Screenwriting Standards
If you've ever seen a script, than you know that screenplays are written in a very specific format and it is important for the aspiring screenwriter to conform to that format.
EXAMPLE WITH EXPLANATIONS
PAGE FORMATTING
MARGINS :
top margin: 1 inch
left margin: 1.5 inches
right margin: 1 inch
bottom margin: 1 inch with accommodation for dialogue breaks
FONT : Courier or Courier New, size 12. NO EXCEPTIONS.
SPACING : Double-spaced between script elements. Single-spaced within script elements.
PAGE NUMBERS : Do not start numbering pages until page 2. Numbers are placed .5 inches from the top and 1 inch from the right. Put a period after each number.
SCRIPT ELEMENTS
TRANSITIONS: In film individual shots and scenes are manually transitioned through editing where each type of transition implies a different sort of action. These transitions are usually determined by the project's director and editor but it is still important for the screenwriter to understand the various types of transitions and their implications.
In formatting, the FADE IN transition is always the top left of the script. All subsequent transitions are placed next to the right margin.
Common Transitions and their Functions :
CUT TO - This is the most simple and common transition. This transition is usually implied by a change of scene, but is sometimes used to help intensify character changes and emotional shifts. In the most technical definition, CUT TO describes a change of scene over the course of one frame.
DISSOLVE TO - This is perhaps the most contemporary transition used in screenplays today. As one scene fades out, the next scene fades into place. This visual aide usually communicates a passage of time or is used for dramatic effect to connect one scene to another.
FADE IN / FADE OUT / FADE TO - FADE IN and FADE OUT are only used at the beginning of a screenplay (FADE IN) and at the end of a screenplay (FADE OUT).
FLASH CUT TO - This denotes an extremely brief shot — flashing in front of the audience’s eyes in as short as one frame — offering a somewhat subliminal effect.
FREEZE FRAME - A still image that holds for a period of time. Usually accompanied by narration.
SCENE HEADING: Also known as the SLUGLINE/MASTER SLUGLINE, the scene heading denotes the scene's setting in three parts:
INT. (for interior, taking place inside) or EXT. (for exterior, taking place outside)
LOCATION (make sure to keep location names consistent across the script)
TIME (usually written as DAY or NIGHT)
The SCENE HEADING always contains these three elements presented in the following format next to the left hand margin:
e.g. INT. LOCATION - TIME
Scenes are determined by character movement between locations. For every location change, there is a scene change.
SUBHEADER : Also known as a SUB-SLUGLINE, SUBHEADERS note when your character is moving but not dramatically enough to warrant a complete scene change. (see example above)
Note that in the example the character ANTHONY is inside a writers store when the phone rings. He then moves to THE SALES COUNTER. The SALES COUNTER is a SUBHEADER because while ANTHONY changes location, he is not moving out of the main area
ACTION : A short description of the scene's action. When introducing a major character (and by "major" it's generally meant "one with a speaking part"), put his or her name in all caps, but only the first time
SOUND EFFECTS : All SOUND EFFECTS should be written in all-caps inside the ACTION.
DIALOGUE : To write dialogue, start by writing the speaking character's name in all caps 3.7 inches from the left margin. This is known as the CHARACTER CUE. Then place the character's actual dialogue on the line below, 2.5 inches from the left margin. The dialogue block should not extend past 3 inches. This will make the dialogue look centered on the page, but the block should still be left-justified.
DIALOGUE TAG : Not noted in the previous example, but DIALOGUE can occasionally employ tags to provide extra information. All DIALOGUE TAGS are placed next to the CHARACTER CUE. Example: ANTHONY (O.S.)
(O.S.) - Off Screen
(V.O.) - Voice Over
PARANTHETICAL : An action or attitude direction for the character. They appear directly under the CHARACTER CUE and above the DIALOGUE in parenthesis 3.1 inches away from the left margin.
Warning: Do not overuse PARENTHETICALS. Like adverbs, use them only when you feel you absolutely have to and even then, doubt yourself.
PAGE BREAKS : Whenever you have a page break within your ACTION or DIALOGUE, leave white space at the end of the page and move the entire sentence onto the next.
If the PAGE BREAK occurs during DIALOGUE, make sure to type (MORE) in the last line before the break. Then on the next page, rewrite the CHARACTER CUE and add the (CONT'D) note next to the name.
Example:
Source: How to Format a Screenplay, Nicole Url. - MovieOutline.com
ENDING : When your script is finished you end with a "FADE OUT" or "FADE TO BLACK" placed at the left hand margin. Double space and then add a "THE END" in all caps and underlined.
A Final Note:
If all this formatting seems daunting to you, don't fret! There are programs to solve all your problems in regards to margins and spacing etc etc. The industry standard is called Final Draft and the company kindly allows a 30-day trial before your purchase and like Scrivener, it will take care of all your formatting needs. Sadly, it cannot resolve any actual writing or story issues.
