2.1 Standard Screenplay Formatting Rules
3 min read•august 6, 2024
Screenplay formatting rules are the foundation of professional script writing. These guidelines ensure consistency and readability, allowing industry professionals to quickly assess and visualize your story. Mastering these rules is crucial for aspiring screenwriters.
From choice to page layout, every element of a screenplay serves a purpose. Understanding how to properly format scene headings, action lines, dialogue, and transitions will help you create a polished script that meets industry standards and showcases your storytelling skills.
Font and Page Setup
Standard Font and Spacing
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- Screenplays use Courier 12-point font, a fixed-pitch font that creates a consistent look and allows for a reliable page count
- Each page of a screenplay is considered to be roughly one minute of screen time, so using Courier 12-point font helps maintain this standard
- The text should be left-aligned, single-spaced within elements, and double-spaced between elements
Page Margins and Numbers
- The top and bottom should be set to 1 inch, while the left and right margins should be set to 1.5 inches
- Page numbers should be included in the top right corner of each page, except for the first page, which is typically left unnumbered
- Page numbers help maintain organization and make it easier for readers to reference specific parts of the script
Scene Elements
Scene Headings and Action Lines
- Scene headings, also known as sluglines, indicate the location and time of a scene ( COFFEE SHOP - DAY)
- They are written in all caps and followed by action lines that describe what is happening in the scene
- Action lines should be concise, vivid, and written in the present tense to help the reader visualize the scene
Character Names and Dialogue
- When a character is introduced for the first time, their name should be capitalized within the action lines
- In subsequent appearances, the character's name is written in all caps above their dialogue
- Dialogue is centered on the page and follows the character's name, which is indented 3.5 inches from the left margin
Parentheticals and Extensions
- Parentheticals provide brief descriptions of a character's tone, attitude, or action accompanying their dialogue (sarcastically)
- They appear in parentheses below the character's name and are indented 3 inches from the left margin
- Extensions, such as (V.O.) for voice-over or (O.S.) for , are placed next to the character's name to indicate how the dialogue is being delivered
Formatting Techniques
Transitions and Shot Descriptions
- Transitions indicate how one scene or shot moves to the next (, , DISSOLVE TO:)
- They are written in all caps, right-aligned, and followed by a new scene heading or
- Shot descriptions, such as CLOSE UP or PAN TO, are used sparingly and only when necessary to convey a specific visual element
Title Page and Binding
- The title page should include the script's title, the writer's name, and contact information, centered on the page
- The title is typically written in all caps, with the author's name and contact information appearing below
- Screenplays are usually bound with brass brads or paper clips, making it easy for readers to flip through the pages and make notes
Key Terms to Review (18)
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.
Celtx: Celtx is a screenwriting software that helps writers create scripts and production documents in a structured way. It streamlines the writing process by providing templates that adhere to industry standards, ensuring that screenplays are properly formatted and easy to read. This software also assists with organizing various elements of a screenplay and enhances collaboration among writers, making it an essential tool for modern screenwriting.
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.
Cut to:: The term 'cut to:' is a script direction used in screenwriting to indicate a transition from one scene to another. It serves as a cue for the editor and the audience, emphasizing that the action or location has abruptly changed. This direction helps to maintain the narrative flow and pacing, providing a clear signal that a different moment or setting is now being presented.
Dialogue Format: Dialogue format refers to the specific way in which spoken lines of characters are presented in a screenplay. This format ensures clarity and helps convey the character's voice, emotional state, and intentions while maintaining readability for actors and crew. Proper dialogue format is crucial as it allows for smooth transitions between lines and helps to set the pacing of a scene.
Ext.: The abbreviation 'ext.' stands for 'exterior' and is used in screenwriting to indicate that a scene takes place outside. This term helps readers and production teams quickly identify the setting of a scene, allowing for more efficient organization and planning during filming. By using 'ext.', writers can signal whether the action unfolds in an outdoor environment or not, which is crucial for visual storytelling.
Fade in:: Fade in: is a screenwriting term that indicates the beginning of a scene, where the image gradually appears from a black screen. This technique sets the tone for the scene and allows for a smooth transition from darkness to light, often used to signify a new beginning or shift in time and space.
Final Draft: Final Draft refers to the completed version of a screenplay that is polished and ready for submission or production. This version incorporates all revisions and edits made after feedback, ensuring that it meets industry standards and is formatted correctly for readability and professionalism. The final draft is essential in presenting the screenplay effectively to producers, directors, and actors.
Font: A font is a specific style and size of text that is used in written material, including screenplays. In the context of screenplay formatting, the choice of font affects the readability and presentation of the script, ensuring it adheres to industry standards for submission. Using a consistent font helps convey professionalism and allows readers to focus on the content rather than being distracted by varying styles.
Int.: The term 'int.' is an abbreviation for 'interior' used in screenplay formatting to indicate that a scene takes place inside a location. This term helps to distinguish between interior and exterior scenes, guiding the reader's understanding of the setting and atmosphere. Properly using 'int.' ensures that screenplays follow standard formatting rules, making them easier for industry professionals to read and interpret.
Logline: A logline is a brief summary of a screenplay, usually one or two sentences long, that captures the main plot, character, and conflict. It serves as a critical tool in screenwriting by distilling the essence of the story, making it easier to convey the idea to others and helping to ensure clarity in the writing process.
Margins: Margins in screenplay formatting refer to the blank spaces around the edges of a page, defining the area where text is written. These margins ensure that the script is not only visually appealing but also meets industry standards for readability and presentation. Proper margins help in maintaining a consistent look throughout the screenplay, making it easier for readers and industry professionals to evaluate the work.
Off-screen: Off-screen refers to the elements in a screenplay that occur outside the visible frame of the camera, meaning that they are not currently seen by the audience but are implied to be happening. This technique can help build suspense, create a sense of presence, or convey important plot details without showing them directly. It allows for creative storytelling by suggesting that action or dialogue is taking place beyond the immediate visuals, encouraging audience imagination and engagement.
One page equals one minute: The phrase 'one page equals one minute' is a fundamental guideline in screenwriting that suggests each page of a properly formatted screenplay corresponds to approximately one minute of screen time. This principle helps writers gauge the pacing and timing of their scripts, ensuring that the story unfolds within a realistic timeframe when produced.
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.
Query letter: A query letter is a brief, formal letter sent to agents or producers to introduce a screenplay, generating interest and requesting representation or a read. It serves as the first impression for your work, highlighting essential elements like the logline, genre, and unique selling points. Crafting an effective query letter is crucial, as it sets the stage for how your screenplay will be perceived.
Screenplay length: Screenplay length refers to the ideal duration or number of pages a screenplay should have, typically ranging from 90 to 120 pages for feature films. This length is crucial because, in standard screenplay formatting, one page generally translates to about one minute of screen time. Understanding screenplay length is essential for writers to effectively convey their story without losing the audience's interest or straying too far into excess material.
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.