Put character detail into the script - develop back-story and plot detail
Create the whole 'soap bible' - the whole story of the soap that you all must consistently develop
SOAP BIBLE
Keep everyone informed
| You have to work out a lot of character detail in the SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - and even more than will directly go into the script. |
| This 'back-story' (previous life) will help flesh out the lively detail of each character (their 'CV'). |
| You will discover the whole range of characters and how they are different from each other, and contrast, so that the listeners will recognise them, and relate to them. |
| Put each character to work by dynamic story detail. Get the characters moving. Lots of conflict. Lots of unresolved sexual tension (UST). |
| Put each character's identity to work in the script by choosing key phrases and ways of speaking for each main character. Be very physical about the details of each, just as if this was a TV soap. |
| Detailed work on the minor characters is needed too, and even the 'cameo' characters (who appear once or just more than once). |
| Make 'archetypes' work for you - recognisable traits in people that you make interesting and entertaining by putting them to work in a dynamic plot. |
PUT THIS CHARACTER-BUILDING TO WORK IN THE SCRIPT
Let's see the results of all this script development
Keep everyone informed - email and SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT WEB SITE
| Keeping everyone up on the detail of the 'soap bible' is key to the scripting process. Things change fast, and sometimes radical decisions are taken. Everyone must be kept up to speed. |
| Distribute the information how you can. We use regular emails, BUT ALSO a web site updated with everything, so that all participating can immediately and easily consult the 'soap bible'. |
| On the SCRIPT DEVELOPMENT WEB SITE, each character has their own page. Ditto each group of five episodes. You have to make lists. |
| PUT ALL THIS HARD WORK TO USE: Translate each character into their speech. |
CHARACTER PROFILES
Have Character Development meetings.
Discuss and note down the physical, psychological and historical aspects of each character. Get the detail. Get the behaviour.
Much more detail than will directly go into the script - BUT ALWAYS GO FOR SCRIPT RESULTS.
Don't get bogged down.
| The BACK-STORY of each character. | Each individual character's CV. |
| Hobby (at least one) | Birthday and significant dates in the life. |
| How to translate these details into BEHAVIOUR that will go to the microphone in the script and acting. | Significant phrases and exclamations. |
| The grid - of relationships - how each character relates to the others. | Category of this character - sympathetic or not etc. |
Record the CHARACTER PROFILES.
This goes into the SOAP BIBLE and is communicated rapidly.
ALAN BECK'S FORMULA FOR THE MAIN CHARACTERS
STUDENT WRITES:
We had a Character Development Sessions in which the physical, psychological and back-story aspects of each character were discussed and agreed upon.
We then emailed each individual character's CV around the group and added it to the website.
This should have ensured continuity throughout the soap, but didn't!
There wasn't a real group effort to consistently characterise each individual.
I think that personally, I could have made more references to our characters' hobbies and obsessions as well as incorporating more of their "favourite expressions".
AB comments: You have to respect the characters and work at the back story of each character. This back story work may at first appear to be a further burden, but it is essential. This is always crucial in a soap.
TO SOAP PROJECT
|
|
