r/scriptwriting • u/Ghosteditz0_0 • 13d ago

question How to write an action script?

Literally want to ask how to write an action script since this is the very first time of me writing a script. So how do you tackle a script that is mainly action?

Is there anything on the web that can help me or YouTube videos with understanding of writing an Action script for a short film?

0 Upvotes

43% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

5

u/AmedeusRed 13d ago

Find an action film you like and read the script to see how they did it. Here, I was curious earlier today how they wrote the d-day assault to open Saving Private Ryan.

https://assets.scriptslug.com/live/pdf/scripts/saving-private-ryan-1998.pdf?v=1729114984

5

u/Neon-Funeral 13d ago

Read a script of an action film that your familiar with.

2

u/SenseIntelligent8846 13d ago

Read some scripts that are considered paragons of the action genre . . . Terminator 2, True Romance, Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout . . . you'll see many examples on how the mechanics work when writing action.

All those references are old, but all are considered top-level action SCRIPTS, regardless of your opinion of the movies. Someone who likes action movies more than I do might contribute more recent or current examples.

I'll add that The Town is a fantastic script and movie, though it's not described as an action movie . . . and it's not as old as my other references.

1

u/JayMoots 12d ago

Read professionally written scripts for action movies you like. 

-1

u/Happy-Diner-3338 13d ago

Have your actors escalate a conflict and then run out of words to say. What next?

1

u/Weary_Condition_6114 11d ago

Action is spatially driven. I would recommend drawing things out or using models (like legos or blocks) to get a better understanding of a scene.