What role does the screenplay play in a film?

The screenplay is essential in filmmaking as it provides the narrative structure and dialogue, serving as the blueprint from which the entire film is built. It outlines the plot, characters, and scenes, giving the director, actors, and production team a clear understanding of the story to tell. The dialogue written in the screenplay also establishes character relationships and emotional tones, which are crucial for conveying the film's themes and messages.

While visual effects, camera movements, and soundtracks are important elements of filmmaking, they are typically guided by the information laid out in the screenplay. The screenplay informs all other departments, ensuring that everyone involved in the production has a coherent reference point to understand the intended story and how to translate it to the screen.