what is a screenplay

A screenplay, also known as a script, is a written work by screenwriters for a film, television show, or video game. It is a form of narration in which the movements, actions, expressions, and dialogue of the characters are described in a certain format. Screenplays can be original works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing. A screenplay is a blueprint for a final product, and it requires artistry. The modern screenplay has strict formatting requirements and conventions. The characters movements, actions, expressions, and dialogues are described in a screenplay, and visual or cinematographic cues may be given, as well as scene descriptions and scene changes. A TV screenplay is often termed a "teleplay," while a screenplay for radio performance purposes is likewise termed a "radioplay". A shooting script is a more precisely formatted version of the pre-production and production script to transform the screenplay into a movie.