How to Format a Screenplay (Part 1)
How to Format a Screenplay (Part 1) A Rite of Passage Formatting a screenplay properly is the very first step into the Agent’s or Producer’s
June 4, 2021
Screenplay Formatting, Part 2
You should also see the first article, How to Format a Screenplay
Today there is no excuse for not using a professional screenwriting program, such as Final Draft or Movie Magic Screenwriter to format and write your screenplay. Even still, it is important to understand the proper way to format writing individual scenes.
1. Always begin your scene with a SLUG LINE. In screenplay formatting this is: INT. HOUSE – DAY. The abbreviation INT. or EXT. is used specifying Interior or Exterior, followed by the SET, in this example: House, and then the Time of Day, usually specified with DAY or NIGHT.
2. Always begin your scene with a SLUG LINE. In screenplay formatting this is: INT. HOUSE – DAY. The abbreviation INT. or EXT. is used specifying Interior or Exterior, followed by the SET, in this example: House, and then the Time of Day, usually specified with DAY or NIGHT.
3. When writing a character who has dialogue, always CENTER their name on the page.
4. When writing the actual dialogue, it must begin directly underneath the Character Name (single space), and indented about 3 inches from the left-hand edge of the page. If you are using a screenplay program, such as Final Draft, the DIALOGUE Element is already formatted for you.
5. Double-space between the end of the scene and the words CUT TO:, and again between the words CUT TO: and the following scene heading. This is called a TRANSITION element.
5. Double-space between the end of the scene and the words CUT TO:, and again between the words CUT TO: and the following scene heading. This is called a TRANSITION element.
How to Prepare Your Screenplay
How to Develop a Main Character for Your Screenplay
How to Develop Other Characters for Your Screenplay
Check out our iOS app for developing an outline for your story, StoryO for iOS click here for more information or here for the desktop version.
How to Format a Screenplay (Part 1) A Rite of Passage Formatting a screenplay properly is the very first step into the Agent’s or Producer’s
5 Steps to Creating a Main Character Developing the Hero The hero of your story is that character whose motivation drives to plot forward, and
The “Other” Characters in Your Screenplay After developing your main character for your story you have to start thinking about the other characters. Each supporting
