A screenplay is the foundation of any film, television show, or stage production. It serves as a blueprint for directors, actors, producers, and crew members to bring a story to life. However, unlike novels or short stories, screenplays follow a strict formatting structure that ensures clarity and efficiency. Proper formatting is essential for readability, industry standards, and smooth production execution. This document provides a comprehensive guide on screenplay formatting, including industry conventions, structural elements, and stylistic choices.
" The way you write a screenplay is that you close your eyes and run the movie in your head and then you write it down."
Screenplays are typically written in 12-point Courier font, single-spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides. The reason for using Courier is that it ensures a uniform page-to-time ratio, where one page generally translates to approximately one minute of screen time.
Page Specifications
Font: 12-point Courier (or Courier Final Draft)
Margins:Left: 1.5 inches (to allow for binding)Right: 1 inchTop: 1 inchBottom: 1 inch
Spacing: Single-spaced
Page Numbers: Positioned in the top right corner, 0.5 inches from the top, starting from the second page.
A properly formatted screenplay consists of several key elements:
1. Title Page
The title page contains essential information about the screenplay. It includes:
The title in ALL CAPS, centered on the page.
"Written by" followed by the writer’s name(s) below the title.
Contact information (agent or writer’s email and phone number) at the bottom left or right corner.
If the screenplay is based on another work, a "Based on the novel by" or "Story by" credit is included.
2. Scene Heading (Slugline)
A scene heading, also called a slugline, appears at the beginning of every new scene and provides three key pieces of information:
Interior (INT.) or Exterior (EXT.) to indicate the location type.
The location (e.g., "COFFEE SHOP" or "APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM").
Time of day (e.g., "DAY" or "NIGHT").
Example:
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY3. Action Lines (Description)
Action lines describe the setting, characters, and what is happening on screen. They should be written in present tense and be as concise as possible. Unnecessary details should be omitted to maintain pacing and readability.
Example:
JANE sips her coffee, staring out the window. A YOUNG MAN in a leather jacket enters, scanning the room.4. Character Names
When a character first appears in a screenplay, their name should be capitalized. After the first introduction, the name is written normally. When a character speaks, their name is centered and in uppercase above their dialogue.
Example:
JANE5. Dialogue
Dialogue appears directly below the character's name and is indented. It should be formatted clearly and naturally. If a character is speaking off-screen (O.S.) or in voice-over (V.O.), these indicators should be placed next to their name.
Example:
JANEIf a character continues speaking after an action line, their name appears again with "(CONT’D)" next to it.
I never thought I'd see you again.
6. Parentheticals
Parentheticals provide brief direction for how a line is delivered. They should be used sparingly and only when necessary.
Example:
JANE
(sarcastic)
Oh, great. Just what I needed.7. Transitions
Transitions indicate how scenes should change and are aligned to the right. These include:
CUT TO: A standard cut to a new scene.
DISSOLVE TO: A gradual transition between scenes.
FADE IN: Used at the beginning of a screenplay.
FADE OUT: Typically used at the end of a screenplay.
Example:
FADE TO BLACK.
1. Flashbacks
To indicate a flashback, modify the scene heading with “FLASHBACK” and end with “END FLASHBACK.”
Example:
INT. CLASSROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)2. Montage
Montages are written as a series of short action descriptions within a single scene heading.
Example:
MONTAGE - JOHN TRAINING FOR THE RACE
— John runs up a steep hill, panting.
— He lifts weights in a gym.
— He collapses on the couch, exhausted.
END MONTAGE3. Intercutting
When scenes switch back and forth rapidly (e.g., a phone conversation), use "INTERCUT" to avoid excessive scene headings.
Example:
INTERCUT – JANE AND TOM ON THE PHONE
1. Overloading Action Lines
Action lines should be concise. Avoid overly detailed descriptions that slow down the pace.
2. Too Many Parentheticals
Use parentheticals sparingly, as actors and directors typically interpret dialogue delivery.
3. Incorrect Scene Headings
Each scene heading should be formatted properly with location and time.
4. Overuse of Camera Directions
Directors decide camera movements, so phrases like "Close-up on Jane" should be avoided unless crucial.
5. Incorrect Dialogue Formatting
Ensure that character names are always in uppercase, and dialogue is indented properly.
Proper screenplay formatting ensures clarity, professionalism, and a smooth production process. Adhering to industry standards helps screenwriters present their work effectively and increases the chances of their screenplay being taken seriously. By mastering formatting conventions, writers can focus on storytelling while ensuring that their script is accessible to all members of a film production team.