Screenwriting : How can I do when in a film the lyrics of my songs are almost 90% of the script? by Matías Kotler

In the musical adaptation of "Les Misérables," a significant portion of the script consists of song lyrics. Unlike many theatrical or film works, "Les Misérables" is an operatic-style musical, meaning almost the entire narrative is conveyed through music and singing, with very little spoken dialogue.

Approximately 95% of the "Les Misérables" script is made up of songs. Each main character has several songs or parts of songs that drive the story forward, describe their emotions, or explain their motivations. Spoken dialogue is minimal and generally serves as quick transitions between songs.

Here is a brief breakdown of how the songs are distributed throughout the musical:

Prologue: Work Song, Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven, What Have I Done?

Act 1: At the End of the Day, I Dreamed a Dream, Lovely Ladies, Who Am I?, Come to Me, Castle on a Cloud, Master of the House, The Bargain/Waltz of Treachery, Look Down, Stars, Red and Black, Do You Hear the People Sing?, In My Life, A Heart Full of Love, Plumet Attack, One Day More

Act 2: On My Own, A Little Fall of Rain, Drink With Me, Bring Him Home, The Final Battle, Javert’s Suicide, Turning, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast, Finale

Each song or set of songs covers a significant section of the plot, ranging from introspective solos to powerful and moving choruses.

In summary, the majority of the "Les Misérables" script consists of song lyrics, with very few spoken lines throughout the entire production.

I think you just answered your own question. You write the lyrics down, and who is saying them. Just as if they were spoken plainly.

Did you read the lyrics? Do you know the complete work? Mike Boas

Which lyrics? Les Miserables, The Wall, or your work?

I'm not familiar with your work. But you've chosen two works to look at which have different screenplay approaches. If your work is more like an opera, go with Les Miserables. If it's more like a string of music videos, with faceless voice over, Maybe try it like The Wall.

The script for Les Miserables is here:

https://assets.scriptslug.com/live/pdf/scripts/les-miserables-2012.pdf

It's pretty straightforward. There are references in the action lines to "they sing" occasionally. And songs are called out, such as on page 4:

"As we hear the musical theme (’Freedom is Mine’), we see for the first time the darkness in his face give way to a new hope..."

For Pink Floyd's The Wall, I found this document.

https://ia600500.us.archive.org/28/items/PinkFloydsTheWallMovieScript/Pi...

Looks like it's a paste-up of storyboards mixed with the script. In the script pages are song lyrics in their entirety, followed by the traditional sceenplay format for the scenes that accompany the songs. This works because most of the lyrics are sung OVER visuals, not spoken by characters on screen.

Once in a while, you do get the character Pink singing, like this on page 11:

INT. HALL STAGE NIGHT

"So ya' Thought ya'

Might like to go to

The show..."

On stage, at the start of the verse of "In the Flesh" we cut to a neo-nazi, punk/skinhead SINGER.

This works, as we already got the complete lyrics on the previous page.

Later, at the end of page 13, in the action lines:

"In the Flesh" concludes.

And we move on to the next song.

I see on subsequent songs, the lyrics are written in dialogue blocks, with no character assigned.

Some other screenplays to look up that might be helpful: Across the Universe, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods.

"music videos, with faceless voice over, Maybe try it like The Wall."What a lack of respect for the work of Roger Waters...

I read the script Sir... "the lyrics are sung OVER visuals, not spoken by characters on screen" like my work...

Being English, I should have more respect in my opinion about one of the most complete works of cinema and music. I kindly request that you not treat my work at all with that intention. Thank you

"Across the Universe, Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods" I watched them all. Thanks for your opinion. bye

https://soundcloud.com/3-calaveras/albums If you want to listen to the lyrics, and you know Spanish, I invite you to listen to it