käsikirjoitustascreenplay

Käsikirjoitus is the written plan that guides the creation of audiovisual and theatrical works in Finnish. It describes scenes, dialogue, actions, and production directions and is used across film, television, radio, and theatre to organize content before production. The term reflects the idea of a drafted, shareable document that evolves through collaboration. Etymologically, käsikirjoitus derives from writing by hand, though modern workflows typically rely on digital formats.

A typical käsikirjoitus includes several core elements. Scene headings indicate location and time, action lines describe what is happening on screen or on stage, character names precede dialogue, and dialogue follows. Many scripts also include brief parentheticals to guide tone or delivery, as well as transitions and notes for production, such as camera movements, sound cues, or special effects. While the exact format varies by medium and production, the script serves as a reference for actors, directors, editors, and designers.

The discipline encompasses different media. Elokuvakäsikirjoitus (film screenplay) and televisiokäsikirjoitus (television) often follow medium-specific conventions, including pacing, acts, and episode structure. Teatterikäsikirjoitus (theatre script) tends to emphasize dialogue and stage directions, with acts and scenes shaping live performance. In practice, käsikirjoittaja (the screenwriter or playwright) develops an idea through outlines and drafts, revising in collaboration with the director, producers, and actors. The script functions as a blueprint for production and a basis for rights and adaptations.

Typical lengths vary by format. A feature screenplay commonly spans roughly 90–120 pages, with page count loosely corresponding to minutes of screen time; television scripts and stage plays differ according to network or venue requirements.