When it comes to writing a screenplay, one of the most fundamental decisions a writer must make is choosing the appropriate tense. This choice can have a profound impact on the overall tone, pacing, and immersion of the story. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, the screenwriting industry has long embraced certain conventions and preferences regarding tense usage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the two main tenses used in screenplays: present tense and past tense. We’ll delve into the nuances of each approach, examine industry preferences, and provide practical tips to help you make an informed decision about which tense best suits your storytelling style and vision.
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The Standard: Present Tense
The present tense is widely regarded as the industry standard for screenplays. This tense creates a sense of immediacy and immersion, placing the reader directly into the action as it unfolds. By using the present tense, the writer invites the audience to experience the story’s events as they happen, heightening the drama and tension.
Here’s an example of a present tense screenplay excerpt:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Rain pours down, drenching the deserted sidewalks. A lone figure, JACK, hurries down the street, his coat collar turned up against the relentless downpour.
Suddenly, a SCREAM pierces the night. Jack freezes, his eyes darting around, searching for the source of the sound.
In this excerpt, the use of the present tense transports the reader into the heart of the scene, allowing them to visualize and experience the events as they occur. The present tense also lends a sense of urgency and forward momentum, propelling the story forward with each action and line of dialogue.
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The Alternative: Past Tense
While less common in the screenwriting world, some writers choose to craft their screenplays in the past tense. This approach can offer certain benefits, particularly when it comes to describing settings, characters, and events that have already occurred.
Here’s an example of a past tense screenplay excerpt:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Rain poured down, drenching the deserted sidewalks. A lone figure, JACK, hurried down the street, his coat collar turned up against the relentless downpour.
Suddenly, a SCREAM pierced the night. Jack froze, his eyes darting around, searching for the source of the sound.
In this example, the past tense provides a slightly more detached perspective, potentially making it easier for the writer to describe and set the scene. However, some argue that the past tense can diminish the sense of immediacy and immersion, creating a greater emotional distance between the reader and the story.
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Consistency is Key
Regardless of which tense you choose for your screenplay, maintaining consistency throughout the entire script is crucial. Mixing tenses can be jarring and confusing for readers, disrupting the flow of the narrative and potentially undermining the overall storytelling experience.
Here’s an example of how tense inconsistency can muddle the narrative:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT
Rain poured down, drenching the deserted sidewalks. A lone figure, JACK, hurries down the street, his coat collar turned up against the relentless downpour.
Suddenly, a SCREAM pierced the night. Jack froze, his eyes darting around, searching for the source of the sound.
In this example, the tense shifts abruptly from past to present, creating a disjointed and potentially confusing reading experience. Maintaining a consistent tense throughout the screenplay is essential for clarity and immersion.
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Exceptions to the Rule
While maintaining a consistent tense is generally recommended, there are certain situations where it may be acceptable, or even desirable, to switch tenses within a screenplay. These exceptions typically involve elements such as flashbacks, dream sequences, or other narrative techniques that intentionally shift the perspective or timeline.
For example, a writer might choose to use the past tense to depict a flashback sequence, clearly distinguishing it from the present-tense narrative:
EXT. CITY STREET – NIGHT (PRESENT DAY)
Jack hurries down the rain-soaked street, his coat collar turned up against the downpour.
Suddenly, a SCREAM pierces the night.
INT. JACK’S CHILDHOOD HOME – NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Young Jack sat huddled in the corner, his eyes wide with fear as the SOUND of SHATTERING GLASS echoed through the room.
In this example, the flashback sequence is written in the past tense, providing a clear delineation from the present-tense narrative. However, it’s essential to handle these tense shifts carefully and consistently, ensuring that the transitions are smooth and easy for the reader to follow.
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Industry Preferences
While there is no universal mandate regarding tense usage in screenplays, many major studios and production companies have established preferences and guidelines. Generally, the present tense is favored by most major players in the industry, as it aligns with the prevailing conventions and expectations.
For example, the widely-used screenwriting software Final Draft defaults to the present tense, reflecting the industry’s preference for this tense. Additionally, many screenwriting books and resources emphasize the use of the present tense as the standard approach.
However, it’s important to note that these preferences are not set in stone, and exceptions can be made for exceptional and well-executed scripts that deviate from the norm. Ultimately, the quality and effectiveness of the storytelling are the most important factors in determining a screenplay’s success.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Tense
With a solid understanding of the pros and cons of each tense, as well as industry preferences and guidelines, you’re now better equipped to make an informed decision about which tense to use for your screenplay. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the right approach:
- Consider your genre: Certain genres, such as action or thriller, may lend themselves better to the immediacy and urgency of the present tense, while others, like historical dramas, could benefit from the descriptive power of the past tense.
- Evaluate your writing style: Some writers find it more natural to write in the present tense, while others feel more comfortable with the past tense. Experiment with both and see which one feels more organic and authentic to your voice.
- Assess your story’s tone and pacing: If you want to create a fast-paced, immersive narrative with a sense of urgency, the present tense may be the way to go. If you prefer a more measured, descriptive approach, the past tense could be a better fit.
- Consider your audience and intended market: While not a hard rule, if you’re aiming for a mainstream, commercial screenplay, sticking with the industry-preferred present tense may be the safer choice. If you’re targeting independent or niche markets, you may have more flexibility to experiment with the past tense.
- Trust your instincts: Ultimately, the decision should align with your creative vision and storytelling goals. Don’t be afraid to go against convention if it serves your narrative effectively.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The choice of tense for your screenplay should be a thoughtful and intentional one, tailored to the specific needs and nuances of your story and your personal writing style.
Conclusion:
In the world of screenwriting, the choice of tense is a fundamental decision that can significantly impact the overall tone, pacing, and immersion of your story.
While the present tense remains the industry standard, embraced for its sense of immediacy and urgency, the past tense can offer certain benefits, particularly when it comes to descriptive elements and narrative distance.
Regardless of which tense you choose, maintaining consistency throughout the entire screenplay is crucial to ensure a cohesive and engaging reading experience.
Exceptions to this rule, such as flashbacks or dream sequences, should be handled with care and clarity, ensuring smooth transitions and easy comprehension for the reader.
As you navigate this decision, it’s essential to consider factors such as your genre, writing style, story’s tone, intended audience, and personal creative vision. Experiment with both tenses, assess their strengths and weaknesses in relation to your specific project, and ultimately trust your instincts as a storyteller.
Remember, the choice of tense is a tool in your storytelling arsenal, and when wielded effectively, it can elevate your screenplay to new heights of engagement and impact. Embrace this decision with thoughtfulness and intention, and let your creative vision guide you towards the tense that best serves your narrative’s unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are scripts written in present tense?
Scripts are traditionally written in the present tense because it creates a sense of immediacy and immersion for the reader. The present tense allows the action to unfold in real-time, making it easier for the reader to visualize the events as they happen. This tense also lends a sense of urgency and forward momentum to the story.
What is the #1 rule when writing a screenplay?
The #1 rule when writing a screenplay is to use proper formatting. Screenplays have a very specific and standardized format that includes specific margins, font, spacing, and structural elements like scene headings, action lines, and dialogue. Adhering to this format is crucial for making your script look professional and easy to read.
What tense is a play script in?
Like screenplays, play scripts are also traditionally written in the present tense. This convention helps to create a sense of immediacy and immersion for the reader, as well as for the actors who will be performing the play.
What is the proper format for a screenplay?
The proper format for a screenplay includes:
- 12-point Courier font
- 1-inch margins on all sides
- Scene headings in uppercase with specific formatting (e.g., INT. HOUSE – DAY)
- Character names in uppercase before dialogue lines
- Action lines describing the scene and character actions
- Proper spacing and indentation for dialogue and other elements
Should I script in past tense?
While it’s not the industry standard, some writers choose to script in the past tense for various reasons, such as finding it easier to describe certain elements or create a specific narrative tone. However, it’s important to maintain tense consistency throughout the entire screenplay.
Can you use past tense in a screenplay?
While the present tense is the industry standard, you can use the past tense in a screenplay, but it’s important to do so intentionally and consistently. The past tense may be used for specific narrative techniques like flashbacks or dream sequences, but it’s generally not recommended for the main narrative.
What is the hardest part of writing a screenplay?
Many screenwriters agree that one of the hardest parts of writing a screenplay is nailing the structure and pacing. Crafting a compelling narrative with a clear beginning, middle, and end, while maintaining tension and momentum throughout, can be challenging. Additionally, creating well-developed characters and natural-sounding dialogue can be difficult.
What are the unwritten rules of screenwriting?
Some of the unwritten rules of screenwriting include:
- Show, don’t tell
- Start the story as late as possible
- Introduce the main conflict early on
- Avoid excessive exposition or backstory
- Stick to one or two main storylines
- Ensure your characters have clear goals and motivations
- Respect the three-act structure
What is the 3 line rule in screenwriting?
The 3 line rule in screenwriting suggests that no single block of action or description should be longer than 3 lines. This rule helps to maintain a visual, cinematic style and prevents the script from becoming too dense or difficult to read. It encourages writers to be concise and visually descriptive in their action lines.
