Writing a screenplay - what exactly is a 'scene'?

Question:Well, I know what a scene is as such, but is it specifically, a set of moments within a film (ie multiple sets and dialogue going through the same topic of conversation or thought), or is it a case of 'one room, one set of dialogue'...hmm does that make sense?? For example, someone getting up in the morning, having breakfast and meeting a friend at the bustop - is that in totality - one scene? Or is that a few scenes, cause there's different points of action etc??

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Well, I know what a scene is as such, but is it specifically, a set of moments within a film (ie multiple sets and dialogue going through the same topic of conversation or thought), or is it a case of 'one room, one set of dialogue'...hmm does that make sense?? For example, someone getting up in the morning, having breakfast and meeting a friend at the bustop - is that in totality - one scene? Or is that a few scenes, cause there's different points of action etc??

A scene is action that takes place in a single setting. Usually it will involve interaction between 2 or more characters in a specific setting.

Your example of someone getting up in the morning, having breakfast and meeting a friend as the bus stop is not classed as a scene. You would need seperate scenes for each new setting (i.e the bedroom, the kitchen, and the bus stop.)

If it is a series of shots, then it is still classed as a scene, so long as they take place in the same setting.

Hope this helps a bit :)

Scene - Scenario
A scene can be a series of things that take place ......
Getting up - eating breakfast , taking off to the bustop......Next would be the actual arrival at the busstop and meeting of the friend....Hope this makes sense....

if you look at it from the perspective of a stage performance, a scene would be every time there is a major change, whether it is the set, the time, or any time that the stage goes black. The same changes are what constitute a given scene on screen.