1.2 Screenplay formatting

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 slug lines to dialogue, 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 scene headings, 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 transitions 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
• Character names are indented 3.5 inches from the left margin
• Dialogue is indented 2.5 inches from the left margin
• Parentheticals are indented 3 inches from the left margin

Page numbers

• Appear in the top right corner of each page, except for the title page
• 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 action lines or as dialogue headers
• Sound effects, specific props, or important visual elements may be capitalized for emphasis (GUNSHOT, MEDALLION)
• Transitions, shot descriptions, 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 inciting incident 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

• Sequences are series of related scenes 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

• Beats 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 moments 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

• Pacing refers to the speed at which the story unfolds, balancing action, dialogue, and character development
• Rhythm 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

• Screenwriting software is designed specifically for writing scripts, with built-in formatting templates and tools
• Word processors 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

• Final Draft is the industry standard, used by most professional screenwriters and production companies
• Other popular options include Movie Magic Screenwriter, Celtx, 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 collaboration features 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 incorrect margins and indents 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