Certified Animation Professional (CAP) Practice Test

The term "screenplay" refers to which of the following?

1. A handwritten script

2. A script for a movie, video game or television show

3. A script for a play, concert or other live performance

4. A script written electronically (on a screen)

The correct answer is: A script for a movie, video game or television show

The term "screenplay" specifically refers to a script developed for a film, television show, or video game. This type of script includes not just the dialogue of the characters but also incorporates directions for action, character movement, and setting descriptions that are essential in capturing the visual and auditory elements of the medium. The screenplay serves as the foundational blueprint for production, guiding directors, actors, and crew members. In contrast, a handwritten script might not adhere to the structured formatting commonly associated with screenplays, and while it may be a precursor to a screenplay, it doesn't define the term itself. Similarly, scripts written for live performances such as plays or concerts differ from screenplays in their structure and intent, as they are designed for a static performance rather than a visual medium that involves cinematic techniques. Lastly, although a script may be written electronically, the definition of a screenplay is not dependent on the method of its creation. Therefore, the focus remains on its intended use in visual storytelling.