Screenwriting isn't just about telling a great story—it's also about following industry-specific formatting rules. From spec scripts to shooting scripts, TV shows to feature films, each type of screenplay has its own unique requirements that writers must master.
Proper formatting isn't just about looking professional. It's a crucial tool that helps producers, directors, and crew members quickly understand and visualize your story. By nailing these details, you'll show that you're ready for the big leagues.
Spec Scripts and Shooting Scripts
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Top images from around the web for Spec Scripts and Shooting Scripts formatting - Hollywood script vs Bollywood script - Writers Stack Exchange View original
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Spec script format uses minimalist style focused on storytelling
Spec scripts omit technical directions and camera angles
Shooting script format includes detailed production information
Shooting scripts contain scene numbers, camera angles, and transitions
Both formats use 12-point Courier font and proper margins (1 inch top/bottom, 1.5 inches left, 1 inch right)
Page numbers appear in upper right corner starting on page 2
Scene headings , action lines, and dialogue follow standard formatting rules
Television Scripts and Page Count Standards
Television script format varies slightly from feature film scripts
TV scripts often include act breaks and commercial placement indicators
Sitcom scripts may use dual-column format for dialogue and action
One-hour drama scripts typically follow feature film formatting conventions
Page count standards depend on script type:
Feature film spec scripts aim for 90-120 pages (1 page = ~1 minute of screen time)
Half-hour TV scripts range from 22-35 pages
One-hour TV scripts typically fall between 45-63 pages
Page count variations exist for different genres (comedies tend to be shorter, epics longer)
Title Page and Scene Numbering
Title Page Formatting
Title page contains essential information about the script
Center-aligned elements include:
Script title (all caps, larger font)
"Written by" credit
Writer's name(s)
Bottom left corner includes:
Writer's contact information or representation details
Bottom right corner may include:
Draft date
Copyright information
Title page excludes page number
Uses same 12-point Courier font as script body
Scene Numbering and Revision Marks
Scene numbers appear in shooting scripts, not in spec scripts
Scene numbers placed on left and right margins of scene headings
Consecutive numbering throughout script (1, 2, 3, etc.)
Added scenes use suffixes (12A, 12B) to maintain original numbering
Revision marks indicate script changes:
Different colored pages for each revision pass (white, blue, pink, yellow, green)
Asterisks in right margin highlight specific changes
Revised scene numbers marked with an asterisk
Revision dates noted on title page for each new draft
Production and Coverage
Production Drafts
Production drafts evolve from shooting scripts
Include detailed technical information for each department
Watermarked with draft number and date
May contain colored pages indicating revisions
Distributed to cast and crew with scene breakdowns
Often accompanied by script supervisors' notes
Can include:
Props lists
Wardrobe notes
Special effects requirements
Location details
Coverage summarizes and evaluates scripts for producers and executives
Standard coverage format includes:
Title page with basic script information (title, writer, genre, page count)
Logline (one-sentence summary of the story)
Synopsis (1-2 page detailed summary of the plot)
Comments section analyzing:
Character development
Dialogue quality
Story structure
Marketability
Budget considerations
Numerical ratings for various script elements
Recommendation (pass, consider, recommend)
Coverage length typically ranges from 3-5 pages
Objective tone used throughout analysis
Confidential document not shared with writers