A screenplay is the written framework of a film or television production. It details the narrative, characters, locations, dialogues, and visual components that will eventually come alive on the screen.
Understanding screenplays is crucial for anyone looking to break into the world of film and TV writing. Even aspiring directors, actors, and producers need to learn how to read and analyze scripts in order to visualize and collaborate on bringing the writer’s vision to life.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about screenplay structure, formatting, elements, and writing techniques.
What is a Screenplay?
A screenplay, also called a script, is a written work that lays out the narrative, characters, dialogues, stage directions, and settings of a film, TV show, or short film. It serves as the blueprint for the entire production.
The script formats the story into a series of scenes that give the reader a visual sense of how the final filmed product will unfold on screen.
It captures details like locations, actions occurring in the scene, what characters are present, their dialogues, subtle emotions, and other directions that bring the text to life cinematically.
Unlike a novel or short story, which can rely more heavily on descriptive prose and inner monologues, scripts flip the equation and rely more on conveying a story through dialogue. As the popular wisdom goes: “Show, don’t tell.”
Screenplays follow specific structure and formatting conventions that have developed over the past century of filmmaking. The standard format includes elements like scene headings, action descriptions, transitions, and character names/dialogues.
Scripts range from 100 pages for a feature film up to a few hundred pages for a TV series or miniseries. Some key distinctions between screenplays and other forms of writing include:
- Visual storytelling takes precedence over explanation
- Heavy use of dialogue to move the plot forward
- Sparse stage directions conveying critical details
- Lean, fast-paced, “readable” prose
- Specific structural acts and character introductions
- Technical details like scene transitions, camera movements
- Industry-standard script formatting
Understanding all these elements is the first step to reading or writing scripts.
Elements of a Screenplay
Screenplays have a number of key elements that work together to tell the story visually. Here are the most common components of scripts:
Scene Headings
Scene headings, sometimes called sluglines, indicate when and where the following scene takes place.
They follow a specific format like “INT. CLASSROOM – DAY” denoting an interior scene set in a classroom during the daytime. Other abbreviations include I/E for interior/exterior, EST for establishing shots, and DAY/NIGHT designations.
Scene headings efficiently set the location without lengthy descriptions.
Action Lines
Action lines, or scene descriptions, come after the heading and describe what’s happening in the scene, including physical actions, movements, emotions, and background details.
They are written in the present tense and only include details essential to the story, like “Jane drops her backpack on the floor and collapses onto the couch, exhausted”.
Action lines can also indicate camera movements like pans, zooms, and transitions between scenes when needed.
Character Names
When a character is introduced in a scene, their name is capitalized to indicate when they will speak. Their names also help keep track of who is present in the scene.
Names are centered on the page before their dialogue. Only the first appearance needs to introduce them fully, further mentions use last names only.
Parentheticals
Parentheticals or “wrylies” are directions inserted into the character’s dialogue that indicate how a line should be delivered, like angrily, sarcastically, quietly, etc. These help actors interpret the scene and subtext.
Parentheticals are italicized and wrapped in parentheses after the character name, like:
TOM (angrily): I’ve had enough of your excuses!
Dialogue
Dialogue makes up a significant portion of a script. Formatted with proper margins and breaks, dialogue brings the characters and story to life. It reveals personality quirks, accents, emotions, and inner motivations.
Dialogue formatting uses double quotation marks. Each character’s lines are formatted under their name.
Transitions
Transitions describe how scenes transition into one another through editing techniques like dissolves, cuts, wipes or visual effects.
Common transitions include CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO, SMASH CUT, FADE OUT, and MONTAGE. These help the script reader visualize the sequencing and passage of time.
Shots and Angles
At key moments, technical shot descriptions may be included like CLOSE UP, LONG SHOT, POV, AERIAL SHOT, ETC. These specify camera angles and composition choices for the scene.
Some directors prefer not to put too many prescribed shots in the script to allow creative freedom during filming. But they can be useful visual references in moderation.
Descriptions and Directions
Screenplays can also include broader descriptions, backstories, commentary, or directions that enhance the context of certain scenes.
These prose sections, called “narrative passages”, are not dialogue and not strictly necessary for the visual narrative like action lines, but provide extra color.
For example, some context on the emotional state of a character before a tense conversation. Good screenwriting blends narrative passages seamlessly around the core elements.
How is a Screenplay Structured?
While creative freedom is paramount, most Hollywood films follow a common structural blueprint. This underlying framework hits certain narrative beats that help the story feel satisfying. Understanding this structure helps both writers and readers interpret scripts more easily.
Here are the key structural components:
Three Act Structure
The vast majority of feature films employ a three-act structure. The story is divided into three main segments, each with their own character arcs and turning points. Here is how a typical three-act breaks down:
- Act 1 – This first act runs about 30 pages and introduces protagonists, world-building, and the central conflict. It establishes characters and circumstances. The inciting incident propels the protagonist on their journey.
- Act 2 – The longest section, act 2 spans roughly 60 pages and focuses on character development. The protagonist pursues their goal facing escalating obstacles. More characters and subplots intertwine. This act ends with a major setback for the protagonist.
- Act 3 – Running the final 30 pages, act 3 features the climax where protagonists face their hardest challenges and either achieve or fail at their goal based on their choices in Acts 1 and 2. The story gets resolved, tying up loose ends.
Though the exact page length varies based on the script, this general structure holds true for most three-act films. Certain plot points hit at the end of each act to transition the story into the next phase.
Sequences
Acts in a film are further broken down in sequences – a series of thematically connected scenes driving toward a common objective.
Sequences help organize the story into smaller sections. A typical 10-15 minute sequence has its own beginning, middle, and end to tell a “mini-story” that contributes to the overall arc.
Scripts for bigger-budget films often organize sequences to plan sets, locations, casts, and other production logistics well in advance.
Cold Opens
Many TV shows and some films start with a cold open scene before the opening credits. This functions as a mini-sequence that introduces a conflict, mystery or tone-setter for the story before the actual plot begins with act 1.
Cold opens immediately grab the audience’s attention. Scenes taking place chronologically before the rest of the story are also considered cold opens.
Teasers
Similarly, a script may include a “teaser” at the very beginning that provides a sense of the climax or resolution before jumping back in time to show how the story unfolds. Teasers create intrigue and anticipation for what’s to come later.
Plot Points and Turning Points
Plot points are significant event that twist the story in a new direction. The protagonist makes a choice or discovery that alters their path. Plot points appear at the end of acts, kicking off the next phase of the story.
Turning points similarly represent moments where the protagonist’s world flips upside down. Unlike plot points planned within the script, turning points can occur organically during the filming process.
The Resolution
The resolution scene shows the aftermath of the climax and ties up any unfinished business in the story before the screenplay ends. Main story questions get answered and character arcs find closure.
In a satisfying resolution, protagonists show how they’ve evolved from their experiences to complete their hero’s journey. An epilogue can provide a further peek of events after the primary resolution.
Screenplay Formatting Tips
Proper script formatting establishes both technical consistency and readability. While screenplays require some specific elements, the goal is crafting an engaging story that encourages people to visualize it coming to life. Here are some key formatting tips:
Font and Margins
The standard font is a 12-point Courier because each character occupies the same width, formatting the script into measured line lengths. Leave 2.5-3 inch margins on the left and 1-1.5 inch margins on the right.
Elements of a Scene
Each scene starts with a scene heading, then an action description followed by character introductions and dialogues for the events in that setting. Break scenes frequently to switch locations and times.
Introducing Characters
When first introducing a character, write their full name in all caps, followed by their age. Like “JANE DOE, 28”. Minor characters can be introduced simply as MAN or RECEPTIONIST.
Action Lines
- Use present tense and active, dynamic verbs for action lines.
- Only mention critical actions and details to keep the description concise.
- Avoid long blocks of text and break it up into discrete chunks.
Dialogues
- Dialogue lines should rarely exceed 2-3 sentences before breaking into a new paragraph under the character name.
- Use proper punctuation and capitalization like a regular book.
- Avoid overusing parentheticals; let dialogues speak for themselves when possible.
Page Breaks
- Insert a page break only after a scene ends, never mid-scene. The bottom and top of a page should match.
- Avoid “widows” – a single word dangling alone on the next page. Edit to keep words together.
- Don’t end a page with a character name; place some dialogue before breaking.
Follow these rules consistently throughout your script for clean, readable formatting.
Understanding Screenplay Jargon
Screenplays come loaded with industry lingo ranging from formatting terms to camera and production directions. Here’s a quick glossary of common script jargon:
Establishing Shot (EST.) – A wide, stable shot at the start of a scene indicating the location, time of day, and scope of the setting.
Cut To – A transition between scenes, indicating an abrupt change in location or time. The most common scene transition.
Fade Out/Fade In – A gradual transition going to or coming from a black screen between scenes. Indicates chronological time transitions.
Montage – A rapid sequence of shorter shots and scenes used to portray the passage of time, condense action, or build up momentum.
POV – Point of view shot from a character’s visual perspective, often preceding a reaction shot.
Slug Line – See scene heading.
Pan – A camera movement scanning horizontally across the scene on a fixed axis.
Zoom – Camera rapidly changes focal length to shift closer or farther from subjects.
Crossfade – Image gradually transitions between two overlapping scenes. Smooth, gradual transition showing chronological changes.
Spec Script – An unsolicited, unofficial screenplay written for existing intellectual property.
MacGuffin – Object, goal, or motivation driving the plot that may not actually be significant by itself.
Mastering these key terms will allow you to leverage script directions and descriptions effectively.
Writing an Effective Screenplay
Writing a compelling, watertight screenplay is no easy feat. It requires skills like visual storytelling, snappy and nuanced dialogue, imagination, and a keen grasp of cinematic conventions. Here are some tips for writing scripts that come alive on the page:
Craft Well-Defined Characters
Great scripts feature protagonists and antagonists with clear motivations, memorable traits, and layered backstories. They should grow, surprise us, and drive the story forward through their actions.
Write Engaging Dialogue
Dialogue brings characters to life and moves the story. Each character should have a unique voice. Good dialogue intrigues, informs, and entertains. Subtext and body language descriptions enhance its impact.
Show Don’t Tell
Films are a visual medium, so resist over-explaining via clunky exposition. Convey emotions and information through actions, expressions, and clever dialogue that shows rather than tells.
Choose Evocative Details
Use descriptive but concise details to establish a scene’s mood and significance. Every detail should contribute to characterization or storytelling.
Craft Tension and Conflict
Movies thrive on conflict. Craft tense moments and raise story stakes by throwing carefully plotted obstacles at your protagonist. High risk leads to greater payoff.
Map Character Arcs
Well-structured character arcs move protagonists from their ordinary world into unknown territory, forcing them to adapt and evolve. Backstory and motives decide how characters will behave at key moments.
Following these steps and analyzing great scripts will sharpen your screenwriting skills over time. Patience and persistence are key.
Conclusion
We’ve covered a lot of ground in exploring the essential elements of screenplays. From standard script formatting rules to three act structure and sequence beats, you now have a solid grasp of how successful film and TV scripts are assembled.
Understanding the precise language and visual nature of screenwriting is invaluable knowledge. Savvy producers, directors and actors know how to break down scripts to translate words on the page into dynamic on-screen performances.
An expertly crafted screenplay weaves together engaging dialogue, vivid descriptions, seamless structure and compelling characters to lay the blueprint for cinematic storytelling. With practice and creativity, anyone can turn their unique ideas into scripts with the potential to get produced.
If you have an idea for a great film or show, put pen to paper and start bringing your story to life in script form. Know the conventions, but don’t be afraid to bend the rules when inspiration strikes. Just write from the heart. The rest will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between script and screenplay?
A script and screenplay refer to the same thing – the written text that provides dialogue, scene details and instructions for a film production. The terms are used interchangeably in the industry.
What is the purpose of a screenplay?
The purpose of a screenplay is to tell a story in a visual way and provide a detailed guide for everyone involved in making the film, including directors, actors, cinematographers, and other crew.
What is the difference between a screenplay and a shooting script?
A screenplay is the initial version written by the screenwriter. A shooting script is the version modified and prepared for actual filming, including scene numbers, production logistics, and any revisions for budget or schedule.
Can anyone write a screenplay?
Yes, writing a screenplay does not require any formal qualifications. However, it takes skill to write an effective script that is both cinematic and follows industry standards. Aspiring screenwriters can start by studying film structure and reading produced scripts.
Do screenwriters get royalties?
Most screenwriters get an initial payment when selling their script, but rarely earn any royalties unless negotiated in their contract. Exceptions are very successful writers who command large sums for their scripts.
Is it easier to write a book or screenplay?
Most writers find books easier because they have more room for detailed description and inner monologues. Screenplays require greater economy of words and conveying information visually. However, both have their own challenges.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
Show, don’t tell. Films are primarily a visual medium, so screenwriters should use dialogues and actions to show events unfolding rather than explaining via lots of prose.
Who writes screenplays?
Anyone can write a spec script, but produced scripts come from professional screenwriters, either freelance writers selling an original idea or writers hired to adapt source material like books.
What are the 5 basic elements of a screenplay?
The 5 key elements are: scene headings, action lines, character names, parentheticals, and dialogues. These work together to tell the story through visualization.
