Script Writing

Importance of Format

– Why do we need special format for scripts?

– Ultimate goal is to make the script easy to read.

– Intended as a blueprint for production – must meet the needs of the various departments.

– Format has been designed so that the flow of the story is not interrupted by extraneous details on the page.
Who will read the script?
– actors
– directors
– producers
– casting manager
– location manager

Only use Courier 12 Point type.

Every one page – 1 min in screen time.

Dos and Don’ts

– Only print on one side of the page. Only use plain white paper.

– Put the page numbers, followed by a period in the upper right hand corner.

For class we will number individual scenes, but it is not professional standard.

– Don’t use correction fluid, don’t draw arrows, smiley faces, etc. on the page.

Margins

1’ Left Margin

1’ Right Margin

Slug Lines
Ext/Int – Location – Time (All Caps)

Action

Action Description
– Describes what can be seen on screen

– Stretches across entire page

Writing Style

– Action Description is always in Narrative Style, 3rd Person and Present tense.

– ‘What can be seen’ includes actions as well as descriptions.

– It is a good idea to suggest sizes and content through the writing but best to leave out specific shot references ( CU, WS, Push In etc…)

– This is the director’s job.

Character

Characters
– First appearance in Caps

– All other appearances normal.

Character Dialogue
– Name in Caps

– Left Margin at 3.5’ from edge of page

– Dialogue 2.5’’

Others

– The character name followed by (V.O) indicates Voice Over- Luke Skywalker (V.O)

– The character name followed by (O.S) indicates Off Screen – Han Solo (O.S)

– A parenthetical appears in dialogue to give specific description of movement, gesture, or method of delivery,

~ (sarcastically) or (waving)