The Art of Storytelling: Exploring Diverse Writing Roles in Cinema.
In the vibrant world of cinema, various writing roles contribute to creating compelling stories. Let’s explore the differences between screenplay writers, script writers, dialogue writers, and skit writers, using simple language and relevant examples from Telugu films.
Screenplay Writer
Role: A screenplay writer is the architect of the film’s narrative structure. They develop the plot, define the characters, and outline how the story unfolds across different scenes. There are two types of screenplay formats that script writers usually follow. One is a linear screenplay example “ Nuvvu Naku Nachav”, and the other is a nonlinear screenplay. Examples include “Drishyam” and “Vikram Vedha.” These films are examples of nonlinear screenplays where the scene structure goes in a non-linear manner to engage the audience’s interest in the story.
Insight: A well-crafted screenplay is essential as it sets the tone and flow of the movie, ensuring that the audience remains engaged from start to finish.
Script Writer
Role: The script writer takes the screenplay and translates it into a detailed document that includes dialogues, stage directions, and scene transitions.
Tollywood Example: In “Eega,” Rajamouli’s vision translates into a unique script where visual storytelling speaks volumes, relying less on dialogues and more on the entire narrative to convey emotions. In many cases, directors act as script writers, and for some movies, they seek expertise from technical departments like cinematography, editing, and visual effects.
Insight: A well-structured script is vital for the cast and crew, serving as a roadmap that guides the production, ensuring a cohesive viewing experience.
Dialogue Writer
Role: A dialogue writer specializes in creating conversations between characters. Their job is to write dialogues that reflect the character’s personality and emotions.
Tollywood Example: Shri Trivikram’s “Athadu” “Marchipoavadaaniki vaademina na gnapakama, naa jeevitham” Shri Sai Madhav Borra’s work in “Kanche” and Shri Nagaraju Gandham in “Gamyam” stands out, with memorable dialogues that resonate deeply with audiences. An example is Shri Srikanth Vissa’s iconic dialogue in “Pushpa,” “Pushpa ante flower anukuntiva fire,” and “Neeyavva Thaggedele.”
Insight: Engaging dialogues enhance character depth and make scenes more relatable, allowing the audience to connect with the storyline on a personal level.
Skit Writer:
Role: Skit writers create short, often comedic performances that may tackle social issues or everyday experiences. Their work is typically light-hearted and designed for quick entertainment.
Tollywood Example: The comedic skits from shows like “Jabardasth” showcase how skit writers use humor to reflect societal norms while keeping audiences entertained with witty commentary.
Insight: Skits allow for creativity and humor in storytelling, providing a platform to address relevant topics in an engaging manner.
Conclusion
Each of these writing roles plays a vital part in the filmmaking process. The screenplay writer builds the framework, the script writer adds intricate details, the dialogue writer shapes character interactions, and the skit writer brings humor to the forefront. Together, they enrich the cinematic experience, ensuring that cinema remains both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, it is unfortunate that some movies focus only on humor while neglecting the script and screenplay. Writing solely as skit writers can lead to failure in cinema if any of the essential elements are missed.
