Embedded Files
Setting the Format
Setting the Format
The first step in directing in spotlight is setting the format. There are two main directing formats, 'spotlight' and 'cinematic'. We'll be learning more about cinematic later, but for now, we're focusing on spotlight.
To set the directing format in our script to spotlight, we will use the 'set format' command, followed by the format we want to use, spotlight.
Choosing the Background and Zone
Choosing the Background and Zone
After setting the format, we want to choose a background for our scene. Once we've chosen one, we will set the exact background name at the top of our scene in our script. Backgrounds are always an indication of a new scene starting.
Immediately following the background name, let's choose the zone where we want our scene to occur. To set the zone in view, we will use the syntax '@cut to' followed by the zone we want our scene to be in. For example, "@cut to zone 2". Let's put what we have right now altogether!
If you need to brush up on backgrounds and zones, refer back to the Backgrounds lesson!
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To the right, you'll see our previewer showing us what our code is generating on screen.
Characters and Dialogue
Characters and Dialogue
Next, let's get our scene going with some characters and dialogue!
In spotlight, characters slide in from a side of the screen in a box. They will automatically alternate sides in some pattern, but we want to make sure that when the main character is in the scene, that they will always slide in from the left side, and everyone else will slide in from the right. To do this, we will go to our character page and select our character.
Once we are on our main character's character page, scroll until you see the 'Main Character' box on the left side. Once you reach this box, select the main character in the dropdown and save changes.
Now, the main character will always slide in from the left, to differentiate it from the other characters!
We can now start adding dialogue to our script. Dialogue in donacode follows a structure similar to playwright, except we add animations for each line of dialogue on the same line as the character name.
You can write whole chapters this way! The characters will continue to slide in and out automatically.
You may also have a character perform an animation without dialogue! This is great for reactions and interactions in characters where words are not necessarily necessary.
When you want a character to perform an animation without dialogue attached to it, use the syntax "@CHARACTER is flirt_coy".
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This will come in handy in the future, especially as you advance in your directing skills.
Exercise
Exercise
Time to put those skills to use! Start a new chapter and work on the following:
Create two scenes in spotlight (remember to set the format)
Make sure that the main character is marked as the "main character" in the characters page
When you're done, if you want to take it up a notch, add the following to your chapter:
A (relevant to the story) pan between zones in a scene
Character animations without dialogue to show reactions
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