Screenwriting I

2.2 Proper Use of Screenplay Elements (Slug Lines, Action Lines, Dialogue)

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Screenplay elements like slug lines, action lines, and dialogue are the building blocks of any script. They help create a clear visual roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the story's locations, actions, and conversations.

Mastering these elements is crucial for effective screenwriting. By using them correctly, you'll craft a professional-looking script that's easy to read and visualize, setting the stage for your story to come to life on screen.

Scene Headings

Slug Line Format

Slug lines (also known as scene headings) indicate a change in location or time within the screenplay
Always written in ALL CAPS to visually separate them from other elements
Consist of three parts: interior/exterior, location, and time of day
Each part is separated by a period and a space (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP. DAY)

Interior and Exterior Designations

INT. is used for interior scenes that take place inside a building or structure
EXT. is used for exterior scenes that take place outside
Occasionally, I/E. or INT./EXT. is used for scenes that move between interior and exterior locations

Location Specificity

The location should be specific enough to give the reader a clear understanding of where the scene takes place (LIVING ROOM, CENTRAL PARK, TIMES SQUARE)
Avoid using overly general locations like "ROOM" or "OUTSIDE" unless absolutely necessary
If a location has already been established, it's acceptable to use a shortened version (JOE'S APARTMENT instead of JOE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM)

Time of Day Consistency

Time of day is typically written as DAY or NIGHT, but can also include specific times (DAWN, DUSK, MORNING, EVENING)
Maintain consistency in the time of day throughout a sequence of scenes
Only include the time of day if it's relevant to the story or visuals (e.g., a sunset or sunrise)

Action and Character

Action Line Purpose

Action lines describe what is happening on screen, including character actions, visual details, and scene descriptions
Written in present tense and active voice to create a sense of immediacy
Should be concise and visually descriptive, focusing on what can be seen or heard on screen
Avoid including unfilmable elements like character thoughts or backstory unless absolutely necessary

Character Introductions

When a character first appears in the screenplay, their name is written in ALL CAPS followed by their age and a brief description (e.g., SARAH (30s), a no-nonsense lawyer)
Subsequent appearances of the character use regular title case (Sarah)
Minor characters may be introduced with a description only (BARISTA, TAXI DRIVER, PEDESTRIAN)

Transitions and Montages

Transitions indicate a change in time, location, or scene and are written in ALL CAPS (CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:, FADE IN:, FADE OUT)
Montages are a series of brief scenes or shots that convey a passage of time, a character's development, or a sequence of events
Montages are introduced with a slug line (MONTAGE) and each shot is described on a separate action line, often using dashes or hyphens to separate them

Dialogue Elements

Dialogue Formatting Basics

A character's name appears in ALL CAPS, centered above their dialogue
Dialogue is left-aligned and wrapped to a maximum of 35-45 characters per line
If a character's dialogue extends beyond one page, use (CONT'D) next to their name on the second page
Dual dialogue (two characters speaking simultaneously) is side-by-side, separated by a vertical line

Parentheticals and Wrylies

Parentheticals (also known as wrylies) provide brief descriptions of a character's action, attitude, or tone while speaking
Appear in lowercase, enclosed in parentheses, and are placed between the character's name and their dialogue (e.g., SARAH (whispering))
Should be used sparingly and only when necessary to convey important information not evident in the dialogue itself

Voice-Over and Off-Screen Dialogue

Voice-over (V.O.) indicates a character's thoughts or narration that is heard over the scene but not spoken by the character on screen
Off-screen (O.S.) indicates dialogue spoken by a character who is not visible on screen but is present in the scene
Both V.O. and O.S. are written next to the character's name, separated by a single space (e.g., SARAH (V.O.), JOHN (O.S.))

Intercutting Scenes

Intercut is used when two or more scenes are happening simultaneously, and the action cuts back and forth between them
Introduced with the slug line INTERCUT followed by the locations of the scenes (e.g., INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION)
Each character's dialogue is preceded by their name and location to clarify where they are (e.g., SARAH (in car), JOHN (at office))

Key Terms to Review (24)

Slug Line: A slug line is a crucial element in screenplay formatting that indicates the location and time of a scene. It sets the stage for what's about to happen, informing the reader whether the scene takes place indoors or outdoors, and often includes specific details like the time of day, which helps establish the context for action and dialogue.

Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is a pivotal moment in a story that sets the main plot in motion by introducing the central conflict. This event typically disrupts the status quo and forces the protagonist to take action, establishing a sense of urgency and leading into the primary narrative arc.

Draft: In screenwriting, a draft refers to a specific version of a screenplay that has undergone writing and revision processes. Each draft represents a step in the evolution of the script, capturing changes in structure, character development, dialogue, and visual storytelling. Drafts are essential for refining ideas and ensuring that the screenplay meets industry standards and creative goals.

Resolution: Resolution is the final part of a story where the main conflicts are resolved, leading to the closure of the narrative. It ties up loose ends, provides clarity about the characters’ journeys, and often reflects the theme of the screenplay, bringing satisfaction to the audience.

Polish: Polish in screenwriting refers to the final refinement and enhancement of a screenplay, focusing on improving clarity, coherence, and emotional impact. It involves revisiting slug lines, action lines, and dialogue to ensure that they effectively convey the intended story and character nuances while adhering to industry standards. This process elevates the script from a rough draft to a more polished product ready for production.

Cold open: A cold open is a storytelling technique used in screenwriting that begins a film or television show with a scene before the opening credits. This method engages the audience immediately, often showcasing a compelling moment that sets the tone for what follows. It usually contains an important piece of dialogue or action that captures viewers' interest and can cleverly utilize slug lines to indicate location and time, along with action lines to describe visual elements.

Rewrite: In screenwriting, a rewrite refers to the process of revising a screenplay to improve its elements, clarify the story, and enhance character development. This essential step helps polish the script by refining dialogue, adjusting action lines, and perfecting slug lines, ensuring that the screenplay meets industry standards and resonates with audiences.

Beats: Beats are the smallest units of story that represent a change in a scene, whether it's an emotional shift, a plot development, or a character decision. Each beat drives the narrative forward and connects to screenplay elements like slug lines, action lines, and dialogue, creating a rhythm that maintains audience engagement. Understanding beats is essential for crafting scenes that feel dynamic and purposeful.

Character Introduction: Character introduction refers to the method of presenting a character to the audience in a screenplay, often done through descriptive action lines and dialogue. This crucial element establishes who the character is, their personality traits, motivations, and how they fit into the story. Properly introducing characters sets the tone for their development and helps viewers quickly connect with them, enhancing the overall narrative experience.

Tone Setting: Tone setting refers to the technique of establishing the emotional atmosphere or mood of a screenplay, guiding the audience's emotional response to the story. It's essential for creating a cohesive narrative and is intricately connected to screenplay elements such as slug lines, action lines, and dialogue, which help convey the intended tone through visual and auditory cues.

Turning Point: A turning point is a crucial moment in a story where the direction of the plot changes significantly, leading to important consequences for the characters and the narrative. These moments often serve as catalysts for character development and can introduce new conflicts or resolve existing ones, making them essential for maintaining audience engagement.

Show, Don't Tell: Show, don't tell is a fundamental principle in screenwriting that emphasizes the importance of presenting story elements through actions, visuals, and sensory details rather than simply stating them. This approach engages the audience more deeply by allowing them to infer emotions, themes, and character traits through what they see on screen rather than relying on exposition or narration.

Dialogue Block: A dialogue block is a specific format used in screenwriting to present spoken lines by characters in a screenplay. It typically includes the character's name centered above the dialogue text, which is written in a standard format without quotation marks. This structure allows readers to easily identify who is speaking and follows the action lines and slug lines, contributing to the overall flow and organization of the script.

Establishing Shot: An establishing shot is a film and television shot that sets up the context for a scene by showing the audience where the action is taking place. It often provides crucial information such as location, time of day, and atmosphere, serving as a visual anchor that helps viewers orient themselves within the narrative. By effectively using establishing shots, screenwriters can create a seamless flow in storytelling, connecting different scenes and enhancing the viewer's understanding of the plot.

Transitions: Transitions are the visual and narrative shifts that connect one scene or sequence to another in a screenplay, guiding the audience through the flow of the story. They can take many forms, from simple cuts to more elaborate techniques like fades or dissolves. Effective transitions help maintain pacing and enhance the emotional impact of the narrative by signaling changes in time, location, or perspective.

Parenthetical: A parenthetical is a brief note within dialogue in a screenplay that indicates how a line should be delivered, usually providing context such as emotion or action. This element enhances the clarity of dialogue and helps convey the intended performance, making it an essential part of screenplay formatting and effective writing.

Character Name: A character name is the designated label used to identify a character within a screenplay, serving as a crucial element in shaping how audiences perceive and connect with that character. The choice of a character's name can reveal insights about their personality, background, and role in the story. Additionally, character names are formatted distinctly in a screenplay, ensuring clarity when interacting with other screenplay elements such as dialogue and action lines.

Action Line: An action line is a key element in a screenplay that describes what is happening visually in a scene, detailing the characters' movements, expressions, and the environment around them. This element is crucial for setting the tone and pacing of the story, allowing readers to visualize the unfolding events. Action lines help convey the narrative through vivid descriptions that connect to the screenplay’s overall structure and flow.

Voiceover: Voiceover refers to a production technique where a voice that is not part of the narrative or dialogue of a scene is used to convey information or thoughts, often providing additional context or commentary. This technique is commonly used in screenwriting to enhance storytelling, reveal character insights, or set the tone of a scene, distinguishing it from other writing forms by its unique auditory element.

Montage: Montage is a film editing technique that involves piecing together a series of short clips or images to condense time, convey a sequence of events, or evoke a specific emotion. This technique not only showcases the passage of time but also creates thematic connections between the scenes, enhancing storytelling by juxtaposing contrasting images or ideas. It plays a crucial role in how the audience interprets the narrative and emotional tone of a screenplay.

Flashback: A flashback is a narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to present events that occurred at an earlier time. This device is often used to provide background information, deepen character development, or enhance the emotional stakes of the current narrative. Flashbacks are crucial for revealing motivations and conflicts, making them an essential element in storytelling.

Subtext: Subtext refers to the underlying meaning or implied ideas behind the spoken dialogue or actions in a screenplay, often conveying emotions, thoughts, or motivations that are not explicitly stated. It enriches storytelling by allowing characters to express more than what they say directly, adding depth to interactions and situations.

Dialogue: Dialogue is the written conversation between characters in a screenplay, designed to convey their thoughts, emotions, and relationships. It serves to reveal character development, advance the plot, and create tension or humor through the interaction of characters.

Scene heading: A scene heading, also known as a slug line, is a crucial element in a screenplay that indicates the location and time of day for a scene. This helps establish the setting for the audience and crew, providing clarity on where and when the action is taking place. Scene headings play an important role in organizing the script's flow and pacing, while also giving necessary context for both the visual and narrative aspects of the story.

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