screenplay
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screenplay / script
The written template for a film, television program, or play, containing all dialogues, stage directions or action instructions, and scene descriptions.
Der Regisseur hat einige Änderungen am Drehbuch vorgenommen.
The director made some changes to the screenplay.
The word is made up of 'drehen' (in the sense of 'einen Film drehen' — to shoot a film) and 'Buch' (book). So it is literally a book that serves as the template for shooting a film.
Ein gutes Drehbuch ist die Grundlage für einen erfolgreichen Film.
A good screenplay is the foundation for a successful film.
In connection with a screenplay, the verbs 'schreiben' (to write), 'lesen' (to read), 'entwickeln' (to develop), or 'ändern' (to change) are often used. These describe the creative process.
Die Autorin schreibt gerade an einem neuen Drehbuch für eine Serie.
The author is currently writing a new screenplay for a series.
The idiom 'etwas läuft nach Drehbuch' means that an event happens exactly as planned or expected. It can also be used ironically.
Die Präsentation verlief perfekt, alles lief wie nach Drehbuch.
The presentation went perfectly; everything went as if according to the script.
scenario
Drehbuch and Szenario can both refer to the fully developed written template for a film. Drehbuch is the usual term today. In this meaning, Szenario is found mainly in technical or older texts.
Die Regisseurin bespricht mit den Schauspielern das Drehbuch des neuen Films.
The director discusses the screenplay for the new film with the actors.
In einem älteren Fachtext wird die ausgearbeitete Vorlage des Films als Szenario bezeichnet.
In an older specialist text, the fully developed film script is referred to as a Szenario.
