This is my first sci-fi/fantasy script, so when you write the synopsis and the character list - do you also add a page describing the "made up" planet? Do you just go ahead and type up what the planet looks like and what kind of people or creatures that live on that planet?
Screenwriting : Sci-fi Planet Description by K.D. Stout
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
I wouldn't make it an entire page. Could some of it be written into the character bios or synopsis? Find a way to tie the planet and its inhabitants into areas of the synopsis and character bios. I would summize it if the planet and its inhabitants aren't an integral focus of the story. Just my two cents.
It shouldn't require an entire page to describe a planet/creatures, a short paragraph or two should suffice - remember, you're a writer, "economy of words" and "show not tell" should see you over the line - a spec script is a template, a blueprint, the detail comes after, cheers.
Okay, thanks, David and Chanel. I will see what I can do.
Write enough to establish the world clearly. Maybe start wide with the world's position in the Universe, then draw in on the world to the first scene location. As your characters interact with creatures and unusual planet-ographies you can describe those at the time of first appearance. That way the introduction to all things alien is metered to some degree. Think Goldilocks, write enough to visualize, but not so much as to bog down. Not too little, not too much. Provide an accurate look into what you imagine. Nothing more. And not repeated as I just did!
That is also an idea... Thanks Phillip. :)
Okay, thanks, Dan. :)
1 person likes this
Great advice. KD, don't get too weighed down in the description. Esp not on the script page. Execs and readers like to see a lot of white space. I think our upcoming webinar from master of sci-fi, Marc Zicree is so timely for you. https://www.stage32.com/webinars/Keys-To-Delivering-Exceptional-Sci-Fi-W... This guy knows his stuff.
Okay. Thanks, JL.
When I wrote "Kedesh, Martian City of Refuge," I did research on Mars, atmosphere, rock types, topography, ice caps, etc. I treated the planet as a character...
That's cool, William.
3 people like this
Sneak description into the actions. Don't bore us with pages or paragraphs of detail in the opening of the screenplay where you should be hooking us. I have a chapter on worldbuilding in my first ten pages book.
^ yeah, exactly that. I've dabbled in "otherworlds". For me, it helps to move the action if I understand the planet/topography etc. I've gone as far as making maps of towns, mock globes of the planet, even modelling the moons so I understand fully now the lights would reflect etc. Prewriting you can go all out on what the planet is, and made of etc. It always helps me to have the details - even if those details never make it into the script.