800.272.
8927 MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM PACIFIC TIME
CONTACT | HELP | ABOUT |
MY ACCOUNT & ORDERS ▼
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
Your Satisfaction is Our Goal
Search
• Home
• Software
• Books
• Supplies
• Video
• Courses
• Contests
• ScriptXpert
• Sale
• Advice
0 Items in Cart
How to Write a Screenplay: Script Example & Screenwriting
Tips
By Mario O. Moreno and Kay Tuxford
Tweet
17
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 screenplay example and overview on how to write a screenplay to help you get up to speed on
screenwriting fundamentals.
Combine that with the right screenwriting software, books and supplies, and you'll be ready to type
FADE IN before you know it.
Sample Screenplay Page
Recommended Screenwriting Software for Writing a
Screenplay
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 --
Recommended Books for Writing a Screenplay
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.
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, andSave
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.
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. Print your title page and script on bright white three-hole punched paper.
2. 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.
3. Insert two brass fasteners in the first and third holes. Do NOT put a fastener in the middle hole.
4. 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.
5. 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, ScriptMag.com.
Tweet
17
Meet the Author: Mario O. Moreno
Mario O. Moreno is a Story Specialist for The Writers
Store by day, and a budding screenwriter by night.
Since earning a bachelor's degree in Film from Miami
International University, where he won an Outstanding
Filmmaker Award, Mario has written numerous feature
film scripts, been an Academy Nicholl
Fellowships Quarterfinalist, Final Draft's Big Break
Semifinalist and Austin Film Festival Finalist, and has
pitched to exe...
Most Popular Items
Final Draft 9 - Pro
Edition - Download
$199.99
45 Master Characters:
Mythic Models for
Creating Original
Characters - eBook
(Consumer PDF)
$16.99
Constructing Compelling
Characters - On Demand
Edition
$99.99
What Would Your
Character Do? - eBook
Edition (PDF)
$15.99
Writer's Series: Create
Characters Audiences
Connect To - THE
PROTAGONIST
AUDIENCES ROOT
FOR
$79.99
Screenwriting Pro Software - Online screenwriting software that's always ready for action
Screenwriters University Classes - Online writing courses for screenwriting
Script Magazine - Your connection to screenwriting success
Affiliate Program - Place links on your site and earn commissions
Copyright © 1982 - 2016 The Writers Store ® Incorporated. All rights reserved.
The use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use.
The Writers Store eZine
Join
• Become a fan of The Writers Store
• Follow us on Twitter - news and specials
