How to Write a Screenplay: Script Writing

Example & Screenwriting Tips

By Mario O. Moreno and Kay Tuxford

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It's easy to feel intimidated by the thought of writing a screenplay. The rules! The formatting!
The binding! Don't let the seemingly endless parade of screenwriting elements scare you away
from writing your first script. Since a familiarity with the basics of the craft is half the battle, The
Writers Store has created this handy screenplay example and overview on how to write a
screenplay to help you get up to speed on screenwriting fundamentals.

Combine that with the right screenwriting software, books and supplies, and you'll be ready to
type FADE IN before you know it.
Sample Screenplay Page
Recommended Screenwriting Software for Writing a Screenplay

What is a Screenplay?

In the most basic terms, a screenplay is a 90-120 page document written in Courier 12pt font on
8 1/2" x 11" bright white three-hole punched paper. Wondering why Courier font is used? It's a
timing issue. One formatted script page in Courier font equals roughly one minute of screen
time. That's why the average page count of a screenplay should come in between 90 and 120
pages. Comedies tend to be on the shorter side (90 pages, or 1 ½ hours) while Dramas run longer
(120 pages, or 2 hours).

A screenplay can be an original piece, or based on a true story or previously written piece, like a
novel, stage play or newspaper article. At its heart, a screenplay is a blueprint for the film it will
one day become. Professionals on the set including the producer, director, set designer and actors
all translate the screenwriter's vision using their individual talents. Since the creation of a film is
ultimately a collaborative art, the screenwriter must be aware of each person's role and as such,
the script should reflect the writer's knowledge.

For example, it's crucial to remember that film is primarily a visual medium. As a screenwriter,
you must show what's happening in a story, rather than tell. A 2-page inner monologue may
work well for a novel, but is the kiss of death in a script. The very nature of screenwriting is
based on how to show a story on a screen, and pivotal moments can be conveyed through
something as simple as a look on an actor's face. Let's take a look at what a screenplay's structure
looks like.
The First Page of a Screenplay

While screenplay formatting software such as Final Draft, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Movie
Outline and Montage frees you from having to learn the nitty-gritty of margins and indents, it's
good to have a grasp of the general spacing standards.

The top, bottom and right margins of a screenplay are 1". The left margin is 1.5". The extra half-
inch of white space to 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 entire document should be single-spaced.

The very first item on the first page should be the words FADE IN:. Note: the first page is never
numbered. Subsequent page numbers appear in the upper right hand corner, 0.5" from the top of
the page, flush right to the margin.

Screenplay Elements

Below is a list of items (with definitions) that make up the screenplay format, along with
indenting information. Again, screenplay software will automatically format all these elements,
but a screenwriter must have a working knowledge of the definitions to know when to use each
one.

Scene Heading
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"

A scene heading is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene, also known
as a "slugline." It should always be in CAPS.

Example: EXT. WRITERS STORE - DAY reveals that the action takes place outside The
Writers Store during the daytime.

Subheader
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"

When a new scene heading is not necessary, but some distinction needs to be made in the action,
you can use a subheader. But be sure to use these sparingly, as a script full of subheaders is
generally frowned upon. A good example is when there are a series of quick cuts between two
locations, you would use the term INTERCUT and the scene locations.

Action
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"

The narrative description of the events of a scene, written in the present tense. Also less
commonly known as direction, visual exposition, blackstuff, description or scene direction.

Remember - only things that can be seen and heard should be included in the action.
Character
Indent: Left: 2.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 4.0"

When a character is introduced, his name should be capitalized within the action. For example:
The door opens and in walks LIAM, a thirty-something hipster with attitude to spare.

A character's name is CAPPED and always listed above his lines of dialogue. Minor characters
may be listed without names, for example "TAXI DRIVER" or "CUSTOMER."

Dialogue
Indent: Left: 1.0" Right: 1.5" Width: 3.5"

Lines of speech for each character. Dialogue format is used anytime a character is heard
speaking, even for off-screen and voice-overs.

Parenthetical
Indent: Left: 1.5" Right: 2.0" Width: 2.5"

A parenthetical is direction for the character, that is either attitude or action-oriented. With roots
in the playwriting genre, today, parentheticals are used very rarely, and only if absolutely
necessary. Why? Two reasons. First, if you need to use a parenthetical to convey what's going on
with your dialogue, then it probably just needs a good re-write. Second, it's the director's job to
instruct an actor on how to deliver a line, and everyone knows not to encroach on the director's
turf!

Extension
Placed after the character's name, in parentheses

An abbreviated technical note placed after the character's name to indicate how the voice will be
heard onscreen, for example, if the character is speaking as a voice-over, it would appear as
LIAM (V.O.).

Transition
Indent: Left: 4.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 2.0"

Transitions are film editing instructions, and generally only appear in a shooting script.
Transition verbiage includes:

 CUT TO:
 DISSOLVE TO:
 SMASH CUT:
 QUICK CUT:
 FADE TO:
As a spec script writer, you should avoid using a transition unless there is no other way to
indicate a story element. For example, you might need to use DISSOLVE TO: to indicate that a
large amount of time has passed.

Shot
Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0"

A shot tells the reader the focal point within a scene has changed. Like a transition, there's rarely
a time when a spec screenwriter should insert shot directions. Once again, that's the director's
job.

Examples of Shots:

 ANGLE ON --
 EXTREME CLOSE UP --
 PAN TO --
 LIAM'S POV --

Recommended Books for Writing a Screenplay

Spec Script vs. Shooting Script

A "spec script" literally means that you are writing a screenplay on speculation. That is, no one is
paying you to write the script. You are penning it in hopes of selling the script to a buyer. Spec
scripts should stick stringently to established screenwriting rules.

Once a script is purchased, it becomes a shooting script, also called a production script. This is a
version of the screenplay created for film production. It will include technical instructions, like
film editing notes, shots, cuts and the like. All the scenes are numbered, and revisions are marked
with a color-coded system. This is done so that the production assistants and director can then
arrange the order in which the scenes will be shot for the most efficient use of stage, cast, and
location resources.

A spec script should NEVER contain the elements of shooting script. The biggest mistake any
new screenwriter can make is to submit a script full of production language, including camera
angles and editing transitions. It can be very difficult to resist putting this type of language in
your script. After all, it's your story and you see it in a very specific way. However, facts are
facts. If you want to direct your script, then try to go the independent filmmaker route. But if you
want to sell your script, then stick to the accepted spec screenplay format.

Screenplay Formatting Software

Screenwriting software makes producing an Industry-standard script simple and straightforward.

Programs like Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter put your words into proper screenplay
format as you type, letting you focus on a well-told story rather than the chore of margins and
spacing.

There’s also a wide spectrum of outlining and development software at the ready to help you get
your thoughts together before you begin writing. Popular story development software includes
Dramatica Pro, a step-by-step guide to the storytelling process, Contour, a character-based
structuring system, and Save the Cat!, a program centered on successful screenwriter Blake
Snyder’s own proven methods.

And if you want a program that combines story development and formatting? Check out Movie
Outline, an all-in-one development package that uses step outlining to build your story, scene-
by-scene, and Montage, which includes both outline and submission tracking functions.

Script Presentation and Binding

Just like the format of a script, there are very specific rules for binding and presenting your
script. The first page is the title page, which should also be written in Courier 12pt font. No
graphics, no fancy pictures, only the title of your script, with “written by” and your name in the
center of the page. In the lower left-hand or right-hand corner, enter your contact information. In
the lower left-hand or right-hand corner you can put Registered, WGA or a copyright
notification, though this is generally not a requirement.
Sample Title Page
Below is a list of items you need to prepare your script to be sent out:

 Script Covers, either linen or standard card stock

 Three-Hole Punched Paper
 Screenplay Brass Fasteners (also called Brads), Acco number 5 size 1 1/4-inch for scripts up to
120 pages; Acco number 6 size 2-inch for larger scripts
 Script Binding Mallet (optional)
 Screenplay Brass Washers
 Script Mailers

Follow these directions to properly bind your script:

1. Print your title page and script on bright white three-hole punched paper.
2. Insert the title page and the script into the script cover. The front and back covers remain blank.
They are just there to protect your script. And remember: pictures and text on script covers
scream amateur.
3. Insert two brass fasteners in the first and third holes. Do NOT put a fastener in the middle hole.
4. Flip the script over, and slide the brass washers over the arms of the fasteners. Spread the arms
of the fasteners flat against the script. Use a Script Binding Mallet to ensure a tight, flat fit.
5. Use the flat, self-seal script mailers to send your scripts out to buyers.

Materials for Further Exploration

Now that you understand screenplay basics, you’re no doubt ready to continue your exploration
of the craft and go beyond learning how to write a movie script. The books listed below are some
of The Writers Store’s favorite guides to screenwriting.

The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script
Wondering how to write a script? This first-rate screenwriting primer provides a concise
presentation of screenwriting basics, along with query letters, useful worksheets, checklists,
sample scenes and more to help you break into screenplay writing.

From Script to Screen

What goes into the making of Hollywood's greatest motion pictures? Join Linda Seger and
Edward Whetmore as they examine recent screenplays on their journey from script to screen.

Hollywood Standard: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style
The Hollywood Standard describes in clear, vivid prose and hundreds of examples how to format
every element of a screenplay or television script.

Save the Cat!

This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran
who's proven that you can sell your script if you can Save the Cat.

Interested in taking a screenwriting class? Visit our courses section for webinars, live seminars,
online courses, one-on-one instruction and on-demand courses. You can download a free
webinar on "How to Write a Screenplay" from magazine site, ScriptMag.com.
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Meet the Author: Mario O. Moreno

Mario O. Moreno is the writer/creator of Maker Studio's LA

Series, executive produced and co-directed by James Franco.
In addition to LA Series, Mario is the writer/creator/executive
producer of Untitled Miami Series that was optioned by
Franco's RabbitBandini Productions, and is currently at work
on their third collaboration, a feature adaptation. Mario
earned a bachelor’s degree in film from Miami International
University, where he gained experience writing, producing,
directing, and editing short films, eventually winning...