käsikirjoituskirja

Käsikirjoituskirja, often translated as screenplay or script book, is a written work that details a film, television program, or play. It serves as the blueprint for visual and auditory storytelling, outlining dialogue, character actions, scene descriptions, and technical instructions.

The format of a käsikirjoituskirja is typically standardized to ensure clarity and efficiency in production. This includes specific conventions for naming characters, formatting dialogue, and indicating scene changes and locations. Scene headings, for example, usually denote whether a scene is interior (INT.) or exterior (EXT.), followed by the location and time of day (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY).

Dialogue is presented on its own line, attributed to the character speaking it. Action lines describe what is happening visually and audibly, conveying the narrative and character movements without explicitly stating internal thoughts or feelings unless it is crucial for the action. Parentheticals, enclosed in parentheses, can be used sparingly to indicate tone or a specific action accompanying dialogue.

The creation of a käsikirjoituskirja is a collaborative process, often involving writers, directors, and producers. It evolves through multiple drafts, with revisions made to refine the story, characters, and pacing. The final käsikirjoituskirja is a critical document for the entire production team, guiding the work of actors, cinematographers, editors, and other crew members. Its purpose is to translate a conceptual idea into a tangible plan for execution.