The success or failure of a film depends largely on the manner in which the story is narrated. This narrative process is created by the screenplay. Although it might look quite straightforward as an arrangement of events, one could not be more mistaken if one thought so. There is a big difference in developing the plot for cinema and that is due to the visual element. This visual perspective offers certain ease and complexities in one stroke. Let us see the easier part first. Movies enable fine detailing to give richness to the setting. The props and the backdrop are the main ingredients in this regard. On the other hand, in a book or oral discourse one has to make a lot of effort to bring forth the detailing. One can also miss out. The complexity in films however is the linear pattern of narration. The story can progress only in one direction – forward; there can be no recapitulation or reinforcement. Therefore, the correct tempo should be maintained and only those events which move the plot further should be included. Again the order in which they are strung together is also of paramount importance. Further, in the Indian context, the placement of songs, action and comedy also assume relevance.

Whew! That was a tough lesson. The next question that comes to our mind is, whether script or screenplay writing is innate or acquired? Are writers born or made? Yours truly is of the opinion that the creative urge to write is innate but the presentation is a skill that can be honed by proper training. One can polish the skill either by attending a professional institution or on-the-job. In India, we have three dedicated institutes for the film industry but there is need for more as our country is the second largest producer of films. This thought was also stressed on the inaugural session of the International Film Festival of India, which kicked off in Goa. One need not fear that trained writers would mean stereotyping. Training disciplines the thought process and enhances the finesse in the final product. We should not wait for the government. Big producers who adopt a corporate approach to film making besides the film fraternity on its own volition can come up with such institutes.

May the magic of cinema continue to lure thousands to forget their worries and find beautiful memories. It is in our hands to make this dream come true.