Exposition
Exposition is a storytelling technique used in screenwriting and other forms of writing where background information is shared with the audience. Think of it as the way writers cleverly introduce important details about characters, their world, or past events without making it feel forced. It's like laying out puzzle pieces that help viewers understand the full picture of the story. When you see this term in resumes, it usually refers to a writer's ability to smoothly weave necessary information into their scripts without relying on obvious explanations or dialogue that feels unnatural.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted natural exposition in pilot episodes for three network TV shows
Reduced clunky exposition in existing scripts through strategic story restructuring
Developed creative exposition techniques for complex sci-fi world-building
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
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Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle exposition in a pilot episode versus a mid-season episode?
Expected Answer: An experienced writer should discuss different strategies for introducing information in pilots (where everything needs to be established) versus regular episodes (where viewers already know the basics). They should mention techniques like visual storytelling, character interactions, and avoiding information dumps.
Q: How do you balance exposition needs across a full season arc?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to plan the release of information across multiple episodes, keeping viewers engaged while ensuring they have all necessary details to follow the story. Should discuss working with writing teams and show runners.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What techniques do you use to deliver exposition without relying on dialogue?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss visual storytelling methods, using props, character actions, and scene setting to convey information naturally. Should provide specific examples from their work.
Q: How do you revise exposition-heavy scenes to make them more engaging?
Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for breaking up information into smaller pieces, using conflict or humor to mask exposition, and ways to make information delivery more active and interesting.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is exposition and why is it important in screenwriting?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate basic understanding of exposition as a way to share necessary background information with the audience, and explain why it's crucial for story comprehension.
Q: What are common mistakes in handling exposition?
Expected Answer: Should identify issues like information dumping, obvious dialogue, or explaining things characters would already know to each other. Should show awareness of what makes exposition feel forced.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic story structure understanding
- Character background development
- Simple dialogue writing
- Understanding of common exposition pitfalls
Mid (2-5 years)
- Natural dialogue integration
- Visual storytelling techniques
- Character-driven exposition
- Script revision and enhancement
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex narrative development
- Season-long story planning
- Mentoring junior writers
- Advanced world-building techniques
Red Flags to Watch For
- Over-reliance on dialogue to explain plot points
- Inability to show rather than tell
- Limited understanding of visual storytelling
- Poor grasp of natural dialogue writing
Related Terms
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