Scriptwriter, Scenario, Screenplay

159. Scriptwriter corresponds to сценарист. Although the word script is used in this name, it is not generally used of what a scriptwriter writes. This is called the screenplay.

The difference between scenario and screenplay is as follows:

The scenario (Br.E. [si'na:riou], Am.E. [si'næriou]) is the first stage: simply an outline, a sketch, scene by scene, but with no dialogue, directions, etc.

The screenplay is the full text, with dialogue, descriptions of characters and setting, directions about movements, etc.

In many cases the scenario or screenplay is based on a novel or a short story. Note that based on is used in this case, not after (по роману/рассказу).

e.g. a. The film is based on a short story by Sillitoe.

b. “The Godfather", based on the novel of the same name/title.

Of may be used in such sentences as:

- Have you seen the film of "Crime and Punishment?

We can also say that a novel or story has been made into a film, filmed, or adapted for the screen, In this case it is the film/screen version of the book.

A scenario or screenplay which is not based on a book but invented by the scriptwriter, or director, may be called an original scenario/screenplay.

Film Actors and Actresses

160. Most of what has been said about actors and actresses and their parts in connection with the THEATRE (units 102—106) applies also to film actors and actresses.

Star, as already mentioned (in unit 106), is more widely used in the cinema than the theatre. It occurs both as a noun and a verb, especially in advertisements and film reviews.

e.g. a. Barbra Streisand is the star of/in "Funny Girl” (or: ... stars in "Funny Girl^”).

b. FUNNY GIRL, starring BARBRA STREISAND.

an advertisement

c. Alec Guiness has starred in many successful films. Co-star (verb) may be used if there are two main characters played by stars.

e.g. Laurence Olivier co-starred with Vivien Leigh in "Waterloo Bridge".

Make a film may be used of actors and actresses, in the sense of сниматься (в фильме).

e.g. Elizabeth Taylor is making a new film.

Make used in this way generally implies an important part (See also units 156—157).

Apart from make, we can use appear or simply be, if the film is already finished. Appear is formal style.

e.g. a Alec Guiness has appeared/been in many successful films.

b. — I went to see "The Great Race”

— Oh yes? Who's in it?

or: Tony Curtis is in that, isn't he?

Another way of introducing actors' names is by using with ... as …, or with ... in the role of… .

e.g. “The Great Gatsby" has been filmed for the third time, with Robert Redford as (or in the role of) Gatsby.

Cast is used of the actors and actresses appearing in a film, in the same way as in the theatre (see unit 94). Here, however, there is no contrast with company.

(Film) extra is used to denote a person, often not a trained actor, who is engaged to take a minor part in a film, especially in crowd scenes (статист, -ка, актер массовки).

e.g. a. They needed hundreds of extras for the battle scenes.

b. Susan worked as a film extra for a few days.