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#Post#: 13--------------------------------------------------
Script Formatting
By: RayM716 Date: October 29, 2016, 8:20 pm
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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 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.
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