Explain the importance of visuals in a screenplay
Answers
Let’s start with the opening image in a screenplay, which is obviously essential to what will eventually lead to the final visual — they are the bookends of the screenplay. The opening visual should set the tone and atmosphere of what is to come. Screenwriters should not shy away from crafting an excellent visual to go along with the introduction of the story, characters, and concept. And this is accomplished not by camera angles, overly articulate scene description, etc. It’s accomplished by a pairing of the Less is More mantra with a description of an engaging and compelling moment — the visual.
It has to stand out. It can’t be a static location description followed by dialogue. Screenwriters need to remember that because the film is a visual medium, they need to conjure enticing cinematic images.
Here we have a few examples of excellent opening visuals.