| The Script: How to write an effective MST movie script. |
| Unfortunately, this page will read a lot like stereo instructions cause I have no photos. Step 1. Find an actual writer This is important becuase not just anyone can write. The ability to write realistic dialouge is important f you want a good movie. In addition, the writer must be at least somewaht funny. If you have a writer who is very boring, your movie will fail. This however is easier than you'd think. Most writers have a good sense of humor. There's no other waythey could survive high school. Step 2. Pick a Flick Picking the movie is a crucial part of writing a script. If the movie is bad, but doesn't lend itself well to jokes (i.e. Hamlet in the 10th season) then your film will be boring. I found this out too late and have had to re-write the script 8+ times. I would suggest not deciding on a movie until you've seen it all the way through at least once. Also, make sure it's a movie you won't mind seeing over and over. Step 3. Time Code Time Code Time Code. Now, I know it's an awful temptation to go by dialouge instead of timecoding your movie. At least it was for us. However, we found that, upon actual implication it was impossible (like communisim). It worked out well for one member of our cast and the rest got horribly lost. So, time code. If you don't know how, click here. if you do, forget it. No one asked you to click that. Step 4. Host Segments A big part of MST3K, well, maybe not a BIG part, but an IMPORTANT part nonetheless, is the host segment. This is where we get a chance to meet the hecklers and their captors. Good writing is crucial here because the characters need to seem at least SOMEWHAT like the ones on the show. That's what makes them great. Also, make sure that the segment corresponds with the locale in the movie. For example: Beth is MSTing They Saved Hitler's Brain. She writes her 1st Host Segment about Tom Servo's brain being saved, but the movie has only just introduced the characters. The segment has no relevence to the point in the film. See? And you said there was no use for story problems in practical life. HA HA HA! STEP 5. Tying it all together. You will need more than one writer (I like to call them, minions but others call them staff writers) who help on the script and make wisecracks at the movie. It's always good to have several people joking about the movie to have a wide variety of subject matter. When it's all done, you'll have a great script (hopefully). Good luck! |
| SAMPLE MOVIE SCRIPT: Mystery Science Theater 3000 Episode: Pilot Godzilla Vs. Mothra Int. SOL Camera zoomed in on 'fire' on desk. Joel, Crow, and Servo are hudled around. Lights low. Doors close. Zoom onto fire. Joel stands. Camera pan to Crow (stage right) Crow: This has been a long time coming Joel: Pan to Taylor (center) Taylor: Guys I just don't get it....Oh we're on. Taylor stands up and the camera ooms back to full bridge. All lights on. Taylor: Hi everyone welcome to the Satellite of Love. As You may have guessed the Bots have been watching 'Survivor'... Servo (interrupting): A stunning documentary Taylor: An now they're trying to vote me off the Satellite. Crow: Trying nothing. We DID vote you off. |