How to Write a Screenplay: Script & Screenwriting Tips

By The Writers Store It's easy to feel intimidated by the thought of writing a screenplay. The rules! The formatting! The binding! Don't let the seemingly endless parade of screenwriting elements scare you away from writing your first script. Since a familiarity with the basics of the craft is half the battle, The Writers Store has created this handy overview on how to write a screenplay to help you get up to speed on screenwriting fundamentals. Combine that with the right software, books and supplies, and you'll be ready to type FADE IN before you know it.

Sample Screenplay Page

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 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 Screenwriterput 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. Theres 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, andSave the Cat!, a program centered on successful screenwriter Blake Snyders 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.

Sample Title Page

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: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 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, youre 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 Stores 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. Movie Sets 101: The Definitive Survivor's Guide From learning the proper etiquette, to being well-versed on what everyone does, this book will take you from newbie to pro in no time flat.

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? Go to Writers University and take a look at our screenwriting workshops.

Meet the Author: The Writers Store

Since 1982, The Writers Store has been respected worldwide as the leading authority on screenwriting and filmmaking tools. We're the ones professionals turn to when they need advice on choosing the right tools for their writing needs. Learn more on our About page.

Chapter 3
Spec Screenplay Page Properties
The Rules: Screenplays are traditionally written on 8 1/2" x 11" white 3-hole punched paper. A page number appears in the upper right hand corner (in the header). No page number is printed on the first page. The type style used is the Courier 12 font. The top and bottom margins are between .5" and 1". The left margin is between 1.2" and 1.6". The right margin is between .5" and 1". The extra inch of white space on 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 Courier 12 font is used for timing purposes. One script page in Courier 12 roughly averages 1 minute of onscreen film time. Experienced readers can detect a long script by merely weighing the stack of paper in their hand. Writing Tip: Script writing software is pre-programmed with all these rules right out of the box.

Script Length
The average feature screenplay, traditionally, is between 95 and 125 pages long. In Hollywood these days scripts generally don't run longer than 114 pages. Comedy scripts are typically shorter, dramas longer. There are, naturally, variations. You could be writing an action-packed film where your description takes only 10 seconds to read, but will take 45 seconds of film time. Here's an example: Cpl. Owens sheds his pack and picks up the machine gun. He runs from doorway to doorway, dodging enemy fire while shooting back, until he reaches the church bell tower. Writing Tip: If you had a script full of scenes like this, you could come up with a short script in total pages... but that doesn't mean when it is filmed it would be short. By the same token, another writer could write the same scene and have it take up half a page. It just depends on the writing style of the individual writer. 125 page scripts are considered on the long side for a screenplay. Length is a very important component of the script. When you turn in a script to a producer, the very first thing s/he will do is fan through the pages and look at the last

page to see how long it is. It doesn't matter if you've written the most incredible screenplay ever, if it's too long they may refuse to read it. The Industry's aversion to long scripts is due to economic considerations. Films under two hours mean more showings per day in a theater, which means more revenue for the exhibitor, distributor, filmmaker, and possibly even you, the screenwriter. When you realize your script is long and have to start cutting your work, keep in mind that if a scene can be removed and the story continues to work, that scene wasn't necessary. EVERY SCENE should not only move the story along to its conclusion; it should be an integral part of the path to the climax.

Chapter 4
Script Elements
These are the unique margin, case, and position attributes that give feature film script text the format and consistency expected by all participants. Once you are accustomed to them you'll be able to tell your story the way an industry reader is accustomed to seeing it. The elements for a script are:

Scene Heading Action Character Name Dialogue Parenthetical Extensions Transition Shot

Scene Heading
Writing Tip: Scene Heading are aligned flush left (which we learned is about 1.5" from the edge of the paper) and are rarely long enough to reach the page margin. The Scene Heading is written in ALL CAPS. Use a period after the INT. or EXT., a hyphen between the other elements of the Slugline. The Scene Heading, sometimes called Slugline, tells the reader of the script where the scene takes place. Are we indoors (INT.) or outdoors (EXT.)? Next name the location: BEDROOM, LIVING ROOM, at the BASEBALL FIELD, inside a CAR? And lastly it might include the time of day - NIGHT, DAY, DUSK, DAWN... information to "set the scene" in the reader's mind. The Slugline can also include production information like CONTINUOUS ACTION, or ESTABLISHING SHOT or STOCK SHOT. Here are examples of Scene Headings: INT. BEDROOM - MORNING EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP - SUNSET INT. OFFICE - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS ACTION EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING EXT. PASADENA - ROSE PARADE - STOCK FOOTAGE Software Tip: Script writing software will automatically file each new Scene Heading you use. This alleviates the need to retype the

same text again and again, and it also helps you keep your script consistent. There is nothing more distracting to the reader than to see one Scene Heading read:

EXT. - OUTER SPACE RAIN FOREST - NIGHT

and two pages later:

EXT. - OUTER SPACE JUNGLE - NIGHT

Keeping Scene Headings consistent allows your reader to recognize locations and places and not have to figure out if this is a new set (location). You don't want to take the reader's mind off your story, ever. Here is a sample in Scene Heading sample in script form: FADE IN:

EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING We have 'established' that we're in a marina at dawn.

Chapter 5
Action
The Rules: Action runs from left to right margin, the full width of the text on the page, the same as the Scene Heading. Be sure to use the word wrap function of your script writing software, to make editing and rewrites easy. Text is single-spaced and in mixed case. When you introduce a speaking character for the first time, you should put the name in all caps. Software Tip: Script writing software intuitively formats the spacing and text between different paragraph styles for you as you type. All you worry about is your story! The ACTION or Description sets the scene, describes the setting, and allows you to introduce your characters and set the stage for your story. Action is written in REAL TIME. Writing Tip: Every moment in a screenplay takes place NOW. Use the active voice (a window slams shut) not the passive voice (a window is slammed shut). Always write in PRESENT TIME, not the past. (There are rare exceptions to this; for example, John Milius' The Wind and the Lion had description in past tense like a novel, but then, he also directed the film.) Keep your paragraphs short... don't let them go on and on over 4 or 5 lines. The reader may scan long action paragraphs without really reading them. FADE IN:

EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING

Sailboats, yachts, and cabin cruisers all bob up and down in the warm blue

water.

INT. MASTER SUITE - MORNING

Expensive designer sheets and comforter covers the nude, shapely body of drop dead gorgeous JULIE COOPER, 25. Sunlight filters through portholes over the muscled, tan body of FRANKIE CAMPISI, 38. He pulls the comforter down and begins kissing Julie's naked body. The reader begins to form an idea about the setting and the action taking place. We know we're on a boat, two characters have been introduced to us, we have some idea about their physical appearance. And we have a clue to their relationship. Avoid a compulsion to write camera angles and shots. If you must emphasize some shot, write it on a single line. Angles and shots are the domain of the director an will likely be added in the Shooting Script. Expensive designer sheets and comforter covers the nude, shapely body of drop dead gorgeous JULIE COOPER, 25. Sunlight filters through portholes over the muscled, tan body of FRANKIE CAMPISI, 38. He pulls the comforter down and grins at Julie's naked body. Suddenly, Frankie recoils.

There's a devil tattoo on her shoulder that he's never seen before.

Chapter 6
Character Name
The Rules: The CHARACTER NAME is formatted in uppercase letters and indented 3.5" from the left margin. Before a character can speak, the writer inserts a CHARACTER NAME to let the reader know this character's dialogue follows. A character name can be an actual name (JOHN) or description (FAT MAN) or an occupation (DOCTOR). Sometimes, you might have COP #1 and then COP #2 speaking. It is okay to identify the speaking parts like this, but actors will like you more if you personalize their part with a name. Try to be consistent. Software Tip: When you use script writing software the use of long, difficult to type character names is a breeze. The programs automatically learn and keep track of the CHARACTER NAMES you use, allowing for consistency and ease. No need fear those JACQUELINEs and DR. FRANKENSTEINs; two quick keystrokes are all you will need to make them appear on the screen. Script writing software will also insert the correct spacing from the previous paragraph style, saving you thousands of keystrokes during the writing process.

FADE IN:

EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING

Sailboats, yachts, and cabin cruisers all bob up and down in the warm blue water.

INT. MASTER SUITE - MORNING

Expensive designer sheets and comforter covers the nude, shapely body of drop dead gorgeous JULIE COOPER, 25. Sunlight filters through portholes over the muscled, tan body of FRANKIE CAMPISI, 38. He pulls the comforter down and begins kissing Julie's naked body.

FRANKIE

Dialogue
The Rules: DIALOGUE margin is indented 2.5" from the left margin. A line of dialogue can be from 30 spaces to 35 spaces long, so the right margin is a bit more flexible, usually 2.0" to 2.5". DIALOGUE rules apply when anyone on screen speaks. During a conversation between characters. When a character talks out loud to himself... even be when a character is off-screen and only a voice is heard. Writing Tip: Great dialogue is a window into the soul of your character. It sounds real... It's conversational. The audience feels like a fly on the wall, hearing natural interplay between characters. Great dialogue may use common language but express great passion, and even become a catch phrase in popular culture, as the line from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry Callahan "Go ahead. Make my day." It's not a bad idea to read your dialogue aloud to see how it really sounds. If you have a difficult time reading a line, it may not be good dialogue. You'll definitely be able to tell if you organize a reading of your script and hear it that way (best with professional actors, like they do in Hollywood and on Broadway). Software Tip: Script writing software now has the capacity to read your dialogue back to you via your computer's sound system. You assign a gender to your character name, even different inflections, and you can have a staged reading of your script right there in your living room. FADE IN:

EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING

Sailboats, yachts, and cabin cruisers all bob up and down in the warm blue water.

INT. MASTER SUITE - MORNING

Expensive designer sheets and comforter covers the nude, shapely body of drop dead gorgeous JULIE COOPER, 25. Sunlight filters through portholes over the muscled, tan body of FRANKIE CAMPISI, 38. He pulls the comforter down and begins kissing Julie's naked body.

FRANKIE Rise and shine, Bluebird. Time to spread your wings and fly

Chapter 8
Parenthetical
Parentheticals are left indented at 3.0" and the right margin is 3.5" although that is a bit flexible. As seen in our examples, a Parenthetical remark is NOT centered under the character name. A Parenthetical remark can be an attitude, verbal direction or action direction for the actor who is speaking the part. Parentheticals should be short, to the point, descriptive, and only used when absolutely necessary. These days, Parentheticals are generally disfavored, because they give direction to an actor that may not be appropriate once on the set. The slang term for them is "wrylies" as in: FRANKIE (wryly) Good mornin', Bluebird.

JULIE (sleepily)

What? What time is it?

FRANKIE (getting out of bed) After six. You're gonna be late again and I don't want to hear it. Parentheticals are also used in some scripts as the (continuing) notation. If a character is speaking followed by an action line and then the same character continues speaking, this notation can be used, but the New Spec Script frowns on all such superfluously inserted notations. FRANKIE (getting out of bed) After six. You're gonna be late again and I don't want to hear it.

Frankie pulls all the covers off of Julie. She sits up in bed, pulls on a long T-shirt, and shuffles to the bathroom.

FRANKIE (continuing) You're welcome. Software Tip: Script writing programs may give you the option of placing the (continuing) as a parenthetical remark or on the same line as the Character name, looking much like an Extension. FRANKIE (getting out of bed) After six. You're gonna be late again and I don't want to hear it.

Frankie pulls all the covers off of Julie. She sits up in bed, pulls on a long T-shirt, then swings her legs onto the floor and shuffles off to the bathroom.

FRANKIE (CONT'D) You're welcome. Software Tip: The (CONT'D) is entered automatically by the script writing software if that option is chosen. It indicates that the character continues speaking throughout the action.

Chapter 9
Extension

O.S. - Off-Screen V.O. - Voice Over

An Extension is a technical note placed directly to the right of the Character name that denotes HOW the character's voice will be heard by the audience. An Off-Screen voice can be heard from a character out of the camera range, or from another room altogether. Frankie pulls all the covers off of Julie. She sits up in bed, pulls on a long T-shirt, then swings her legs onto the floor and shuffles off to the bathroom.

FRANKIE (continuing) You're welcome. (beat) Hey, how long you gonna be? I've got a meeting and I need to shower.

JULIE (O.S.) Twenty minutes.

Some writers use O.C. (off camera) in place of O.S. The "beat" used above simply denotes that Frankie pauses (perhaps formulating his next thought) before uttering his next bit of dialogue. Another common extension is V.O. That stands for Voice Over. Think of a V.O. as a narration, or a character speaking while s/he isn't in the scene. Or s/he can be in the scene, but also acting as narrator, reflecting on and describing some time gone by. This dialogue is recorded and then laid in over the scene in editing. FRANKIE (V.O.) I knew I wasn't gonna get in that shower for at least 45 minutes, so I went for a run. Our character Frankie is reminiscing about the morning on the boat in a Voice Over.

Chapter 10
Transition
We must begin with this remark: Nowadays, in Spec Scripts, transitions are frowned upon, a waste of a couple of lines you could better use for brilliant dialogue, and are only used when absolutely necessary. The Rules: When you DO use a Transition, the left margin is at 6.5" and a right margin of 1.0". Transitions are formatted in all caps and almost always follow an Action and precede Scene Headings. Transitions you may be familiar with are:

CUT TO: DISSOLVE TO: SMASH CUT: QUICK CUT: FADE TO: FADE OUT (never at the end of the script)

Writing Tip: The only time to use a Transition in a spec script is if it's integral to telling the story. For instance, you might use a TIME CUT: to indicate passage of time. More commonly, a DISSOLVE TO: indicates that time has passed. Or, you might need to use MATCH CUT: if you want to illustrate that there is some correlation between something we just saw and something in the new scene. The point is, unless you become quite skilled in screenwriting don't use these things unless absolutely necessary, because the director of the film will probably think of something different. Software Tip: Most Transitions are already programmed into script writing programs, capitalized and lined up for those rare occasions when you can't resist to use one. Frankie pulls on a pair of shorts, slips into some running shoes and exits.

CUT TO: (Remember, the Cut To: will probably be left out in most spec scripts these days. What it indicates is a complete change of location.)

Chapter 11
Shots
The Rules: Shots are formatted like Scene Headings, flush left margin, all uppercase. Blank line before and after. A SHOT tells the reader the focal point within a scene has changed. Here are some examples of shots:

ANGLE ON -EXTREME CLOSE UP -PAN TO -FRANKIE'S POV -REVERSE ANGLE --

Writing Tip: As the writer, for reasons already mentioned you should be very judicious using a SHOT to redirect the reader's focus. Your "directing" runs the risk of interrupting the flow of your storytelling. If what you really want to do is direct films, do yourself a favor and DON'T do it in a script you're trying to sell... wait until it sells and try to negotiate a package deal with you on board as the director. This most often is a possibility after you've already had one of your screenplays filmed. Once in a while, calling a shot is necessary. You want the reader to see something not obvious in the scene or you want to achieve a particular emotion or build to a climax. This device allows you to achieve this goal. If you are describing a prison riot, with a prisoner holding a guard at knifepoint, and you want the audience to see a sharpshooter aiming at the prisoner, you might use a shot like this: A PRISONER shoves a homemade shiv against the throat of a PRISON GUARD.

PRISONER (trembling) I'll kill him! I mean it.

PRISON GUARD Take him out! Now! Do it!

ANGLE ON - A PRISON GUARD SHARP-SHOOTER

as he lines up the shot, finger poised on the trigger.

PRISONER

I want to talk to the Warden. NOW! Another shot used from time to time is INSERT. INSERT is used solely as a direction - to focus on something integral to the scene, often something that the audience needs to read or what would otherwise be too small to be clearly seen in a full, wide scene. INSERT - RANSOM NOTE Writing Tip: A well-constructed action paragraph or a single line might achieve the same goal without distracting the reader. Be vigilant of the flow of the story, and try not to interrupt it.

Chapter 12
Page Breaking
Software Tip: If you still need convincing that script writing software is a useful tool for a screenwriter, page breaking will clinch it for you: If you've followed the program's simple directions while writing your script, then all of the following rules will automatically, dare we say magically?, self-execute right in front of your eyes, while you are writing. The software will

Never end a page with a Scene Heading. The ONLY time this is acceptable is if another Scene Heading or Shot follows. (An example would be an Establishing shot and then an interior scene heading.) Never start a page with a Transition. Automatically place Continued: notations when it breaks an Action paragraph or a Dialogue. Never end a page with a Character Name line. At least two lines of Dialogue if there are that many (including a Parenthetical, if used) must follow. Never end a page at a Parenthetical. Dialogue MUST follow. If you have Dialogue, a Parenthetical and then Dialogue again, break the page BEFORE the Parenthetical.

Finer Points
Now you are familiar with the basic elements and directions for writing a spec script. With these elements, or simply using a script formatting software, you will write a standardly acceptable script. It will look professional, and the reader will not automatically assume you are an amateur storyteller because you don't know basic screenwriting rules. Now there are a few finer points we should discuss.

Dual Dialogue or Side-By-Side Dialogue

When two of your characters speak simultaneously, that's called dual dialogue or side by side dialogue. In the script we've been following, our characters might have this conversation: Frankie and Julie are in a heated argument.

FRANKIE Get out of my life! I can't stand the sight of you any more!!

JULIE Don't you yell at me! I'll leave when I'm when I'm good and ready! Tough!!

Software Tip: All of the script writing programs let you write this style of dialogue with ease, but you should probably avoid this device unless absolutely necessary. Writing Tip: Amateur screenwriters often do it in emulation of some old favorite scene, or to try to interject "conflict." However, you are more likely to distract the reader and disrupts the flow of the story. Don't give them a reason to put your script down by interjecting unclear scenes and dialogue.

Adlibs
Sometimes in a script it's acceptable or even necessary to have a crowd scene with ad lib dialogue. There are two basic ways of writing this. The first way to do it is in an action line. The CROWD in the bleachers taunts the pitcher: "You stink!" "Rubber arm!" "Ball!" "You throw like my sister!" The second choice is to do it is as a character and dialogue. CROWD You stink! Rubber arm! Ball! You throw like my sister!!

Chapter 13
Abbreviations
The film industry uses several abbreviations as shortcuts in scripts. It's up to you whether you use these abbreviations or not. Some readers find them distracting, while others prefer the shorthand. We've already discussed several -- O.S., O.C., V.O. -- which are specific to scripts. Here are some others. b.g. = background b.g. is used in an action paragraph. Frankie sits on the bed tying his shoes. In the b.g., Julie takes money out of his wallet. She also pockets his car keys. CGI = computer generated image CGI denotes action that cannot be filmed normally and will require the use of computers to generate the full imagery, as used in films like The Matrix. CGI: His mouth begins to melt, then disappears entirely. f.g. = foreground f.g. is used in action the same as b.g., except the action takes place in the foreground. SFX = sound effects

SFX tells the sound people an effect is needed. SFX: The BLAST of a train whistle SPFX = special effects SPFX announces that a special effect is necessary (one that might not require the use of CGI). SPFX: A beam of light illuminates Frankie's face. His features slowly melt like a wax figure. M.O.S. = without sound The story goes that a German-born director (perhaps Josef von Sternberg, who discovered Marlene Dietrich) wanted to shoot a scene without sound and told the crew to shoot "mit out sound," a phrase which the crew found humorous and thus proliferated it. It is most commonly used to show impending impact of some kind. M.O.S. Horses stampeding down Main Street. POV = point of view The camera 'sees' the action from a specific character's position JULIE'S POV - Frankie sits on the bed tying his shoes.

Montages
A MONTAGE is a cinematic device used to show a series of scenes, all related and building to some conclusion. Although a French word, it was created by Russian director Sergei Eisenstein as a "montage of attractions" to elicit emotions on several levels. Most often it is used as a passage of time device. Think of a baby being born, then rolling over, then taking its first steps, and finally running through the sprinklers. For example: MONTAGE

1) Josh is born. The doctors clean him and hand him over to his smiling mother.

2) Josh rolls over in his playpen. His mother applauds.

3) Holding on to the coffee table, Josh takes his first steps. His mother joyously hugs him.

4) Clad in droopy diapers, Josh runs gleefully through the sprinklers. His mother sighs, and reaches for the diaper bag.

You can also number the scenes A), B), C) if you prefer. Either numbering format is correct. (Note that the mother's emotions change through the montage from joy to weariness, once Josh is completely ambulant there should be some element of the story that a montage will illustrate.) The MONTAGE is formatted as a single shot, with the subsequent scenes action elements of the complete sequence. It isn't necessary, but some writers write END OF MONTAGE when the montage is completed.

Chapter 14
A Series of Shots
A SERIES OF SHOTS is similar to a Montage, but it usually takes place in one location and concerns the same action. Think of the movie Earthquake... SERIES OF SHOTS

A) Store windows start to rattle and shake.

B) Hanging signs swing back and forth.

C) Bricks and shards of glass begin to fall onto the sidewalks.

D) People run for cover. A SERIES OF SHOTS is formatted as a SHOT. Just like a Montage, the shot series are action paragraphs and may also be numbered 1) 2) 3). A MATTER OF STYLE Some writers will incorporate a series of shots into a script without noting it as such. This generally contributes to a smoother flow of the action. The action lines might be short, descriptive sentences on separate lines. The Piazza de Palma is packed with Saturday shoppers.

A LOUD SHOT rings out.

Pigeons take flight, WINGS FLUTTERING EN MASSE.

Heads turn in the direction of ANOTHER GUNSHOT.

A frightened child drops his ice cream cone and CRIES.

A woman SCREAMS. Another style for writing the sequence above is: THE PIAZZA DE PALMA

is teaming with Saturday shoppers.

A LOUD SHOT

rings out. Pigeons take flight. Heads turn in the direction of ANOTHER GUNSHOT.

A FRIGHTENED CHILD

drops his ice cream cone and CRIES. A SCREAM is heard. Writing Tip: This particular style of writing takes more space on the page, but it also is a faster read. Why? Look at all the white space in the second example... the reader's eyes can read that passage very quickly. Another style of writing has to do with EMPHASIS in the action element. Too often, readers will skim a script, particularly if the action paragraphs are overly long. Here's an option of how to get the necessary points across. Italics, bold or underlining are not used for emphasis. Terry DROPS to the floor as a BEAM OF LIGHT sweeps across the room. He hears the FLOOR SQUEAK in the outer office. Terry HOLDS HIS BREATH as a big, bulky SECURITY GUARD enters.

Short Lines/Poetry/Lyrics
Once in a while, it's necessary to write dialogue with a series of SHORT LINES. One example might be if your character is reciting poetry, or singing a song. JULIE Roses are red, Violets are blue, I'm writing a script,

How 'bout you? Song lyrics are typically written in all caps. JULIE (singing) ROW, ROW, ROW YOUR BOAT GENTLY DOWN THE STREAM MERRILY, MERRILY, MERRILY, MERRILY LIFE IS BUT A DREAM.

Chapter 15
Intercuts
Occasionally in a script, you might want to cut back and forth between two or more scenes. These scenes are occurring at the same time. Instead of repeating the Scene Heading for each scene over and over, an INTERCUT is used. This gives the reader the sense that the scene is moving rapidly back and forth between locations. There is a great sequence of intercuts in The Deer Hunter of shots of hunters out in the woods with a wedding going on simultaneously, at a different location. Here's another example: INT. SHERRI'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Sherri starts disrobing in front of her open bedroom window.

INT. LENNY'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Lenny gets up to cross to the fridge to get a beer. He looks out his window and catches a glimpse of Sherri across the courtyard. He freezes, watching her.

INTERCUT BETWEEN LENNY AND SHERRI

Sherri sits on the bed and unbuttons her double-breasted suit jacket.

Lenny moves closer to the window for a better vantage point.

Sherri stands, hopping a few feet, trying to step out of her skirt.

Lenny, eyes glued to Sherri, moves to keep her in view. He slams his bare foot into a dumbbell on the floor.

LENNY Ow!

Sherri hears the yelp and looks in Lenny's direction.

Lenny sees Sherri and DROPS from her view. Another type of INTERCUT is used when two characters are on the phone and you don't want one half of the conversation to be O.S. - you want to show them both. INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Sherri, comfy on the couch, is reading a book when the phone rings. She answers it.

SHERRI Hello?

EXT. PHONE BOOTH - REST AREA

Lenny sips a Coke as he talks.

LENNY Hey Honey, I'm in Barstow.

INTERCUT BETWEEN LENNY and SHERRI

SHERRI Oh, Honey, that's great... you'll be here by morning.

LENNY Yep... I've got the pedal to the metal. In older films it was common to use a split-screen to show such a conversation. It's not common these days, and unless you have a very good reason for writing it in, it is best to INTERCUT.

Chapter 16
Titles or Opening Credits
In some scripts you read, you'll see this notation: BEGIN TITLES or BEGIN OPENING TITLES followed by END TITLES or OVER OPENING CREDITS followed by END OPENING CREDITS. An example: FADE IN:

EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING

Sailboats, yachts, and cabin cruisers all bob up and down in the warm blue water.

EXT. BEACH - DAY

BEGIN TITLES

as hundreds of young, perfect bodies of college age kids frolic during spring break.

Writing Tip: Don't bother putting in Beginning and Ending titles. It is not usually done in a spec script, and you can't predict where the producer and director will want to insert the titles, the sequence of footage shot with the opening credits rolling over it. Don't give yourself the extra work.

Superimpose or Title
When the notation SUPERIMPOSE or TITLE OVER is used, text or an image is placed on top of the film footage. Most of the time, it contains information the director thinks the audience needs to know... like the place or time of the next scene. EXT. BEACH - DAY

Hundreds of young, perfect bodies of college age kids frolic on the sand and in the warm water.

SUPERIMPOSE: Daytona Beach, Spring Break, 1966 Only the text, "Daytona Beach, Spring Break, 1966" would appear toward the bottom of the screen. Any text, like subtitles or translations of foreign signs, etc., fall into this category. Do not use SUPERIMPOSE: unless there is a definite need for it. It has been so overused, it is some times spoofed, the way director Ron Howard did in Splash.

Chapter 17
Title Page
The TITLE PAGE has specific information on it. Type it in the same font as your script, Courier 12. It should not be on special paper, no graphics - it should just contain only the following information: Centered on the page, vertically and horizontally - The title of your script in bold type if possible Two lines below that, centered on the line - Written by Two lines below that, centered on the line - Your Name (and co-writer, if any) In the lower right hand corner your contact information (include agent or email address) In the lower left-hand corner you can put Registered, WGA or a copyright notification. The Good, The Bad, The Thin

Written by

Fatty Turner

Copyright 2001 by Fatty Turner Registered, WGAw

Fatty Turner 1234 Lake St. Anytown, CA 12345 (310) 555-1212

Writing Tip: Authorities differ on whether or not you should note on your title page that you have registered your screenplay with the Writers Guild of America, west. Some people think it is the mark of an amateur, yet some producers insist upon it. Naturally, if you live east of the Mississippi River in the United States, you might have registered your script with the Writers Guild of America, east, and would thus note Registered, WGAe. One thing is certain, however. A U.S. copyright has much more legal standing that either registration. Note the copyright on the page. For more information about your legal protection in any creative work, see the U.S. Copyright Office Web page at http://www.copyright.gov/.

Chapter 20
Header
Another element of the production draft is the HEADER. A header occupies the same line as the page number, which is on the right and .5" from the top. Header information is printed on every script page. Information contained in the header includes the date of the revision and the color of the page. The header of the production draft of a script might look like this: REVISED April 30, 2001 BLUE 1.

REVISED April 30, 2001 BLUE will print at the top of every single revised page, unless you tell your scriptwriting program to omit this information on the first page. On the first page of a production draft, however, you should include your header, if you have one. The page number will, of course, change. Writing Tip: Don't worry about what color of paper to use for subsequent changes to the same scene. If your still writing the revisions once the script is in production, they'll tell you what to use. This is determined by the production staff.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

Do proofread your script. Spelling is very important. Don't trust your spell checking program, it may miss grammatical errors and won't have some terms in its built-in dictionary. Do get someone else to proofread your script. A fresh pair of eyes will often catch something you continue to miss. Do get the best photocopy you can. No one wants to read a dirty page. Do use good quality brass brads to bind your script. Acco #5 brads are the best, because they are long enough to fit through the entire thickness of your script. Solid brass brads (as opposed to brass-plated brads) are preferable. Do register your script with the Writers Guild of America but don't forget to copyright it as well. A WGA registration expires quickly, while a copyright is good for decades. Do send a one-page (or less) cover letter with your script when you send it out. Make the letter short, concise and to the point. There are books and articles on the subject, but basically they simply want to know what the script is about and where to reach you. Do follow the rules unless you KNOW a darn good reason not to.

Don'ts

Don't create a fancy Title page with giant fonts, colored letters, etc. A Title page has title and screenwriter's name(s) in the middle, and your contact information (address, phone number) at the lower right hand. Don't put a quotation on the title page. Most likely, no one but you will care. Don't put a date on your script, or the draft version. Don't put blank pages in the script to set things apart. Don't put a second page with the quotation that tells the theme of your screenplay. Don't do a page of character descriptions and back story. That's a convention from the theater that is inapplicable in Hollywood. If your script doesn't tell that story, you're in trouble. Don't include any illustrations, no matter how cute you think they are. Don't put the script title on the first page of the script. Don't use more than two brads, but use three-hole paper. Brads are used in top and bottom holes only. Don't use colored paper or anything but 20 pound 3 hole punch paper. Don't expect to have your script returned to you. Send it out, let it go. If a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) is specified, include one. Then relax; a lot of people will have sent scripts to the same company.

Source: http://www.screenwriting.info/01.php