A screenplay which does not conform to industry standards will immediately create a negative impression.
Screenwriting is a highly competitive business, therefore any writers hoping to break into the field for the first time, must do everything they can to raise themselves to a professional level.
The process begins at the most basic level - learning the proper way to layout a script. Scripts which are sent to producers or entered in any competitions, must be properly laid out and obey the rules of the movie-making industry.
Why is Screenplay Layout Important?
The movie industry is a complicated machine involving sometimes hundreds of professionals from the producers and director to designers, set construction, make-up and wardrobe, sound, lighting, stuntmen, not forgetting of course the actors. In order for this huge machine to come together and be able to create the single product that the movie is, they need a plan. That plan is the writer's script.
The correct layout lets each profession extract the information they require quickly and efficiently. If the information is not placed on the pages in the way that the professionals expect then it hinders their reading of the script and increases the risk that something important will be overlooked.
Elements of a Script
The key elements of a screenplay are:
- Sluglines or Scene Headings
- Characters
- Action
- Dialogue
- Parentheticals
- Transitions
More details and explanations of elements of a script can be found here.
Font and Size
Firstly and most importantly, use Courier 12pt font; no other font or size is acceptable.
Page Sizes
If sending a script to a US producer, scripts should be formatted to US Letter size paper. British and European producers will expect scripts formatted to A4 sized paper. The two sizes cause some very slight adjustments to margin sizes.
Margins
Left margin: 1.5 inches (U.S. Letter), 1.25 inches (A4). Right margin 1 inch.
Title Page
Title should appear in UPPER case in the centre of the page, with a blank line below it, the word "by" below that, and the author's name below that.
In the bottom left corner, the author agent and contact details should be placed. The title page should not be numbered.
Page Numbers
Pages numbers commence with "1" after the title page. Numbers should be placed in the top right in a header which is half an inch from the top of the page. The script should run to between 100 and 120 pages.
Sluglines or Scene Headings
Do not number the scenes. The numbering of scenes is the final thing to happen to a script before production.
Before the first Slugline, the screenplay should open with the words
"FADE IN:".
Sluglines are always in UPPER case, and run between the two margins.
Action
Descriptions of the action commence double spaced below the slugline. The action itself is single spaced and is described in sentences in UPPER and lower case. It runs across the page from margin to margin.
Remember to describe all entrances and exits of characters, and any actions which are essential to the plot. After any action, there should be ad double space before a character speaks.
Characters
When a character makes his or her first appearance in a script their name should appear in the action, in UPPER case.
When a character speaks, their name should be left justified at an indent of 3.5 inches from the left of the edge of the paper.
Character tags such as V.O. (voice off) or O.S. (off screen) follow one space after the character's name.
Parentheticals
Parentheticals are placed single-spaced below the character's name, in brackets. Parentheticals should be placed with a 3 inch indent.
Dialogue
Dialogue should be left justified at an indent of 2.5 inches, and should be 3.5 inches (or 35 characters) maximum. Inother words, the right margin for dialgue should be at 6 inches from the left edge of the paper.
Transitions
Transitions should begin after an indent set at 6.5 inches (U.S. Letter), 6 inches (A4).
Variations
Television scripts are slightly different. Every TV show will have its own particular style, if submitting a script for an established show, it is best to obtain a sample script beforehand. These can often be found online.
Programs for Screenwriters
Programs such as Movie Magic or Final Draft make every scriptwriter's job easier. They are relatively expensive but an excellent investment for anyone serious about becoming professional.
For more about The Basics of Writing for Stage and Screen
Janice Hally - Janice Hally has written more than 300 broadcast hours of prime-time TV drama in the UK, as well as fiction and non-fiction books.
