{"id":209,"date":"2013-05-12T15:07:46","date_gmt":"2013-05-12T22:07:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/?page_id=209"},"modified":"2013-06-08T23:50:46","modified_gmt":"2013-06-09T06:50:46","slug":"script","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/?page_id=209","title":{"rendered":"Script"},"content":{"rendered":"

As most people know, a script has the lines (also known as dialog) that the actors say during a performance. \u00a0But a script is more than that. It also contains all sorts of instructions for how things should be said, what the characters should be doing, and various stage and lighting cues.<\/p>\n

Scripts have changed remarkably little over the years. While different types of scripts (stage plays, radio programs, etc.) have slightly different formats, they are all pretty similar. Dialog appears under the character\u2019s name. Instructions to the actors appear in parentheses. These are not spoken. You will also notice general staging instructions, which appear off to the side. These are also not spoken.<\/p>\n

A sample script appears below.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perspectives \u2013 Episode One<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fall 2006<\/strong><\/p>\n

Setting: A news show set for three commentators \u2013 a cat (Kit Mouser), an elephant (Packard A. Derm) and a pig (Pignella Hamswell). A narrator (Wilson) never appears, but his voice is heard at various times throughout the show. He also is heard via a voice synthesizer.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Opening theme plays over narration. Spot light on backdrop.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

Perspectives – the News and Commentary Show with your host, Kit Mouser. Today, Kit\u2019s guests are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Spot light on Pack<\/em><\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

Packard Derm<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pack gives a shy nod. Spot light switches to Pig.<\/em><\/p>\n

And Pignella Hamswell<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pig nods excitedly. Spots go off.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Now, your host – Kit Mouser.<\/strong><\/p>\n

All spots come on.<\/em><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Good day, and welcome to Purrrrr-spectives \u2013 the news and commentary show. I\u2019m Kit Mouser.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Today and every day on Purrrr-spectives we\u2019ll be examining the news that matters to you the viewer. Our hallmark will be insightful commentary provided by me, Kit Mouser, and my panel of world-renowned journalists. Utilizing our superior intellects, we will help you better understand this complex world we all live in.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now I\u2019d like to introduce our panelists. On my right is Peanut Gallery Press Hopkinton Bureau Chief, Packard A. Derm.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Kit turns to Pack.)<\/em><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0(Nervously)<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, thanks Kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

On my left, is PNN Hopkinton Correspondent, Pignella Hamswell.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0(Kit turns to Pig.)<\/em><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hi Kit! It\u2019s great to be here!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Okay, let\u2019s get started. Topic number one \u2013 Kit Mouser. Who is this paragon of pontification?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, it all started at a little 500 watt radio station in Pasadena, California – K-A-T-T. Yes, I loved my days at KATT. I had a call in show called \u201cOpinions, with you host, Kit Mouser\u201d. It was tough, but honest work. But I didn\u2019t achieve real fame until what I call, the PodCast years. My show, \u201cA News and Commentary PodCast, with your host, Kit Mouser\u201d was the darling of the Web 2.0 phenom.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, I went on to win various awards. But everyone knows that. So what about the REAL Kit Mouser? What is he really like?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns to Pack)<\/em><\/p>\n

Pack.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uh, well Kit. I don\u2019t really know. We just met for the first time a few minutes ago. Honestly, I\u2019m not even sure why I\u2019m here. My agent said it would be good for me to get out in front of the camera. But it\u2019s kind of scary\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well Pack, that\u2019s very interesting. But lets try to stay on topic. And the topic is Kit Mouser.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns to Pig)<\/em><\/p>\n

Pig, what do you think?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gee, Kit. I think you\u2019re just terrific. And those whiskers? Who does your whiskers? I\u2019m just wild about the whiskers\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanks, Pig.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

I read somewhere that your real name was Beauford Bumbleton, and that you changed it when you got into show business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, no! That\u2019s just a vicious rumor started by jealous mutts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A loud crashing sound is heard, and the lights flicker out.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

What was that?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Are you okay backstage?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, that\u2019s just Wilson, our stage manager.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0(Everyone is looking up at the lights)<\/em><\/p>\n

Wilson? \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson?!<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Somewhat distant)<\/em><\/p>\n

Sorry, Mr. Mouser. I tripped. I\u2019ll get the lights back on right away.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Various banging noises are heard.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

I kind of like this. It\u2019s like romantic mood lighting\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

I like it better when the lights are on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A big switch being thrown is heard. Spot light comes on Pig.<\/em><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mmmm. Now this I really like!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson!<\/strong><\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sorry, Mr. Mouser. I\u2019ll fix it\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pause. More sounds. Light goes off Pig and on Pack.<\/em><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Dejectedly) <\/em><\/p>\n

Awww\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

They all look up at Pack\u2019s light.<\/em><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson!!<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>The lights all come on.<\/em><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well that\u2019s much better. I see that it\u2019s time to move on.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Topic number two: Pluto. Scientists recently demoted Pluto from full planetary status, calling it a dwarf planet. Worse yet, Pluto is one of three dwarf planets, the others being Ceres and Eris, neither of which anyone had ever heard of until very recently.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>As a result, millions of textbooks will have to be changed. Schools and libraries throughout the world will spend billions of dollars updating materials. Even astrologers will need to revise their charts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the other hand, scientists argue that Pluto is a Kuiper Belt object, and should never have been called a planet. To do so is misleading. Although Pluto has many planet characteristics, its gravitational field is too small to clear the area near its orbit.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So, is this semantic silliness or categoric commonsense?<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns to Pack)<\/em><\/p>\n

Pack.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uh, well, I\u2019ve never been to Pluto.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Nobody has.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh. Well, I don\u2019t think it really changes anything. It\u2019s just a name.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

And a bad one at that. Who\u2019d name a planet after a dog?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

I think the dog was named after the planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, I think we should have some cat planets. How about planet Felix? Or planet Kit Mouser?<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

I like Garfield.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, No! The dog was named after the planet. Not the other way around.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh. Well that\u2019s different. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d like being named after a planet. Especially Uranus.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

No. That wouldn\u2019t be good.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, to help us better understand this important issue, we are very pleased to have world-renowned astrophysicist, Stephen Hawking, on the phone.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hello Dr. Hawking, and welcome to Purr-spectives.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hello Kit. It is great to be on your show, Perspectives. I would be happy to share my perspectives with your audience.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wonderful. So what do you make of the Pluto controversy? Is Pluto really just a Kuiper Belt object?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kuiper schmiper. Everybody knows Pluto is a planet.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

But is it a dwarf planet?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh. Well, yes. Along with Sleepy, Sneezy, Doc, Grumpy, and the other ones.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Hawking, this is Packard Derm. I\u2019ve always been a great fan of your work. Could you please explain your theory of dark matter?<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Certainly. Dark matter is matter that has been carefully painted black<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wait a second! I don\u2019t think that\u2019s really Stephen Hawking.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson? Is that you?<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

No Mr. Mouser. It is not me.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson! Stop playing with my computer!<\/strong><\/p>\n

SYNTH<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sorry, Mr. Mouser\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moving on – topic number three: product placement. In an era of Tivo and other digital video recorders, more and more people are skipping over traditional commercials. As a result, advertisers are seeking other ways to show off their products. The latest fad is product placement \u2013 where a product or brand appears or is discussed in the show itself. Last year, there were over 100,000 paid product placements on network television!<\/strong><\/p>\n

But as the product placement frenzy grows, many are worried that it is changing what we see. Scripts are being tweaked to increase the number of placement opportunities. Add a scene at a Burger King, pass around some Junior Mints, or drink a Pepsi. Worse yet, product placements are starting to appear on news shows. So we\u2019re not just talking about corrupting an artistic vision \u2013 we\u2019re talking about the possibility of the news we see being determined by the need to advertise products.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a journalist, I find this to be a very disturbing trend. We\u2019ve spent decades establishing our independence and building public trust. In a democracy, the press plays a critical role \u2013 we provide the information that is the basis of the decisions voters make. We must never subjugate that sacred task to the desire to sell more colas.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

I couldn\u2019t agree more. As a member of the \u201cfourth estate\u201d, we are honor bound to uphold certain standards of excellence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns to audience\u2026)<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Speaking of excellence, the fine folks at Bill\u2019s Pizza of 14 Main Street, Hopkinton Massachusetts have always felt honor bound to bring you the highest quality \u201cfood on the run\u201d. They feature a wide variety of pizzas, calzones, grinders and other Italian specialties. At Bill\u2019s, they appreciate your business.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns back to Kit\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

And I think we all appreciate the importance of maintaining our journalistic independence.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, Pig. You\u2019re right. You know, many TV producers think they can slip in a few promotions in a very subtle way \u2013 that they really don\u2019t change the content much, and that the public won\u2019t notice. But, I think they really do notice. Like they notice how for over 15 years EMC\u2019s CLARiiON network storage systems have led the industry in delivering the reliability needed to support demanding midrange applications. Today\u2019s CX3 offers significant advances in ease of use and new consolidation capabilities.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Absolutely. I think the viewing public is too smart for this. They know when they\u2019re being pitched a product. Besides, it\u2019s pretty obvious when the thing being pitched doesn\u2019t fit in.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turn to audience\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, you\u2019ll never have any trouble fitting in at Bill\u2019s Pizza. They welcome every customer like they were family, and there\u2019s lot\u2019s of free parking in the rear.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turn\u2019s back to Kit\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, I think we can all agree that product placements have no place on news shows. Just like we can all agree that EMC\u2019s File Virutalization and Management technology with new policy-based archiving across heterogeneous NAS and CAS will simplify, and reduce TCO.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definitely.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uh\u2026 well\u2026 I think I so\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Excellent.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s definitely special.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Turns to audience again\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

Special like the Specialty Pizza\u2019s at Bill\u2019s Pizza. They\u2019re featuring Hawaiian Pizza with Pineapple<\/strong><\/p>\n

(starting to get upset)<\/em><\/p>\n

and Canadian Bacon\u2026 Ewww!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Alright then. Topic number four. Peanuts.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Oh, I think I\u2019m going to like this one.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, I\u2019m afraid not.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, you just don\u2019t like it because Snoopy is such a famous dog. You have to admit, he\u2019s kind of cute!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

No! No! Not Peanuts the comic strip. Peanuts the nut.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

See, I told you I was going to like it!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, I\u2019m afraid not, Pack. The topic is peanut allergies. Recent research reported in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reports that between 1997 and 2002, the prevalence of peanut allergies doubled. Currently, about 1% of the population suffers from peanut allergies.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Pack starts to shake and mouth starts to open\u2026)<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Peanut allergies can be quite nasty. Even small amounts can cause severe reactions. It is estimated that 100-150 people in the U.S. die each year from peanut allergies.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As a result, peanuts have become the new toxic waste of the 21st century. Some schools have even gone so far as to ban all peanut products from their grounds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Pack is really shaking by this point and his mouth is hanging wide open\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is terrible! I hate to see people get hurt, but I love peanuts! Peanuts are my life! I need peanuts!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now Pack, we all have to make sacrifices for the greater good. Why I myself gave up small birds.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Like Woodstock?<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Good grief, Pignella Hamswell. We\u2019re not talking about the comic strip! But now that you mention it, properly prepared, that little yellow ball of fluff would be delectable. Perhaps a nice Kung Pao.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

I thought Kung Pao had peanuts in it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ah. So it does. I\u2019m beginning to see your problem.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t know you liked peanuts, Beauford?<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Actually, I do.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aha! I knew your name was Beauford!<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

No, no! Stop calling me that. This is a serious topic. Please try to\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Kit speaks, lights slowly fade. All the characters look up to watch them fade.<\/em><\/p>\n

Uh, Wilson?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wilson!<\/strong><\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

(In a sleepy voice) Huh? What? Oh, sorry Mr. Mouser. I fell asleep leaning on the controls. You guys should really try to pick more interesting topics.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Sigh.)<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lights come back on.<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, now that I can see again, I see that\u2019s all we have time for today. I want to thank my guests, Packard Derm\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uh, thanks Kit.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

And Pignella Hamswell\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

It was a pleasure to be here with you Beauffy.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now stop that!<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sorry.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

All right then. Thanks again for joining us for Purrrr-spectives. This is Kit Mouser wishing you all a good day.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Closing theme plays.<\/em><\/p>\n

NARRATOR<\/strong><\/p>\n

This has been a presentation of<\/strong><\/p>\n

(3 tones play)<\/em><\/p>\n

The Feline Broadcasting Company.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lights dim.<\/em><\/p>\n

Stay tuned for \u201cCooking with Bill Goat\u201d. Today, Bill shows how to prepare Boot a l\u2018orange.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Long pause.<\/em><\/p>\n

PACK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Uh, Kit. I think they\u2019re still looking at us.<\/strong><\/p>\n

PIG<\/strong><\/p>\n

(Looks at audience.)<\/em><\/p>\n

Yup. They\u2019re definitely still there.<\/strong><\/p>\n

KIT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Well, maybe if we just sit very still, they\u2019ll lose interest and go away\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As most people know, a script has the lines (also known as dialog) that the actors say during a performance. \u00a0But a script is more than that. It also contains all sorts of instructions for how things should be said, … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":205,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-209","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":398,"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/209\/revisions\/398"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/animatronicsworkshop.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}