📖Storytelling for Film and Television Unit 4 – Screenplay & Teleplay Formats

What's the Big Picture?

• Screenplays and teleplays are written documents that serve as blueprints for films and television shows
• Proper formatting is crucial for conveying the story, characters, and visual elements to the production team
• Industry-standard formatting helps streamline the production process and ensures clear communication among writers, directors, actors, and crew members
• Mastering the nuances of screenplay and teleplay formats can increase the chances of a script being considered by industry professionals
• Understanding the differences between screenplay and teleplay formats is essential for writers aspiring to work in both film and television
  • Screenplays are typically longer and more detailed than teleplays
  • Teleplays often include specific act breaks and commercial breaks

Key Elements of Screenplay Format

• Scene headings (sluglines) indicate the location and time of each scene (INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY)
• Action lines describe the visual elements, character actions, and scene descriptions
• Character names appear in all caps (JOHN) when first introduced and before their dialogue
• Dialogue is centered on the page and follows the character name
• Parentheticals provide brief descriptions of a character's action or tone (whispers, sarcastically)
• Transitions describe how one scene transitions to the next (CUT TO:, FADE OUT.)
  • Transitions are typically used sparingly in modern screenplays
• Shot descriptions, such as close-ups or camera angles, are generally avoided unless necessary for the story

Teleplay Format Essentials

• Act breaks divide the story into distinct segments, usually for commercial breaks (ACT ONE, ACT TWO)
• Scene numbers are often included to help with production planning and scheduling
• Page counts for teleplays are typically shorter than screenplays due to the constraints of television time slots
  • Half-hour comedies are usually around 22-25 pages
  • Hour-long dramas are typically 45-55 pages
• Teasers and tags are short scenes that bookend the main story, often used to hook the audience or provide a final punchline
• Multi-camera sitcoms use a specific format that includes camera directions and audience reactions (LAUGHTER)

Formatting Tools and Software

• Screenwriting software like Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, and WriterDuet automatically format scripts to industry standards
• These programs offer templates for various script types, such as feature films, TV shows, and stage plays
• Screenwriting software includes features like character and location databases, scene outlining, and collaboration tools
• Some software options provide cloud-based storage and mobile apps for writing on the go
• While not essential, using industry-standard software can save time and ensure proper formatting

Common Rookie Mistakes

• Overusing camera directions and shot descriptions, which are typically left to the director's discretion
• Writing overly detailed action lines that read like a novel instead of a visual blueprint
• Failing to properly format dialogue, character names, and scene headings
• Including too much backstory or exposition in the action lines instead of revealing information through dialogue and action
• Neglecting to proofread and check for formatting errors, typos, and inconsistencies
  • A script with numerous errors can appear unprofessional and may be dismissed by industry readers
• Submitting scripts with incorrect page counts or margins, which can indicate a lack of understanding of industry standards

Industry Standards and Expectations

• Scripts should be written in 12-point Courier font, which is a fixed-width font that ensures consistent page count and readability
• Pages should have 1-inch margins on all sides
• Each page of a screenplay roughly equates to one minute of screen time, allowing for a quick estimation of the film's length
• Scene headings, action lines, and dialogue should be left-aligned, while character names and transitions are centered
• Industry professionals expect scripts to adhere to these standards, as it demonstrates the writer's familiarity with the craft
  • Deviating from these norms can make a script appear amateurish and may hinder its chances of being considered

Adapting Your Writing Style

• Writers should adjust their writing style to suit the format and medium they are working in
• Screenplays and teleplays demand a visual and concise writing style that focuses on action and dialogue
  • Avoid excessive description, introspection, or exposition that cannot be conveyed on screen
• Embrace the collaborative nature of screenwriting by being open to feedback and revisions from directors, producers, and actors
• Study produced scripts in your desired genre to understand how successful writers craft their stories within the formatting constraints
• Practice writing in different formats, such as features, shorts, and TV episodes, to develop versatility and adaptability

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Read your script aloud to catch awkward phrasing, unnatural dialogue, or pacing issues
• Use screenwriting software's built-in tools, such as the "revision mode," to track changes and collaborate with others
• Create a strong opening image or scene that immediately engages the reader and establishes the tone of the story
• Ensure that each scene moves the story forward and reveals new information about the characters or plot
• Use white space strategically to make the script more visually appealing and easier to read
  • Avoid long blocks of action lines or dialogue that can appear daunting on the page
• Seek feedback from trusted peers, writing groups, or industry professionals to identify strengths and weaknesses in your script
• Continuously study and analyze successful scripts in your genre to stay current with industry trends and expectations