1.2 Screenplay formatting
8 min read•august 20, 2024
Screenplay formatting is a crucial skill for aspiring screenwriters. It's the language of the film industry, helping to translate your story from page to screen. Proper formatting ensures your script looks professional and is easy to read.
Understanding the elements of a screenplay, from to , is essential. Adhering to industry standards for font, margins, and page numbers helps your script stand out. Mastering these formatting rules allows you to focus on crafting a compelling story that captivates readers and filmmakers alike.
Elements of a screenplay
Title page
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- Contains essential information about the screenplay such as the title, author's name, and contact details
- Follows a standardized format with specific margins, spacing, and placement of elements
- May include WGA registration number, draft date, or other relevant details
Slug lines
- Also known as , indicate the location and time of a scene
- Follow a specific format: INT./EXT. LOCATION - DAY/NIGHT
- Help break down the script into manageable sections for production purposes
Scene headings
- Establish the setting of a scene, whether it's interior or exterior, and the specific location
- Should be in all caps and include a general location description (CENTRAL PARK, JOHN'S APARTMENT)
- May include a more specific sub-location separated by a dash (KITCHEN, BEDROOM)
Action lines
- Describe the actions, settings, and character movements within a scene
- Written in present tense and should be concise, focusing on what is seen or heard on screen
- Can include essential details about the characters, props, or environment
Character names
- Introduce characters in all caps the first time they appear in the script
- Subsequent mentions of the character's name are in regular case
- Minor characters may be referred to by their role or description (WAITRESS, COP)
Dialogue
- Represents the spoken words of characters, centered on the page below their name
- Each character's dialogue starts with their name in all caps, followed by a colon
- Dialogue should be concise, revealing character traits, motivations, and conflicts
Parentheticals
- Brief descriptions placed in parentheses below a character's name, used sparingly
- Indicate how a line should be delivered or provide essential action (whispers, on phone)
- Should not be used excessively or to direct the actor's performance
Transitions
- Indicate how one scene or sequence to the next (FADE IN:, CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:)
- Should be used sparingly and only when necessary to convey a specific visual transition
- Placed at the right margin and in all caps
Shot descriptions
- Used to describe specific camera angles, movements, or framing (CLOSE UP, PAN, AERIAL SHOT)
- Should be used minimally, as the director and cinematographer typically determine these details
- Can be useful for conveying essential visual information or creating a specific mood
Formatting conventions
Font and size
- Industry standard is 12-point Courier or Courier New font
- This fixed-width font ensures consistent page count and formatting across different platforms
- Allows for easy estimation of screen time (one page roughly equals one minute)
Margins and indents
- Top and bottom margins should be set to 1 inch, left and right margins to 1.5 inches
- are indented 3.5 inches from the left margin
- Dialogue is indented 2.5 inches from the left margin
- are indented 3 inches from the left margin
Page numbers
- Appear in the top right corner of each page, except for the
- Start on the second page of the script with number 2
- Helps keep the script organized and allows for easy reference during development and production
Scene numbers
- Optional, but can be helpful for breaking down the script and scheduling purposes
- Typically appear in the top left corner of each scene, next to the scene heading
- Can be numbered consecutively throughout the script or restarted for each new sequence
Capitalization rules
- Character names are always capitalized when introducing them in or as dialogue headers
- Sound effects, specific props, or important visual elements may be capitalized for emphasis (GUNSHOT, MEDALLION)
- Transitions, , and slug lines are always in all caps
Abbreviations and acronyms
- Common abbreviations such as INT. (interior), EXT. (exterior), and O.S. (off-screen) are used in slug lines
- POV (point of view) or ECU (extreme close-up) may be used in shot descriptions
- Abbreviations should be used consistently throughout the script and be familiar to industry professionals
Screenplay structure
Three-act structure
- A traditional narrative structure that divides the story into setup, confrontation, and resolution
- Act One (setup) introduces the main characters, their world, and the that sets the story in motion
- Act Two (confrontation) presents obstacles and challenges that the protagonist must overcome, leading to a midpoint and a low point
- Act Three (resolution) features the climax, where the protagonist faces the ultimate challenge, followed by the denouement
Sequences and scenes
- are series of related that form a distinct narrative unit within the larger story
- Each sequence typically has its own internal structure, with a beginning, middle, and end
- Scenes are the building blocks of sequences, representing a single location and continuous action
Beats and moments
- are the smallest units of action or emotion within a scene, representing a change in the character's behavior or the scene's dynamics
- Key are significant turning points or revelations that propel the story forward and impact the characters' journeys
- These moments often occur at the end of scenes or sequences, creating a sense of progression and raising the stakes
Pacing and rhythm
- refers to the speed at which the story unfolds, balancing action, dialogue, and character development
- is the flow and tempo of the scenes, created through the use of white space, scene length, and transitions
- Effective pacing and rhythm keep the audience engaged and maintain the desired emotional impact throughout the script
White space usage
- White space on the page can be used to control pacing and emphasize certain moments
- Shorter, dialogue-heavy scenes create a faster pace, while longer, descriptive scenes slow down the rhythm
- Strategic use of white space, such as inserting a blank line between paragraphs or scenes, can create visual breaks and signal important transitions
Industry standards
Script length guidelines
- Feature-length screenplays typically range from 90 to 120 pages, with one page roughly equating to one minute of screen time
- Comedies and animated films tend to be shorter, around 90-100 pages, while dramas and action films can be longer, up to 120 pages
- It's important to be concise and efficient in storytelling to maintain the reader's engagement and adhere to industry expectations
Brads and binding
- Scripts should be bound with three brass brads (two on the top, one on the bottom) to keep the pages securely fastened
- The brads should be placed through the back cover and pages, with the prongs folded down and covered with tape to prevent snagging
- This standardized binding allows for easy reading, stacking, and storage of scripts during the development and production process
Revision and draft colors
- Different colors are used for script revisions to help track changes and maintain version control
- The industry-standard order of colors is: White (original draft), Blue, Pink, Yellow, Green, Goldenrod, Buff, Salmon, Cherry, Second Blue
- Each new revision is printed on the corresponding color paper, with the revision date and color noted on the title page
Copyright and registration
- Screenwriters should register their scripts with the U.S. Copyright Office and the Writers Guild of America (WGA) to protect their intellectual property
- Copyright registration provides legal protection against infringement and is necessary for pursuing legal action
- WGA registration serves as a timestamp and proof of authorship, helping to resolve disputes over script ownership or creation
Submission formats
- Scripts are typically submitted electronically as PDF files, ensuring consistent formatting across different devices and platforms
- When submitting physical copies, scripts should be printed single-sided on three-hole punched, 8.5 x 11-inch white paper
- A title page with the author's contact information and WGA registration number (if applicable) should be included
Software and tools
Screenwriting software vs word processors
- is designed specifically for writing scripts, with built-in formatting templates and tools
- like Microsoft Word or Google Docs can be used but require manual formatting and may not have all the necessary features
- Dedicated screenwriting software ensures consistent formatting, streamlines the writing process, and allows for easy collaboration and revisions
Popular screenwriting programs
- is the industry standard, used by most professional screenwriters and production companies
- Other popular options include Movie Magic Screenwriter, , FadeIn, and WriterDuet
- These programs offer a range of features, such as automatic formatting, story development tools, and collaboration capabilities
Collaboration features
- Many screenwriting programs offer that allow multiple writers to work on the same script simultaneously
- These features include real-time editing, version control, and the ability to leave comments or notes within the script
- Collaboration tools streamline the writing process and facilitate seamless communication between writing partners or team members
PDF and file compatibility
- Screenwriting software typically allows users to export their scripts as PDF files, ensuring consistent formatting across different devices and platforms
- PDF files are the standard format for script submissions and distribution, as they maintain the integrity of the screenplay's layout and design
- Compatibility with other file formats, such as .fdx (Final Draft) or .mmsw (Movie Magic Screenwriter), enables collaboration and file sharing between different screenwriting programs
Common formatting mistakes
Overwriting and underwriting
- Overwriting involves including too much detail or unnecessary information in action lines or dialogue, slowing down the pace and distracting from the story
- Underwriting is the opposite, providing too little information or context, leaving the reader confused or disengaged
- Strike a balance between providing essential details and trusting the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps
Incorrect margins and indents
- Inconsistent or can disrupt the visual flow of the script and make it difficult to read
- Adhere to the industry-standard margins and indents for each element (dialogue, action lines, parentheticals) to ensure a professional appearance
- Use screenwriting software or templates to automatically format your script correctly
Inconsistent scene headings
- Scene headings should follow a consistent format throughout the script (INT./EXT. LOCATION - DAY/NIGHT)
- Inconsistencies in scene headings can confuse the reader and make it difficult to track the story's progression
- Double-check scene headings for accuracy and consistency during the editing and proofreading process
Misuse of parentheticals
- Parentheticals should be used sparingly and only when necessary to convey essential information about a character's delivery or action
- Overusing parentheticals can clutter the page and distract from the dialogue and story
- Avoid using parentheticals to direct an actor's performance or convey subtext that should be evident through the dialogue itself
Overuse of camera directions
- Screenplays should focus on telling the story through action and dialogue, rather than specifying camera angles or movements
- Overusing camera directions can be seen as an attempt to direct the film on the page and may turn off potential buyers or collaborators
- Include camera directions only when absolutely necessary to convey crucial visual information or create a specific mood or tone
Key Terms to Review (34)
Action Lines: Action lines are descriptive text within a screenplay that detail the physical actions occurring in a scene. They serve to set the stage, provide context for the characters’ movements, and establish the overall tone of the narrative. These lines are essential for visual storytelling, guiding directors, actors, and crew members in translating written words into visual imagery.
Beats: In screenplay writing, beats are the smallest units of action or moment within a scene that propel the story forward. They help establish the rhythm and pacing of a script, allowing writers to convey character intentions and emotional shifts effectively. Recognizing beats is crucial for understanding how scenes flow and connect, making them an essential element of screenplay formatting.
Brads and Binding: Brads and binding refer to the physical means used to hold together the pages of a screenplay, ensuring they stay organized and easy to read. In screenplay formatting, brads are typically metal fasteners that secure the pages at the top, while binding involves the use of various methods, such as staples or plastic bindings, to keep all pages in place. Proper use of brads and binding is crucial for presenting a professional-looking script that can be easily handled during readings or submissions.
Celtx: Celtx is a comprehensive pre-production software designed to help writers and filmmakers organize their projects effectively. It streamlines the process of screenplay formatting, ensuring that scripts adhere to industry standards, and offers tools specifically tailored for formatting dialogue, character descriptions, and other essential elements of a script. With its user-friendly interface, Celtx makes it easier for creators to collaborate and maintain structure in their storytelling.
Character Names: Character names refer to the names given to the individuals in a screenplay, playing a crucial role in shaping the identity and perception of those characters. These names can carry significant meaning, hinting at personality traits, background, or thematic elements within the story. The formatting of character names in screenplays follows specific guidelines that help identify them quickly during reading and production.
Collaboration features: Collaboration features refer to tools and functionalities within screenplay writing software that facilitate teamwork among writers, directors, and other stakeholders. These features enable multiple users to work simultaneously on a project, share feedback in real-time, and manage revisions efficiently. This interconnectedness is essential for maintaining creative cohesion and ensuring that everyone involved is aligned with the project's vision.
Copyright and Registration: Copyright is a legal right that grants the creator of original works exclusive control over the use and distribution of their creations, while registration is the formal process of documenting this copyright with a governmental authority. This legal framework protects screenwriters by preventing unauthorized use of their screenplays, ensuring they receive recognition and compensation for their work. Proper registration of a screenplay can strengthen legal claims in case of infringement and is an essential step for protecting intellectual property in the film industry.
Dialogue: Dialogue refers to the spoken exchanges between characters in a screenplay, serving as a crucial tool for revealing personality, advancing the plot, and conveying themes. It connects deeply with character development, as well as the way stories are structured and presented on screen. Good dialogue is not just about what characters say but how they say it, reflecting their emotions and motivations.
Final draft: A final draft is the completed version of a screenplay, polished and formatted correctly, ready for submission or production. This stage reflects the writer's best effort, incorporating feedback from revisions while adhering to industry standards in screenplay formatting, ensuring that the dialogue is clear and engaging, and fitting within the evolving landscape of new media. The final draft also plays a crucial role in building a screenwriting portfolio, showcasing a writer's skills and creativity.
Inciting Incident: The inciting incident is a crucial moment in a story that sets the main plot into motion, creating conflict and compelling the protagonist to take action. This pivotal event disrupts the status quo, leading to the rising action and driving character development throughout the narrative. It typically occurs early in the screenplay and connects deeply with themes, character arcs, and overall structure.
Inconsistent Scene Headings: Inconsistent scene headings refer to the practice of using varying or conflicting descriptions for a single location within a screenplay. This can confuse the reader or viewer, as it disrupts the continuity and clarity of the script. Maintaining consistency in scene headings is crucial for ensuring that the production team and audience can easily follow the narrative flow and understand where each scene is taking place.
Incorrect margins and indents: Incorrect margins and indents refer to formatting errors in screenplays that disrupt the standardized layout required for proper readability and industry acceptance. This includes deviations from the set margin sizes and inconsistent indentations that can affect how the script is perceived by agents, producers, and directors. Adhering to correct margins and indents ensures that the screenplay aligns with industry norms, making it easier for readers to navigate through the text.
Misuse of parentheticals: The misuse of parentheticals in screenwriting refers to the incorrect or excessive use of descriptive text within parentheses that distracts from the main action or dialogue. When used appropriately, parentheticals can clarify a character's intention or add subtle nuances to a line, but overusing them or using them inappropriately can lead to cluttered scripts and confuse readers.
Moments: In screenplay writing, 'moments' refer to significant instances or beats in a script that capture the attention and emotions of the audience. These moments are essential for character development, plot progression, and creating memorable scenes that resonate with viewers. They can be dramatic, comedic, or poignant, often acting as turning points or revelations in the story.
Overuse of Camera Directions: Overuse of camera directions refers to the excessive inclusion of specific instructions for camera movements, angles, and shots within a screenplay. This practice can detract from the storytelling by overwhelming readers with technical details rather than allowing them to focus on character development and plot progression. Effective screenplays should maintain a balance between necessary visual guidance and the narrative flow.
Overwriting and Underwriting: Overwriting refers to the practice of adding excessive detail, dialogue, or description in a screenplay that can bog down the pacing or dilute the story. Conversely, underwriting involves too little detail, leaving scenes feeling incomplete or unclear, which can confuse viewers and weaken character development. Finding the right balance between these two extremes is crucial for effective screenplay formatting, as it impacts readability and the overall flow of the script.
Pacing: Pacing refers to the speed at which a story unfolds, controlling the rhythm and flow of events in a screenplay. It is essential for maintaining audience engagement, as it dictates how quickly or slowly the plot develops and how tension builds. Effective pacing ensures that key moments resonate, while also allowing for quieter scenes to breathe and develop character or theme.
Parentheticals: Parentheticals are brief notations included within a screenplay, typically placed in parentheses, that provide additional information about how a line of dialogue should be delivered. They serve to clarify tone, emotion, or action for the actor and help maintain the intended mood and context of the scene. Their proper use is essential for effective screenplay formatting and dialogue formatting, ensuring that the script communicates its vision clearly to readers and performers.
Pdf and file compatibility: PDF and file compatibility refers to the ability of different software programs to open, read, and edit PDF documents while preserving the original formatting and content. This is crucial for screenplays, as they often require specific formatting to adhere to industry standards, and any discrepancies can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Understanding this compatibility ensures that scripts can be shared and viewed without loss of integrity across various platforms and devices.
Revision and Draft Colors: Revision and draft colors refer to the practice of using different colors of paper or text to indicate various stages of a screenplay's development during the revision process. Each color represents a specific draft or revision, helping writers, producers, and readers easily identify the most current version and track changes made throughout the writing process.
Rhythm: Rhythm refers to the timing and pacing of events in a screenplay, influencing the flow and emotional impact of a story. It connects to how scenes are structured, how dialogue unfolds, and how action sequences are timed, allowing audiences to feel the ebb and flow of tension, humor, or drama. Understanding rhythm is crucial for crafting engaging narratives that resonate with viewers.
Scene headings: Scene headings are essential elements in a screenplay that indicate the location and time of a scene. They provide clarity to the reader about where and when the action takes place, typically formatted in uppercase letters. This formatting style not only helps with visualizing the script but also organizes the narrative structure, allowing directors, actors, and crew members to understand the flow of scenes.
Scenes: Scenes are distinct units of action within a screenplay that establish a specific setting, characters, and events. Each scene usually takes place in a single location and time frame, helping to drive the narrative forward by showcasing key moments and interactions between characters. Scenes are crucial for pacing and structure, as they provide the framework for storytelling through visual imagery and dialogue.
Screenwriting software: Screenwriting software is specialized computer programs designed to assist writers in creating, formatting, and organizing screenplays according to industry standards. These tools often automate formatting elements such as character names, dialogue, and scene headings, which helps writers focus on their storytelling rather than technical details. Additionally, they can offer features like collaboration tools, revision tracking, and script analysis to enhance the rewriting process.
Script length guidelines: Script length guidelines refer to the recommended page count for screenplays to ensure they fit industry standards and pacing expectations. These guidelines help writers determine the appropriate length for their scripts based on various factors such as genre, story complexity, and intended runtime, ultimately influencing how the screenplay is perceived by producers and audiences alike.
Sequences: Sequences in screenwriting refer to a series of connected scenes that drive the narrative forward, typically forming a distinct unit within the screenplay. They often highlight character development, thematic elements, or pivotal plot points and can be essential in organizing the screenplay into manageable parts. These segments help maintain pacing and structure, contributing to the overall flow of the story.
Shot Descriptions: Shot descriptions are detailed explanations within a screenplay that outline how a scene will be visually presented on screen. These descriptions give insight into the composition, movement, and emotional tone of each shot, allowing readers to visualize the intended imagery and action. Properly formatted shot descriptions are essential for guiding directors, cinematographers, and actors during the filmmaking process.
Slug Lines: Slug lines are specific formatting elements in a screenplay that indicate the setting and time of a scene. They help to establish the context for the action and dialogue that follows, typically formatted in uppercase letters. Slug lines not only provide essential information about where a scene takes place, but they also guide the reader’s understanding of the script's structure and pacing, making them critical for screenplay formatting.
Submission formats: Submission formats refer to the specific styles and guidelines required when presenting a screenplay to producers, agents, or contests. These formats often dictate the font, margins, page numbering, and other elements to ensure that the screenplay is professionally presented and easily readable. Proper submission formats are crucial as they can impact how a screenplay is perceived and increase its chances of being considered seriously.
Three-act structure: The three-act structure is a narrative framework that divides a story into three distinct sections: setup, confrontation, and resolution. This model helps writers create a cohesive flow, guiding the audience through the development of characters and plot while maintaining pacing and dramatic tension.
Title Page: The title page is the first page of a screenplay, providing essential information about the script, such as the title, the author's name, and contact details. This page sets the tone for the screenplay and acts as a calling card for the writer, making it crucial for submission to producers, agents, or contests. A well-formatted title page can create a professional impression and is an important part of screenplay formatting.
Transitions: Transitions are techniques used in screenwriting to indicate a change in time, location, or the flow of a scene. They serve as visual or narrative bridges that help guide the audience from one moment to another, enhancing the storytelling by creating smooth connections between scenes or dialogue exchanges. This is crucial for maintaining pacing and coherence in both screenplay formatting and dialogue formatting.
White Space Usage: White space usage refers to the intentional use of blank areas on a screenplay page to enhance readability and pacing. It helps create a visual balance, making it easier for readers and viewers to follow the script, while also influencing the emotional rhythm of the story by allowing moments of pause or emphasis. This strategic spacing is crucial in screenplay formatting, as it impacts how the story unfolds visually on the screen.
Word Processors: Word processors are software applications that enable users to create, edit, format, and print text documents. In the context of screenplay formatting, these tools provide essential features that cater specifically to the unique needs of screenwriters, such as automatic formatting for dialogue, action lines, and scene headings, which are crucial for ensuring that scripts meet industry standards.