Feature screenplay

Definition

A feature screenplay is a detailed script for a film that typically runs between 90 and 120 pages, designed to tell a complete story with developed characters and arcs. This type of screenplay serves as the blueprint for filmmakers, outlining not only dialogue but also visual elements and emotional beats, making it distinct from other formats like shorts or television scripts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Feature screenplays are typically structured in three acts, allowing for a clear beginning, middle, and end that develops characters and plot.
2. They include specific formatting rules, such as using Courier font and proper indentation, which are critical for readability in the industry.
3. Character arcs in feature screenplays show growth or change over the course of the story, often reflecting universal themes.
4. Unlike short films or TV scripts, feature screenplays often require more elaborate world-building to immerse the audience in the story's environment.
5. The process of writing a feature screenplay often involves multiple drafts and revisions, with feedback from producers and directors shaping the final product.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of a feature screenplay contribute to its effectiveness in storytelling compared to other types of screenplays?
  • The structure of a feature screenplay, which typically follows a three-act format, allows for a comprehensive development of characters and plot over an extended length. This contrasts with short screenplays that focus on concise storytelling or television scripts that must accommodate episodic formats. The clear beginning, middle, and end help ensure audiences connect emotionally with characters while providing necessary pacing and tension throughout the narrative.
• In what ways does writing a feature screenplay differ from creating a treatment or writing for television?
  • Writing a feature screenplay requires detailed scene breakdowns and dialogue to create a fully fleshed-out story intended for film production. In contrast, a treatment serves as an overview without dialogue, focusing on major plot points and themes for pitching purposes. Television writing often requires episodic structures that can include multiple character arcs across seasons, while feature screenplays typically focus on one complete narrative arc within their singular format.
• Evaluate the importance of character development within feature screenplays and how it impacts audience engagement.
  • Character development in feature screenplays is crucial as it fosters emotional connections between the audience and the characters. Well-crafted character arcs enhance the storytelling by showing growth or transformation, making audiences invested in their journeys. This depth of character allows for richer themes to emerge and engages viewers on multiple levels—intellectually and emotionally—ultimately influencing how memorable the film is long after viewing.

Related terms

Short screenplay: A short screenplay is a script for a film that usually runs under 40 pages and tells a concise story, often focusing on a single moment or theme.

Television script: A television script is designed for episodic content and may vary in length, often including multiple acts and commercial breaks, focusing on character development over a longer narrative arc.

Treatment: A treatment is a prose document that outlines the key elements of a screenplay, including plot points, character descriptions, and themes, often used to pitch an idea before writing the full script.