Screenplay Formatting

Introduction

Screenplays can be more formulaic than theatrical scripts. This lesson outlines basic expectations about the structure and format that most professionals will assume a script-writer understands. As with all things, the rules can all be broken, but to break them effectively, one must know them. The story is the driving aspect of all choices, including when and how to break the rules.

Screenplay Formatting Expectations

The format for a screenplay is as important as the content. In terms of marketing the script, it may even be more important than the content. There are very strict standards and expectations associated with screenplay formatting. While there are some variations which would be specifically noted in screenplay competitions or from companies that accept submissions, there is a basic set of standard expectations that can be the difference between having a script read or thrown away. This lesson outlines those expectations.

The videos below will outline the following expectations, related to Screenplay Formatting:

Topic 1: Font, Fade in: Fade out, Transitions, Slug Lines, and Action

Topic 2: Character Names, Dialogue, Parentheticals, and Add in Shots

Topic 3: Title Page, Margins and Spacing, Page Numbers, and Script Length

Topic 4: Script Writing Software

Below each video, you will find a notes document including a script of the presentation.

Screenplay Formatting Review Activity

IMAGES & VIDEOS CREATED BY GAVS