Screenplay
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsScreenplay
Uploaded by
ScribdTranslationsScreenplay
The screenplay (until 2010, also known as script), is a production document in
the one that exposes the content of a cinematographic work with the necessary details for its
realization.
The screenplay is divided into sequences or scenes, as well as the actions and dialogues that
it occurs between the characters. It also contains the relationship of the events,
descriptions of the environment and any brief notes that can be made to describe the
emotions of the characters. A well-written literary script must convey all the information
necessary for the reader to visualize the complete development of the film in their imagination: how
the dialogue unfolds, how the characters act and what objects they interact with, without specifying
still the details of the production nor the camera work, things that are only included in the
technical script.
Over time, certain formatting requirements in scripts have been standardized. They are
requirements that the film industry expects to find in a professional script and they range from typography
up to the margins and how to mark the scene changes: if the action takes place indoors,
outdoors, during the day or at night. The dialogue of the characters is also clearly separated from the rest.
of the action.
TYPES OF SCRIPT
The screenplay exists in two versions, depending on the production moment in which
is located. From the moment the screenwriter starts working on the script, until the
the producer decides to start the production, this is known as the literary script. Once this has started
In the second phase, a certain amount of new information is added to the script, and to that document
It is called a technical script, usually created by the Director, which contains the information
necessary to carry out each of the shots of the film.
FORMAT
The film script, which is also used in television for single-camera productions,
it follows a quite specific format.
Among the information contained in the format is the convention among the producers that a
One page of script corresponds to one minute of screen projection. This rule is not exact.
but it can effectively serve to measure the duration of a project.
Formatting elements
A script consists of 7 elements. Each of these is written in a particular way,
and its format contains relevant information for the production team members.
Scene or sequence heading
The scene or sequence headings describe the location where the action takes place.
The headers are composed of four parts:
The sequence or scene number.
2. The place where the scene takes place.
3. Indicate whether the scene takes place indoors or outdoors.
4. Indicate the time of day when the action takes place.
The first element of the header is the sequence or scene number. This is consecutive of
from beginning to end of the movie.
The second element is the place where the scene takes place. This information can be general or
specific, according to the particular needs of the script.
The third element is the abbreviation "EXT.", for exterior, or "INT.", for interior, which indicates whether the action
it will take place outdoors or in an enclosed space. It is also used 'I/E.' to indicate a place that is
both an interior and an exterior. For example: a car or the exterior door of a house,
that can have shots both inside and outside of the stage.
The fourth element is the time of day in which the action takes place. It is generally specified if it is
"DAY" or "NIGHT", since the main use of this information is to define whether the scene will be shot during the day
or at night. However, when the story requires it, more specific hours can be used.
like: 'DAWN' or 'DUSK', etc.
When the previous scene and the present one present a continuous action, the time of day is presented.
with the text "CONTINUOUS". This indicates that it maintains the same time of day as the previous scene.
EXAMPLES SEC. 1. HOUSE - INT. DAY
SEC. 2. HOTEL EMPERADOR–ROOM 503–EXT. NIGHT
SEC. X.. JORGE'S CAR–CONTINUOUS.
A sequence or scene heading must always be followed by a description, never by another one.
element of the script. It should also not be the last element on a page; when this happens, it should
go to the next page.
Description
The description, also called action or direction, consists of paragraphs that describe what you see (and
listen) the camera. Consequently, sentences that cannot be filmed should not be introduced,
like feelings, intentions, etc.
The description is always written in the present tense, as it is describing what is
happening, and omit redundant references such as 'we see', or 'it is seen' (since it is understood that if
It is written as a description, it is because the camera sees it.
INT. ROOM - NIGHT
MARÍA... COME IN. She looks around. Her eyes
wet. On the bed, an old dress. She takes it and
caresses. Swallows saliva.
NICOLÁS peers through the door. María startles. She drops the
dress on the bed. She blushes.
The paragraphs of the Descriptions are usually short to facilitate reading.
the text is written in lowercase, except when specific information is presented, which is written in
uppercase
• When a character appears for the first time (the subsequent times they appear)
character, is written in lowercase). This is to facilitate the breakdown of the script.
• When describing a sound or a sound effect.
• When describing a camera angle, such as: PANORAMIC, LOW CAMERA, ANGLE,
etc. However, it is worth clarifying that this type of indication does not correspond to the screenwriter, but rather
to the people who make the technical script (director, director of photography, assistant of
address), also known as breakdown or "decoupage". When the director writes his
the script itself usually includes these indications.
• When describing the text of a message that the audience will read on the screen.
• FELIPE, a tall 34-year-old young man, observes as a plane takes off.
• The plane passes OVER THE CAMERA. It disappears among the clouds.
• Suddenly, the right engine EXPLODES.
•
• Felipe looks at his phone. A text message says: 'IT'S YOUR FAULT.'
• Felipe cries.
Character
Before each block of dialogue, it should specify which character will recite it. The name of the
Character must be written in uppercase, aligned (not centered) 10.4 cm from the edge of the page.
Pedro looks at the audience.
PEDRO
My name is Pedro.
The character's name must remain constant throughout the script, even if it is a character that changes.
name throughout history, or that various characters know it by different names. The reason
This element of the script is directed at the actor who must memorize the lines, more than at
character.
To the right of the character, particular marks are sometimes placed in parentheses, which provide
production information (do not confuse with the annotation, which provides acting information, and it
write on the next line). Some of these brands are:
1. (CONT'D): Indicates that the character who said the last dialogue of the scene is the same one who
It will say the following. This is used to facilitate reading, as it is usual for a character
speak and then follow one different.
2. (O.C.): From the English Off-Camera. Indicates that the character speaking is in the scene, but the
camera does not register it.
3. (O.S.): From the English Off-Screen. Indicates that the speaking character does not appear on screen.
4. (V.O.): From English Voice Over. Indicates that the character speaking is not in the scene, as
it is the case of the narrators. The main difference between (V.O.) and (O.S.) is that the dialogue of the
Voice Over is not heard by the characters in the scene, while Off-Screen dialogue,
yes.
5. (OFF): To indicate that this dialogue is spoken by a narrator or character that we do not see.
screen. Some screenwriters often group (O.C.), (O.S.) and (V.O.) under the term (OFF).
NARRATOR (V.O.)
Somewhere in La Mancha,
whose name I do not want to remember--
The silhouette of a man on horseback against the morning sun.
NARRATOR (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Not long ago, there lived a
nobleman with a lance in
shipyard, old shield, nag
thin and running greyhound.
Dialogue
The dialogue block indicates the words that the actors will recite. It is written in lowercase, aligned.
(not centered), with a left margin of 6.8 cm from the left edge of the page, and a right one
6.1 cm from the right edge of the sheet.
CAMILO
I don't know what to say. I am so
excited to know that you all
They want to listen to me.
A dialogue should never appear without indicating which character will recite it. When it is very extensive, and it goes
On the next page, the brand "(MAS)" is placed at the end of the text that appears on the first.
page, and on the next one, it should start with the Character, followed by the label "(CONT’D)".
ROBERT
No, it's just that when one has
many things to say, the best is
Let her say them little by little, uh-huh.
(MORE)
------------------<PAGE CHANGE>------------------
ROBERTO(CONT’D)
Don't you see that if one talks a lot, the
people don't pay attention.
Since the dialogue represents the linguistic patterns of a wide variety of people, it is
correct to write them with grammatical errors and colloquialisms. To facilitate reading, the numbers
they usually write in words.
Each dialogue is a continuous paragraph, no matter how long it is.
When a dialogue is interrupted, the symbol "--" is used to indicate that at that point the
character stops talking abruptly.
ALEJANDRO
Forty-four pesos that--
To emphasize a word or phrase, it can be underlined.
Annotation
The annotation, or parentheses, is a format element in the script, intended to provide information.
additional to the way a dialogue should be spoken. The instruction is placed in parentheses, aligned
8.6 cm from the edge of the sheet. It is written entirely in lowercase; that is, it is not capitalized.
first letter, and it should be placed between the character and the dialogue, or between blocks of dialogue.9
The annotations should be used sparingly, and only when necessary.
JUAN
(sarcastic)
I had never seen someone so
smart like you, Alejandro.
(pause)
I'll see you tomorrow.
Transition
Transitions indicate various methods to move from one scene to another, such as various types of cuts.
and dissolutions. These are written in uppercase, aligned to 15.2 cm from the left edge of the page.
The exception is the 'FADE IN:', which is commonly placed to indicate the beginning of a script.
the transition is tabulated to 4.3 cm.
FADE IN:
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
A figure moves among the trees of a dark forest.
of pines.
INSOLVENCY A:
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
Transitions end in two points ':' when they indicate a relationship with the next scene, and
. when not.
Juan falls unconscious.
CUT TO BLACK.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
In the past, when a scene was finished, the transition "CUT TO:" was marked before starting.
the following. However, the Scene Header that is not preceded by a transition has a
"CUT A:" implicit, which is why it is not used much today. However, it is still seen in some
scenes, when a writer wants to give a certain punctuation at the end of a sequence.
The sky darkens and starts to rain heavily. A
THUNDER.
CUT A:
INT. CABIN - NIGHT
A transition should never start a page. When this happens, a portion of the description or
The dialogue that precedes it must be transferred to the new page.
Plan
The plan is an element that indicates a direction instruction. It is used to highlight that a plan
particular cinematographic is fundamental for the story. Since the choice of shots is
the function of the director and not of the screenwriter, this element should be used sparingly. The shot is
The subject is separated
THE LINE THAT DESCRIBES THE SUBJECT IS IN CAPITAL LETTERS
But despite being divided into two lines, in terms of punctuation, it is treated as if it were a
sole sentence.
Measures and formalities
Typography
The font should be Courier or Courier New, 12 point, which is a typeface family.
monospaced, which has the characteristics of typewriters.
All texts are aligned to the left. They are neither centered nor justified.
Paper
In most of America, letter paper is used; in the United States, three-hole letter paper is used.
And in Europe, A4. The type of paper slightly varies the margins.
Margins
A page must have a maximum of 57 lines, written single-spaced, with a top margin.
of 1.3 cm, and a bottom margin of 2.5 cm.
Margins for letter paper
Margin Margin Maximum Length
Left Law
Scene header 4.3 cm (1.7") 3.3 cm (1.1 inches) 57 characters.
Description 4.3 cm (1.7") 3.3 cm (1.1") 57 characters.
Character 10.4 cm (4.1") As far as The one that is necessary.
be necessary.
Dialogue 6.8 cm (2.7") 6.1 cm (2.4") 34 characters.
Notation 8.6 cm (3.4") 7.9 cm (3.1") 19 characters.
Transition 15.2 cm (6.0") 3.3 cm (1.1")
Plan 4.3 cm (1.7") 3.3 cm (1.1") 57 characters.
Scene number 2.5 cm (1.0")
(Left)
Scene number 18.8 cm (7.4")
(Law)
Page number 18.2 cm (7.2”)
Scene numbering
When a script goes into pre-production, the scenes are numbered consecutively (before the
pre-production, a script should not have the scenes numbered). The scene number is placed at
to the left and to the right of the Scene Header. The number on the left aligns to 2.5
cm from the left edge of the page and the number on the right at 18.2 cm.
25 INT. OFFICE - DAY 25
When a scene continues to the next page, the scene number is placed next to the mark.
continuation.
25 CONTINUE: 25
Remove scenes in a production script
When the script is locked, and a scene is deleted, this is indicated as follows:
25 OMITIDA 25
Add scenes to a production script
When the script is locked, and a new scene is added, it is assigned a new number that the
Identify. This identifier is formed by the number of the previous scene, followed by a letter.
15 OMITIDA 15
15TH FLOOR. OFFICE - NIGHT 15A
Marisol Valenciano wonders if Piru Casoy arrived at
Spain. He looks out the window of his office. The PHONE.
TIMBRA.
16 EXT. PARK - DAY 16
When scenes are inserted between scenes that are already numbered with letters, a letter is added.
that precedes the number.
15 OMITIDA 15
A15AEXT. OFFICE - NIGHT A15A
Rafael walks towards an office building.
15TH FLOOR. OFFICE - NIGHT 15A
the pattern indicates that scene A1 precedes scene 1, and after scene 1, scene 1A follows. After
from 1A follows 1B, 1C, etc.
Page numbering
The page number in a script is placed 18.2 cm from the left edge of the page, and 1.3 cm from the
top border. The page number is immediately followed by a dot '.', which facilitates
distinguish it from a scene number.
10.
19 INT. MILITARY BASE - MORNING 19
When the script is blocked, and a new page is added, this new page is numbered with the
number of the previous page, followed by a letter.
10A.
19 INT. MILITARY BASE - MORNING 19
If it involves continuing a scene:
10A.
19 CONTINUE: 19
If scene and page are added:
10A.
19AEXT. MILITARY BASE - MORNING 19A
For the page numbering, the same convention is used as for numbering the scenes; that is:
page A10 precedes page 10, and after page 10, comes 10A.
The exception to this rule is page 1, which is not numbered.
Variations
Variations in the scene header
• In some European productions, the abbreviation 'SEC.' is used to refer to sequence or
scene (In American tradition, sequences are not marked in the screenplay.)
Subsequently, the sequence number follows. Then the location, and finally it is indicated
whether it is an indoor or outdoor scene and whether it takes place at night or during the day.
SEC. 23. EMPTY ALLEY. EXT/NIGHT
The main problem encountered with this variation is that software packages
for production to make breakdowns, like Movie Magic Scheduling or Gorilla, not it
they understand, for which the production staff must do double work when working with
screenwriters who write headings in this way.
• In some countries, the Scene Heading is bolded to make it easier to locate.
EXT. EMPERADOR HOTEL – ROOM 503 – NIGHT
• In order to facilitate the breakdown, some screenwriters use the forward slash '/' to separate
the various levels of spaces in the scene.
EXT. EMPERADOR HOTEL / ROOM 503 - NIGHT
Variations in the description
• In the past, every time a character appeared in a description, it was written in
uppercase. This practice is very uncommon today.
FELIPE, a tall 34-year-old young man, watches as a plane takes off.
The plane passes over her head and disappears among the clouds.
FELIPE looks at his phone. A text message says: "I HATE YOU."
FELIPE cries.
The television script
In countries without a film industry, some television writers have created scripts for
film using the formalism of the television script. [citation required]
Some differences are:
• The font Arial 12 is used.
• Scene headings are underlined.
• A brief summary of the scene is introduced below the heading, and/or a list of the
actors who will appear in the scene.
• THE DESCRIPTIONS ARE WRITTEN ENTIRELY IN UPPERCASE.
• The names of the characters are followed by colons. For example: 'JORGE:'.
• Each scene begins at the start of a page.
Bibliography
Bibliography on the technique of screenwriting
• The craft of screenwriting, the technique and art of writing a good script for cinema, by Pablo Alvort.
• The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats: The Screenplay
R. Cole.
• The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script
by David Trottier
• The Hollywood Standard
Angels: Michael Wiese Productions.
• Jean-Paul Torok, The screenplay. Ed. Henri Veyrier, Paris, 1988. (in French).