Screenplay
'skriːnpleɪ
Definitions
2 meaningsA script written for a film, television show, or other screen-based media. It contains dialogue, descriptions of scenes, and instructions for the actors and crew.
'skriːnpleɪ
The script for a film or television show.
The director loved the screenplay and immediately greenlit the project.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making a movie! A screenplay is like the recipe or the instruction manual for the movie. It has all the words the actors say and descriptions of what's happening.
👶 For kids: A screenplay is like a story that tells everyone in a movie what to say and do.
More Examples
He spent months perfecting the screenplay, working on every detail.
The screenplay featured a compelling plot twist that kept the audience engaged.
The screenplay was full of vivid descriptions of the locations.
How It's Used
"The screenplay for the movie was adapted from a popular novel."
"She's writing a screenplay for a new drama series."
To write a screenplay or create a script for a film or television show.
'skriːnpleɪ
To write a screenplay.
She plans to screenplay her next novel into a movie.
💡 Simply: To write the story and the words for actors to use in a movie.
👶 For kids: To write the instructions for a movie
More Examples
He is hoping to screenplay a historical drama.
Several authors hope to screenplay their novel.
How It's Used
"She plans to screenplay a film based on her own life."
Idioms & expressions
adapt a screenplay
To change a book or story into a screenplay.
"The author adapted her novel into a screenplay."
screenplay format
The structure and style of a screenplay, including its layout, headings, and conventions.
"Learning the screenplay format is essential for writing a script."
From 'screen' (referring to a movie screen) and 'play' (a dramatic work). It emerged with the development of cinema as a distinct form of writing for the screen, often borrowing from stage play structures.
The term'screenplay' gained prominence in the early 20th century with the rise of the film industry. Initially, it was used to differentiate the script from the theatrical play.
Memory tip
Think of a *play* designed for a *screen* to remember screenplay.