What is Exposition in Screenwriting — 4 Keys to Writing Film Exposition That Works

What is exposition in screenwriting explained with some essential do’s and don’ts and various tips on how to deliver exposition the right way.

What is Film Exposition? ►► https://bit.ly/wi-ex
More "What Is?" Videos ►► https://bit.ly/wi-pl
StudioBinder Blog ►► http://bit.ly/sb-bl

─────────────────────

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Plato's Allegory of the Cave
00:35 - Definition & History
01:53 - Writing Tips for Exposition
05:47 - Titles & Narration
07:03 - Dialogue
09:00 - Media
10:20 - Mise en Scène
11:18 - Wrap Up

─────────────────────

Film Exposition Explained

What is exposition in screenwriting and why do writers struggle with it? In this video, we’ll investigate this necessary evil that plagues even the best writers. Including some basic strategies on how to deliver exposition organically to the audience and some ideas of where exposition can be more effective.

In general, bad exposition is noticed by the audience and good exposition slips by without drawing attention. But how is this done? Every movie has to find its own way of how to deliver exposition in screenwriting but there are some general do’s and don’ts you can try on any script.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Writing Exposition

In writing exposition, there are at least four different approaches to make it work. The first is to disguise the information — Hitchcock said that exposition is a “pill that must be sugar-coated” so that the audience doesn’t realize they are receiving it. The second is to visualize the information, which goes back to a sacred commandment in screenwriting: show, don’t tell. In other words, if we can see it, there’s no need to explain it. The third method is to delay the information as long as possible.

Instead of telling the audience everything in Act One, saving some pieces will lure the audience in with anticipation. Finally, perhaps the most underused approach to writing exposition is to NOT deliver it at all. Ask yourself: does the audience really need to know this? What would happen if it was left unexplained? In many cases, this creates a more interesting and engaging form of storytelling.

How to Deliver Exposition

Because we’re working in film, there are many areas through which narrative exposition can be delivered. These include the more obvious outlets like on-screen text, narration and dialogue. But there are also opportunities that writers should explore, including the mise-en-scene or the media. But there is a fine line between using any of these elements for exposition — each can be unnatural or overdone and finding that balance is indeed tricky.

Writing exposition cannot be avoided but with these techniques, it can be managed and strategically employed to tell better and more immersive stories.


#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

─────────────────────

♬ SONGS USED:

"Hold On (Instrumental)" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"A Glowing Light A Promise" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"A Long Strange Trip" - Michael Giacchino
"The Times They Are A-Changin'" - Bob Dylan
"Discovery" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"Stuck Behind a Train (Instrumental)" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"High School Teacher" - John Williams
"Great Leader Has Fallen" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"Crush" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"The End" - The Doors"
"Remote Interference" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"Shorting the Aa" - Nicholas Britell
"The Family Madrigal" - Stephanie Beatriz, Olga Merediz
"Still Need Syndrome" - Yarin Primak
"Welcome To Jurassic Park" - John Williams
"Amber" - Makeup and Vanity Set
"First Crop Circles" - John Newton Howard
"What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye

Music by Artlist ► https://utm.io/umJx
Music by Artgrid ► https://utm.io/umJy
Music by Soundstripe ► http://bit.ly/2IXwomF
Music by MusicBed ► http://bit.ly/2Fnz9Zq

─────────────────────

SUBSCRIBE to StudioBinder’s YouTube channel! ►► http://bit.ly/2hksYO0

Looking for a production management solution for your film? Try StudioBinder for FREE today: https://studiobinder.com/pricing

— Join us on Social Media! —

Instagram ►► https://www.instagram.com/studiobinder
Facebook ►► https://www.facebook.com/studiobinderapp
Twitter ►► https://www.twitter.com/studiobinder