Screenplay formatting may make new scriptwriters anxious because they may not be familiar with the rules of script format.
But if you want a professional-looking script you should know how to format your screenplay.
Actually, this is the easiest part.
There are plenty of softwares that do the formatting for you, but it is very helpful to be familiar with basic screenplay formatting rules before you start script-writing.
Why you should follow the screenplay formatting rules?
The format of your script is very important because almost all the film industry professionals and students follow this format and are familiar with it.
These rules make reading the script easier and more understandable.
It also makes your screenplay look more professional.
The screenplay format won’t change if you were writing a script for a movie, short film, or a TV series.
I will also give you a free script format generator to make your screenplay formatting easier!
Let’s get to the point, what is the proper format for a screenplay?
1. Font used in the script
The agreed upon font is 12-point Courier font.
This is because before screenplay writes began to use their computers to write, they used the typewriter which has a font similar to the Courier font.
So, 12-point Courier became the official font for scripts.
2. The Cover Page
The cover page includes the title of the script.
Then, on a new line the name of the writer.
Write: “written by” or just “by” then on a new line your name.
All centered.
In the bottom left you put your contact details.
And in the bottom right you put the date and/or the re-write number.
Margins
You should leave 1 inch margin for the right, top and bottom.
That is to keep space for handwritten notes later.
The left Margin should be 1.5 inches.
That is for having a safe margin when you bind your script, else, the first words of the sentence will be lost.
If you don’t have access to screenwriting software, you can format your screenplay on Microsoft Word or Google Docs to start writing.
Here is how to format a screenplay in word:
Select Layout, Margins, then Custom Margins. and enter the margins of the 4 sides of the entire document.
Elements of the screenplay
To understand the formatting rules of screenplays, you should be familiar with the elements of the script as well:
Scene Heading
This is a line that describes the setting of the scene. It should be all Caps. indent: left 0
Start with INT. for interior scenes or EXT. for exterior scenes, then the set followed by a dash and the time of day (DAY or NIGHT).
example: INT. JOE’S BEDROOM – DAY
Action
This is where you describe the narrative of the scene, what is happening. indent: left 0.
Note that whenever you introduce a character for the first time in the scene, his or her name should be written in ALL CAPS. This is to make it easier for your readers to know on a fly when the character is introduced and this will also make it easier to spot when a certain character appears in the script.
Character and Dialogue
When you want to write dialogue, on a new line you first write the name of the character followed by the dialogue lines.
The NAME of the character who will say the lines is always in capital letters.
The name of the character is written with indent: Left 2.0″
The dialogue lines come under the name with indent: Left 1.0″
Parenthetical
If you wanted to add additional directions to how the character is saying his dialogue, you write these notes in a parenthetical under the character name.
For example, your character might be speaking sarcastically, sadly…
Don’t overuse these parentheticals because it is the director’s job to give directions to the actors. But in some cases, it will make it easier to understand the meaning of the dialogue when you include parentheticals.
If a character says: “the food is delicious” the meaning of the dialogue would be different from saying that the food is delicious sarcastically.
Indent: Left: 1.5″Â
Transitions
As a parenthetical is a direction for the actor, a transition is a direction for the editor.
Again, you don’t have to use them unless necessary. Transitions could be: Fade to, Cut to, Dissolve to… and are written in the middle of the page (Indent: Left: 4.0″)
Now you are ready to start writing.
The first word on the first page should be: Fade in
Screenplayplay formatting Don’ts
All scripts should follow these screenplay format rules.
Don’t try to add anything from your own.
Don’t add photos to your script. This will make the screenplay seem amateur.
Binding The Script
The binding of the script should be done by having three holes in the left.
Then, use 2 pins to hold the papers together.
The middle hole is left empty.
That is because whoever will receive your script probably has many other scripts, and they will use this empty hole to hold stacking scripts.
Anyway, whenever possible try to send a digital copy and save a tree 🙂
Free Screenplay Format Tool
Now that you know these rules, you could use youmescript. It is a script format generator.
I found it while researching for this article and thought that it is very helpful. So if you don’t want to buy a screenplay formatting software, or download free/cheap ones, just use this online formatter.
If you have any questions about the screenplay Format Rules, leave me a message below and I will surely answer you or write a post about if it was a big answer. And if you have any topics you want me to cover please let me know!
