A scriptwriter, before presenting a story line, makes up a perfect opening plot point then decides the sequence. Casting is the most difficult part since every actor has his own specialization. He also has to consider the dialogue. Deciding for the location of the film depends upon the budget. Scene after scene, the scriptwriter will, in his creative mind, invent and reinvent the story. He will try to put the audience in suspense as to what will happen next.
A scriptwriter has a director and the producer who will make the ultimate decision as to how the story line should progress according to the budget intended for the stage play or the film.
In some countries, puppet shows are popular and are meant to amuse a captive audience: the park goers. Puppets are handcrafted to look like the characters of a story and are suspended at the end of strings. The one holding the string, hidden from the view of the audience, will move the puppets according to a script. Of course, the dialogue and sound effects are provided in addition to the acting. What is most interesting in a puppet show is how the sights and sounds are synchronized. It will be a catastrophe if these do not synchronize.
What motivates a scriptwriter or any other writer for that matter? A writer may be motivated. inspired or influenced by events, or by people he meets or by some advocacy, passion or dream. Most of the writers are wide readers. Some like to read novels pertaining to affairs of the heart. Some like to read science fiction. Some writers want to be enchanted in a fantasy land. While some writers, especially those involved in the news, prefer documentaries and true-to-life stories. Others prefer history books that reveal how world leaders rose to power.
“The world is a stage where every man must play a part.” To each his own role. In the drama of real life, we write our own script. Consciously or unconsciously, we have our own version of puppetry. Oftentimes, the opening plot is not our own doing so it puts us in suspense, then we invent and reinvent scene after scene. As the drama unfolds, we forget to acknowledge that there is a Director up there more powerful and who will ultimately decide as to how the story will end. God save the Philippines.