What is a Screenplay?
In the most basic terms, a screenplay is a 90-120 page document written in Courier 12pt font on 8
1/2" x 11" bright white three-hole punched paper. Wondering why Courier font is used? It's a timing
issue. One formatted script page in Courier font equals roughly one minute of screen time. That's
why the average page count of a screenplay should come in between 90 and 120 pages. Comedies
tend to be on the shorter side (90 pages, or 1 ½ hours) while Dramas run longer (120 pages, or 2
hours).
A screenplay can be an original piece, or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a
novel, stage play or newspaper article. At its heart, a screenplay is a blueprint for the film it will one
day become. Professionals on the set including the producer, director, set designer and actors all
translate the screenwriter's vision using their individual talents. Since the creation of a film is
ultimately a collaborative art, the screenwriter must be aware of each person's role and as such, the
script should reflect the writer's knowledge.
For example, it's crucial to remember that film is primarily a visual medium. As a screenwriter, you
must show what's happening in a story, rather than tell. A 2-page inner monologue may work well
for a novel, but is the kiss of death in a script. The very nature of screenwriting is based on how to
show a story on a screen, and pivotal moments can be conveyed through something as simple as a
look on an actor's face. Let's take a look at what a screenplay's structure looks like.
The First Page of a Screenplay
While screenplay formatting software such as Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Movie Outline
and Montage frees you from having to learn the nitty-gritty of margins and indents, it's good to have
a grasp of the general spacing standards.
The top, bottom and right margins of a screenplay are 1". The left margin is 1.5". The extra half-inch
of white space to the left of a script page allows for binding with brads, yet still imparts a feeling of
vertical balance of the text on the page. The entire document should be single-spaced.
The very first item on the first page should be the words FADE IN:. Note: the first page is never
numbered. Subsequent page numbers appear in the upper right hand corner, 0.5" from the top of
the page, flush right to the margin.
Screenplay Elements
Below is a list of items (with definitions) that make up the screenplay format, along with indenting
information. Again, screenplay software will automatically format all these elements, but a
screenwriter must have a working knowledge of the definitions to know when to use each one.
Scene Heading
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"
A scene heading is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene, also known as a
"slugline." It should always be in CAPS.
Example: EXT. WRITERS STORE - DAY reveals that the action takes place outside The Writers Store
during the daytime.
Subheader
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"
When a new scene heading is not necessary, but some distinction needs to be made in the action,
you can use a subheader. But be sure to use these sparingly, as a script full of subheaders is generally
frowned upon. A good example is when there are a series of quick cuts between two locations, you
would use the term INTERCUT and the scene locations.
Action
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"
The narrative description of the events of a scene, written in the present tense. Also less commonly
known as direction, visual exposition, blackstuff, description or scene direction.
Remember - only things that can be seen and heard should be included in the action.
Character
Indent: Left: 2.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 4.0"
When a character is introduced, his name should be capitalized within the action. For example: The
door opens and in walks LIAM, a thirty-something hipster with attitude to spare.
A character's name is CAPPED and always listed above his lines of dialogue. Minor characters may be
listed without names, for example "TAXI DRIVER" or "CUSTOMER."
Dialogue
Indent: Left: 1.0" Right: 1.5" Width: 3.5"
Lines of speech for each character. Dialogue format is used anytime a character is heard speaking,
even for off-screen and voice-overs.
Parenthetical
Indent: Left: 1.5" Right: 2.0" Width: 2.5"
A parenthetical is direction for the character, that is either attitude or action-oriented. With roots in
the playwriting genre, today, parentheticals are used very rarely, and only if absolutely necessary.
Why? Two reasons. First, if you need to use a parenthetical to convey what's going on with your
dialogue, then it probably just needs a good re-write. Second, it's the director's job to instruct an
actor on how to deliver a line, and everyone knows not to encroach on the director's turf!
Extension
Placed after the character's name, in parentheses
An abbreviated technical note placed after the character's name to indicate how the voice will be
heard onscreen, for example, if the character is speaking as a voice-over, it would appear as LIAM
(V.O.).
Transition
Indent: Left: 4.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 2.0"
Transitions are film editing instructions, and generally only appear in a shooting script. Transition
verbiage includes:
CUT TO:
DISSOLVE TO:
SMASH CUT:
QUICK CUT:
FADE TO:
As a spec script writer, you should avoid using a transition unless there is no other way to indicate a
story element. For example, you might need to use DISSOLVE TO: to indicate that a large amount of
time has passed.
Shot
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"
A shot tells the reader the focal point within a scene has changed. Like a transition, there's rarely a
time when a spec screenwriter should insert shot directions. Once again, that's the director's job.
Examples of Shots:
ANGLE ON --
EXTREME CLOSE UP --
PAN TO --
LIAM'S POV –
Spec Script vs. Shooting Script
A "spec script" literally means that you are writing a screenplay on speculation. That is, no one is
paying you to write the script. You are penning it in hopes of selling the script to a buyer. Spec scripts
should stick stringently to established screenwriting rules.
Once a script is purchased, it becomes a shooting script, also called a production script. This is a
version of the screenplay created for film production. It will include technical instructions, like film
editing notes, shots, cuts and the like. All the scenes are numbered, and revisions are marked with a
color-coded system. This is done so that the production assistants and director can then arrange the
order in which the scenes will be shot for the most efficient use of stage, cast, and location resources.
A spec script should NEVER contain the elements of shooting script. The biggest mistake any new
screenwriter can make is to submit a script full of production language, including camera angles and
editing transitions. It can be very difficult to resist putting this type of language in your script. After
all, it's your story and you see it in a very specific way. However, facts are facts. If you want to direct
your script, then try to go the independent filmmaker route. But if you want to sell your script, then
stick to the accepted spec screenplay format.
Screenplay Formatting Software
Screenwriting software makes producing an Industry-standard script simple and straightforward.
Programs like Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter put your words into proper screenplay
format as you type, letting you focus on a well-told story rather than the chore of margins and
spacing.
There’s also a wide spectrum of outlining and development software at the ready to help you get
your thoughts together before you begin writing. Popular story development software includes
Dramatica Pro, a step-by-step guide to the storytelling process, Contour, a character-based
structuring system, and Save the Cat!, a program centered on successful screenwriter Blake Snyder’s
own proven methods.
And if you want a program that combines story development and formatting? Check out Movie
Outline, an all-in-one development package that uses step outlining to build your story, scene-by-
scene, and Montage, which includes both outline and submission tracking functions.
Script Presentation and Binding
Just like the format of a script, there are very specific rules for binding and presenting your script.
The first page is the title page, which should also be written in Courier 12pt font. No graphics, no
fancy pictures, only the title of your script, with “written by” and your name in the center of the
page. In the lower left-hand or right-hand corner, enter your contact information. In the lower left-
hand or right-hand corner you can put Registered, WGA or a copyright notification, though this is
generally not a requirement.
Below is a list of items you need to prepare your script to be sent out:
Script Covers, either linen or standard card stock
Three-Hole Punched Paper
Screenplay Brass Fasteners (also called Brads), Acco number 5 size 1 1/4-inch for scripts up to 120
pages; Acco number 6 size 2-inch for larger scripts
Script Binding Mallet (optional)
Screenplay Brass Washers
Script Mailers
Follow these directions to properly bind your script:
Print your title page and script on bright white three-hole punched paper.
Insert the title page and the script into the script cover. The front and back covers remain blank. They
are just there to protect your script. And remember: pictures and text on script covers scream
amateur.
Insert two brass fasteners in the first and third holes. Do NOT put a fastener in the middle hole.
Flip the script over, and slide the brass washers over the arms of the fasteners. Spread the arms of
the fasteners flat against the script. Use a Script Binding Mallet to ensure a tight, flat fit.
Use the flat, self-seal script mailers to send your scripts out to buyers.
Materials for Further Exploration
Now that you understand screenplay basics, you’re no doubt ready to continue your exploration of
the craft and go beyond learning how to write a movie script. The books listed below are some of The
Writers Store’s favorite guides to screenwriting.
The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script
Wondering how to write a script? This first-rate screenwriting primer provides a concise presentation
of screenwriting basics, along with query letters, useful worksheets, checklists, sample scenes and
more to help you break into screenplay writing.
From Script to Screen
What goes into the making of Hollywood's greatest motion pictures? Join Linda Seger and Edward
Whetmore as they examine recent screenplays on their journey from script to screen.
Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style
The Hollywood Standard describes in clear, vivid prose and hundreds of examples how to format
every element of a screenplay or television script.
Save the Cat!
This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran
who's proven that you can sell your script if you can Save the Cat.
Interested in taking a screenwriting class? Visit our courses section for webinars, live seminars, online
courses, one-on-one instruction and on-demand courses. You can download a free webinar on "How
to Write a Screenplay" from magazine site, [Link].