a screen story

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a screen story" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a narrative or plot that is intended for a film or television production. Example: "The director was impressed with the writer's ability to craft a compelling screen story that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

At the GlobeHOUSE OF SECRETS, from a screen story by John W. Krafft; directed by Roland D. Reed; produced by Chesterfield.Barry Wilding....

The New York Times

"A.I". is based on a Brian Aldiss story that was published in Harper's Bazaar in 1969 and was later worked into a screen story by Ian Watson.

The New Yorker

A pair of Hollywood writers, Chris Viscardi and Will McRobb, were dispatched to Edinburgh, where they worked out a screen story for "Despereaux" with Mr. Chomet.

The New York Times

Universal then commissioned a screen story by writers Levinson and Link, best known for their television series, Columbo, in which a somewhat disheveled, but wise detective unravels artfully conceived murder mysteries.

Harvard University

Here, screenwriter Jeff Buhler (whose predecessor Matt Greenberg receives a "screen story" credit) rings some key changes on the narrative, flipping genders and victims to wrong-foot those familiar with the original, sharply reconfiguring the dysfunctional family dynamics.

The Guardian - Film

Directed by Jon Amiel; written by John Collee, based on a screen story by Mr. Amiel and Mr. Collee, based on the book "Annie's Box" by Randal Keynes; director of photography, Jess Hall; edited by Melanie Oliver; music by Christopher Young; production designer, Laurence Dorman; produced by Jeremy Thomas; released by Newmarket Films.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

In winnowing Richler's 1997 novel into a workable screen story they have preserved important details and added some new ones consistent with their version's altered chronology.

The New York Times

He explained, "The army's knowledge and ensuing cover-up is so subterranean that it would take a creative screen story, perhaps someone else making the picture and giving it the equal time it deserves".

Wikipedia

BARRIE TO WRITE A MOVIE.; Herbert Brenon Says He Promised an Original Screen Story.

The New York Times

Archives|BARRIE TO WRITE A MOVIE.; Herbert Brenon Says He Promised an Original Screen Story.

The New York Times

This makes for a dynamic and gripping screen story, but it's harsh on the real Sister Hildegarde.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the initial idea or concept for a film, use "a screen story" to emphasize the early stages of development before a full script is written. This distinguishes it from a novel or play.

Common error

Don't use "a screen story" when referring to the finalized, detailed screenplay. Instead, use "screenplay" or "film script" to indicate a completed and formatted document.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a screen story" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it refers to a narrative intended for film or television. Examples show it describing the basis for a film or an element within film production.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

40%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a screen story" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a narrative intended for film or television. As Ludwig AI indicates, it accurately describes the concept or plot intended for a movie or TV production. The phrase is most frequently found in "News & Media" and "Academia" contexts, denoting a neutral formality level. Alternatives include "screenplay" or "film script", though these often imply a more developed stage than the initial "screen story". A key writing tip is to reserve "a screen story" for the initial concept phase, avoiding its use when referring to a completed screenplay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Story for the screen

Rephrases the original, emphasizing the destination of the story.

Screenplay

Focuses specifically on the written script for a film.

Narrative for film

Similar to 'story for the screen' but emphasizes the narrative.

Film script

Similar to 'screenplay', emphasizing its purpose for film production.

Movie narrative

Highlights the story aspect of a film.

Film story

Slightly more general, simply referring to the story in a film.

Cinematic story

Emphasizes the visual and artistic elements of a film's storytelling.

Visual narrative

Focuses on how the story is conveyed through visuals.

Motion picture story

A more formal way to refer to a story told through a film.

Scenario for a movie

Highlights the plot or sequence of events prepared for a movie.

FAQs

What does "a screen story" mean in the context of filmmaking?

In filmmaking, "a screen story" typically refers to the initial concept or narrative outline for a film, before it is fully developed into a screenplay. It's the foundational idea that the script will be based on.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a screen story" instead of "screenplay"?

Use "a screen story" when talking about the early stages of a film's development, when the plot and characters are being conceptualized. "Screenplay" refers to a completed, formatted script ready for production. They are not interchangeable terms.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a screen story"?

Alternatives include using the terms "film story", "movie narrative", or simply "film concept" depending on the context you wish to convey.

How does "a screen story" differ from a novel or short story?

While a novel or short story is a complete literary work, "a screen story" is specifically designed to be adapted into a visual medium. It often focuses on plot and visual elements that will translate well to the screen, rather than detailed internal monologues or descriptions.