Screenwriting
is an art. So many scripts are written every year, but so few ever
make it to production. If you're going to compete, you'll need to write
a great script, follow the rules, and make sure it's in the proper,
industry standard format. Although a great script will overcome any
shortcomings with formatting, doing it the right way the first time
makes it easier to read and understand.
Remember,
that if you're writing a script for anything other than an audio production,
think VISUAL. You will be writing about what you want your audience
to SEE and HEAR.
Spec
Screenplay Page Properties:
Screenplays are traditionally written on 8 1/2" x 11" white 3-hole
punched paper. A page number appears in the upper right hand corner (in the
header). No page number is printed on the first page. The type style used is
the Courier 12 font. The top and bottom margins are between .5" and 1".
The left margin is between 1.2" and 1.6". The right margin is between
.5" and 1".
The extra inch of white space on the left of a script page allows for binding
with brads, yet still imparts a feeling of vertical balance of the text on
the page.
The Courier 12 font is used for timing purposes. One script page in Courier
12 roughly averages 1 minute of onscreen film time. Experienced readers can
detect a long script by merely weighing the stack of paper in their hand.
Scene
Heading:
The Scene Heading, sometimes called Slugline, tells the reader of the script
where the scene takes place. Are we indoors (INT.) or outdoors (EXT.)? Next
name the location: BEDROOM, LIVING ROOM, at the BASEBALL FIELD, inside a CAR?
And lastly it might include the time of day - NIGHT, DAY, DUSK, DAWN... information
to "set the scene" in the reader's mind.
The Slugline can also include production information like CONTINUOUS ACTION,
or ESTABLISHING SHOT or STOCK SHOT. Here are examples of Scene Headings:
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
EXT. LAS VEGAS STRIP - SUNSET
INT. OFFICE - NIGHT - CONTINUOUS ACTION
EXT. KEY WEST MARINA - DAWN - ESTABLISHING
EXT. PASADENA - ROSE PARADE - STOCK FOOTAGE |
