Scriptspeak

ScreenWriterNH · Mar 30, 2007

Is there a list of acronyms and buzzwords somewhere for hollywood scriptspeak?

I think "protag" is the main character, but I'm still not sure.

A referance list would allow me to seem much more savey at this than I really am.

Kosh · Mar 30, 2007

This so reminds me of an episode of Animaniacs.

dpaterso · Mar 30, 2007

I'm at something of a loss here, what you're asking is so fundamentally basic to fiction writing, not just screenwriting. The protag (protagonist) is usually the main character, who faces a challenge and/or engages in conflict with the antagonist.

Just for fun I did a Google search on "screenwriting terms" and the first hit (of many) was SimplyScripts Glossary of Screenwriting Terms -- but this didn't have "protag" !!! so I modified the search to "screenwriting terms protag" and among the listed links was this potentially useful bloggish entry on John August's site: http://johnaugust.com/archives/2005/whats-the-difference-between-hero-main-character-and-protagonist

Which might not be what you're looking for exactly, but it's all out there waiting for you -- Google is your friend.

-Derek

ScreenWriterNH · Mar 30, 2007

Just looking for a list of buzzwords is all

dpaterso · Mar 31, 2007

Well that's my problem right there, I haven't ever seen a "buzzwords" list (and I'm not too sure what such a list would consist of).

Try a Google search on "how to write a screenplay" -- no, seriously. There are loads of helpful articles out there, which may well break things down to the buzzword or key word level you're looking for.

-Derek

Joe270 · Mar 31, 2007

There are certain buzzwords at stages. Dpat, your own links have logline suggestions which state the word 'struggle' is almost a must.

I doubt there are buzzwords in a script which will work magic, but loglines have them.

ScreenWriterNH · Mar 31, 2007

"buzz words" was just an expideant for lack of a better word ... I like "key words" much better.

OK (okay), it was a dumb question, there is no list. 'just thought it would be better than me asking as the keywords came up.

..... ummmm ... what is Animaniacs?

... never mind, I'll google it. (I hope he spelled it right)

Kosh · Mar 31, 2007

ScreenWriterNH said:
..... ummmm ... what is Animaniacs?

A popular 90's cartoon that occasionally made fun of the entertainment industry. Like this.

ScreenWriterNH · Mar 31, 2007

Thanks Kosh (I'm still smiling)

Not only was that a great 'toon, but it also saved me from sifting thru the four million, six hundred and forty eight thousand, two hundred and nine hits I got on google (most of them just wanted to sell me something).

Now at least I know I may never get it.

nielsty · Apr 1, 2007

A word list is fine if you just wanna fake it in Hollywood. But if you actually want to write a script it's not enough to know what these words mean but also why they mean it. Pick up any "how to write a screenplay book" and it will tell you about the process - including all the words. Much better than just being able to sa the right words when you go to parties in the Hills.

ScreenWriterNH · Apr 1, 2007

Thanks Nielsty. I do have a couple of books but couldn't find a some of the words I see used in this forum in them. A class would probably be a good idea but there are none close. I'll start googling what I don't quite understand.

Joe Calabrese · Apr 1, 2007

In that case,

You're may be referring to jargon rather than screenwriting terms.

Like when I say comp or spec it's because I'm too lazy to type the whole thing and people understand me the context of what I am writing.

In either case, if you have some words you don't understand, ask us...

Scriptspeak

ScreenWriterNH

Kosh

Will Write for Food

dpaterso

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ScreenWriterNH

dpaterso

Also in our Discord and IRC chat channels

Joe270

ScreenWriterNH

Kosh

Will Write for Food

ScreenWriterNH

nielsty

I write my own stunts

ScreenWriterNH

Joe Calabrese