question 12

Courier 12 pitch

Answer 12

The main font in use in the U.S. by both publishers and the Hollywood film industry.

Question 13

Coverage

Answer 13

The notes prepared by script readers at literary agency, film production company, theater company or script competition. Coverage is typically divided into three sections: plot synopsis, evaluation / discussion of the quality of the writing, and a recommendation that either passes on the script or kicks it on to the next level. Typically, coverage is for internal use and almost never shared with the writer.

Question 14

Designer

Answer 14

Theater professional whose job it is to envision any of the following elements in a play: costumes, sets, lights, sound or properties.

Question 15

Development

Answer 15

The process of preparing a script for production.

Question 16

Development Hell

Answer 16

• The dreaded creative death malaise that occurs when the development process lasts too long.

Question 17

Dialogue

Answer 17

The speeches between characters in a film or a play.

Question 18

Direct Solicitation -

Answer 18

When a theater contacts a playwright or his agent about submitting a script. Theaters that use this method typically do not want the playwright to initiate the contact.

Question 19

Director

Answer 19

In a stageplay, the individual responsible for staging (i.e. placing in the space or “blocking”) the actors, sculpting and coordinating their performances, and making sure they fit with the design elements into a coherent vision of the play. In a musical, there will typically be a separate musical director responsible for the musical elements of the show. In a Dramatists Guild contract, the playwright has approval over the choice of director (and the cast and designers). In film, the director carries out the duties of a stage director and then some (e.g. choosing the shot list), with considerably more say-so over the final product.