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"
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"
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
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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.
Character
Indent: Left: 2.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 4.0"
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"
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"
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
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
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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"
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:
Examples of Shots:
·
ANGLE ON --
·
EXTREME CLOSE UP --
·
PAN TO --
·
LIAM'S POV --
ANAMIKA GUPTA
IAAN