11/21/2020 What is Script Writing?

Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

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S C R I P T WR IT I N G

What is Script Writing? The Essentials to Writing Great

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Screenplays
B Y STU DI O BIN DER AU G US T 2 6, 20 19

riting a screenplay can be daunting, and there is a ton to consider.

W
However, before you even think about what goes into the document,
what is script writing anyway?
Script writing is a very di erent beast than writing in any other format.
Knowing what it entails is critical if you want to have any semblance of a
career in the eld.  So let’s dive into the fundamentals.

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11/21/2020 What is Script Writing? Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

THE ESSENTIALS

What do we mean by script writing? 179

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So you have an idea for a movie, but it’s all in your head. You want to get it all
on paper, what do you do? 113

SCRIPT WRITING DEFINITION

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What is script writing?

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Script writing (or screenwriting) is the process of writing stories

in the screenplay medium. Script writing is writing down the
movement, actions, expression and dialogue of the characters
in screenplay, in screenplay format. The process of writing a
novel, a poem, or essay, is entirely di erent than script writing.
In order to express yourself e ectively for the screen, particular
formatting methods are required. Screenplay format is used to
express the story visually. Scriptwriters or screenwriters write
for lm, television, video games, and now even online web
series. Script writing can be done for hire or on speculation in
hopes to sell their screenplay or nd an agent. 

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11/21/2020 What is Script Writing? Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

SCRIPTWRITING CONSIDERATIONS 179

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Externalize a character's internal motivations
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Tell a story visually

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Use proper screenplay format

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The process of screenwriting is the constant reminder that you are writing for
the screen.  

So if you write the line, “he remembers their past ghts…” what would that
look like on screen? In actuality, it tells us nothing. Why?

Well, no one can see his thoughts, so that's not an e ective form of
communication when writing for the screen. Externalizing the internal is
critical to telling a story visually.

What could you do in this scenario? One way to externalize this would be to
add in a montage scene or a series of ashbacks of all the times they fought.  

With that in mind, let’s move on to why we have this medium to begin with.
Why couldn't
179 we just write
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11/21/2020 What is Script Writing? Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

essays, and poems?

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WHY SCRIPT FORMAT

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Why script writing format?

1
Thinking visually isn’t always easy. Breaking the habit of describing what the
characters are feeling doesn't always come second nature. And knowing how 0

to pace a scene for the screen is equally as challenging.

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Luckily basic screenplay formatting helps remedy this. 

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First things rst, formatting helps with geography. 

Sluglines or scene headings tell the reader where the action is happening. And
action lines tell us what the actors are doing. 

This formatting tells the reader where the characters are, or even where
you’re taking your audience---a major component of learning to write for a
visual medium. See the graphic below to get a better idea.

Notice too, how the characters' names are indented clearly identifying who is
speaking when. 

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how_to_format_a_screenplay_guide_-
_studiobinder_free_screenwriting_software

Script writing means writing in screenplay format

One page typed, in this standard screenplay format represents about one
minute on screen.
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should I know this?
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11/21/2020 What is Script Writing? Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

Well when we're writing, this is helpful to understand scene pacing. We could
think something is working, but a ght lasting for a few pages may not
translate well on screen, and could feel drawn out. 

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Also, knowing how to format your screenplay makes it easy to read and
therefore easier to sell. Formatting helps agents, managers, and studio readers113
visualize your movie.
1

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PRO TIP

Be careful with overdoing dialogue. Get creative with

action lines. How a character acts is usually a better
indicator of how they feel than what they say out loud.

Writing a screenplay is hard enough, don’t waste time in Word, formatting it

yourself.

If you’re interested,
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can write forBLOG
free in StudioBinder.
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R E L AT E D P O S T S

Read More: How to Write a Movie Script →

Read More: Best Free Screenwriting Software → 179

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Learn More: Format Your Screenplay Like a Pro →

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UP NEXT

How to Write a Movie Script 65

You can now answer what is script writing, and hopefully feel a bit better 0

about the next step. Our next post, dives deeper into formatting rules, page
count, and other tactical concerns you may have at the beginning. 

So open up your software, and read our step-by-step guide on how to get your
vision down on paper. 

Up Next: How to Write a Movie Script → 

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11/21/2020 What is Script Writing? Script Writing Basics to Help Get You Started

Write and produce your scripts all in one place.

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Write and collaborate on your scripts FREE. Create script breakdowns, sides, schedules,
storyboards, call sheets and more. 113

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WRITE MY SCREENPLAY

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Screenplay Formatting

StudioBinder

StudioBinder is a lm production software built out of Santa Monica, CA.

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e cient, and pleasant.

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