Scene Description
Scene Description is a fundamental part of screenwriting where writers explain what's happening on screen without dialogue. It's like painting a picture with words, telling the reader what they would see if they were watching the movie or TV show. This includes describing the setting, character actions, and the mood of the scene. Writers need to be clear and concise, as scene descriptions typically use present tense and should be easily understood by everyone involved in the production, from directors to actors. Other common terms for this are "action lines," "scene action," or "scene text."
Examples in Resumes
Crafted compelling Scene Description for award-winning short film scripts
Improved readability of TV scripts through concise Scene Descriptions and Action Lines
Mentored junior writers in developing effective Scene Action for pilot episodes
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach writing scene descriptions for complex action sequences?
Expected Answer: A senior writer should explain how they balance detail with readability, mention techniques for breaking down complex sequences, and discuss how they consider budget and production feasibility in their descriptions.
Q: How do you mentor other writers in improving their scene descriptions?
Expected Answer: Should discuss their experience in reviewing others' work, providing constructive feedback, and sharing techniques for making scene descriptions more engaging while maintaining industry standards.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you write scene descriptions that convey mood without being too literary?
Expected Answer: Should explain techniques for efficient yet evocative writing, demonstrate understanding of industry formatting standards, and discuss how to balance descriptive elements with practical production needs.
Q: What's your process for revising scene descriptions based on budget constraints?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in adapting descriptions to match production resources, maintaining story impact while being practical about what can be filmed.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic rules for writing scene descriptions?
Expected Answer: Should mention using present tense, writing what can be seen and heard, being concise, and following standard formatting guidelines.
Q: How do you decide what details to include in a scene description?
Expected Answer: Should explain the importance of including only filmable elements, focusing on essential details that move the story forward or are crucial for understanding the scene.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic scene formatting
- Present tense writing
- Clear and concise description
- Understanding of screenplay software
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient visual storytelling
- Budget-conscious writing
- Script revision skills
- Production awareness
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex action sequence writing
- Mentoring other writers
- Advanced storytelling techniques
- Industry standard mastery
Red Flags to Watch For
- Overly flowery or novel-like descriptions
- Including unfilmable elements (character thoughts, backstory) in scene descriptions
- Lack of understanding of standard screenplay formatting
- Unable to write clearly and concisely
Related Terms
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