✍️Intro to Screenwriting Unit 10 – Formatting and Presentation

What's the Big Deal?

• Proper screenplay formatting essential for professional appearance and readability
• Consistent formatting allows readers to focus on the story and content rather than being distracted by inconsistencies or errors
• Industry-standard formatting demonstrates the writer's knowledge and commitment to the craft
• Properly formatted scripts more likely to be taken seriously by agents, producers, and other industry professionals
• Formatting conventions help to estimate the script's runtime (one page roughly equals one minute of screen time)
• Adhering to formatting rules ensures that the script is easy to navigate and understand for all involved in the production process
• Screenplay formatting has evolved over time to become a universal language within the film industry

Key Elements of Screenplay Formatting

• 12-point Courier font used for the entire script to ensure consistent page count and readability
• Scene headings (sluglines) indicate the location and time of each scene
• Character names appear in all caps when first introduced and throughout the script
• Dialogue is centered on the page and enclosed in quotation marks
• Parentheticals provide brief character descriptions or delivery instructions next to the character's name
• Action lines describe the visual elements of the scene and are written in present tense
• Transitions indicate how one scene moves to the next (CUT TO, FADE IN/OUT, DISSOLVE TO)
• Page numbers appear in the top right corner of each page, except for the first page

Page Layout Basics

• Scripts are typically written in a three-hole-punched, brads-bound format
• Title page includes the script's title, writer's name, and contact information
• Margins are set to 1.5 inches on the left and 1 inch on the right, top, and bottom
• The first page of the script is numbered as "1" and subsequent pages are numbered consecutively
• Scenes are separated by a single blank line
• Character names are indented 3.5 inches from the left margin
• Dialogue is indented 2.5 inches from the left margin and extends no more than 3 inches from the right margin
• Action lines are flush with the left margin and extend no more than 6 inches from the left margin

Scene Headings and Descriptions

• Scene headings (sluglines) follow a specific format: INT./EXT. LOCATION - DAY/NIGHT
  • INT. indicates an interior scene, while EXT. indicates an exterior scene
  • LOCATION describes where the scene takes place (CENTRAL PARK, JOHN'S APARTMENT)
  • DAY or NIGHT indicates the time of day
• Scene descriptions appear directly below the scene heading and provide a brief overview of the setting and any essential action
• Descriptions are written in present tense and should be concise, focusing on the most important visual elements
• Avoid using camera directions or editing terms in scene descriptions, as these are typically left to the director's discretion
• If a scene heading appears for the first time, it may be helpful to include a brief description to establish the location (JOHN'S APARTMENT - MESSY AND DIMLY LIT)

Dialogue and Character Cues

• When a character speaks, their name appears in all caps, centered on the page, 3.5 inches from the left margin
• Dialogue appears directly below the character name, indented 2.5 inches from the left margin
• Parentheticals provide brief character descriptions or delivery instructions and appear in parentheses next to the character name (JOHN (angrily))
• If a character's dialogue extends beyond one page, a (CONT'D) is placed next to their name on the second page
• Off-screen dialogue is indicated by (O.S.) next to the character name, while voice-over narration is indicated by (V.O.)
• When multiple characters speak simultaneously, their names are stacked above the shared dialogue, which is then centered below

Action Lines and Transitions

• Action lines describe the visual elements of the scene and any essential character actions
• Written in present tense and should be concise, focusing on what the audience will see on screen
• Avoid using camera directions or editing terms in action lines, as these are typically left to the director's discretion
• Transitions indicate how one scene moves to the next and appear in all caps, flush with the right margin
  • Common transitions include CUT TO, FADE IN/OUT, and DISSOLVE TO
  • MATCH CUT is used to indicate a visual connection between two scenes
  • SMASH CUT suggests an abrupt or startling transition
• Montages are indicated by a series of short, related scenes described in a single action block, with each scene separated by a hyphen or bullet point

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overusing camera directions or editing terms, which can be distracting and limit the director's creative choices
• Writing overly detailed or lengthy scene descriptions that slow down the script's pacing
• Inconsistent formatting, such as mixing font types or sizes, or incorrect indentation
• Using too many parentheticals or overly descriptive character cues that disrupt the flow of dialogue
• Failing to properly introduce characters or locations, leading to confusion for the reader
• Overusing adverbs in dialogue parentheticals (JOHN (angrily, frantically, excitedly))
• Neglecting to proofread the script for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors
• Including unnecessary or irrelevant information that does not directly advance the story or characters

Tools and Software for Screenwriting

• Many professional screenwriters use dedicated software to ensure proper formatting and streamline the writing process
• Popular screenwriting software includes Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, and Celtx
  • These programs offer templates, auto-formatting, and collaboration features
  • They also provide tools for outlining, storyboarding, and script revision
• Free or low-cost alternatives include Fade In, Trelby, and Highland
• Some writers prefer to use general word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, applying manual formatting
• Online platforms like WriterDuet and Arc Studio Pro offer cloud-based collaboration and real-time feedback features
• Screenwriting apps for mobile devices, such as Slugline and Fountain, allow writers to work on their scripts on the go
• Regardless of the tool chosen, it is essential to ensure that the final script adheres to industry-standard formatting conventions