Script Writing

Class 16-17

Script Writing
Adaptation script writing
Difference between screenplay and script
writing
Difference between spec script and
shooting script
Spec script
Scene heading
Narrative description
Dialogue blocks

Script Writing
How to Adapt a Book into a Film
Because of these differences, most of the
novel will be cut out. The most important
aspect of the screenplay adaptation is
deciding what to keep in. The following
pointers require noting after reading the
novel.
The pivotal scenes
The seven or so most important
characters
The dialogue that fuels the plot.

The Structure of a Screenplay

The ideal screenplay should consist of short
sentences and paragraphs of action, intermixed with
essential dialogue. Long reams of text will not look
good on the screenplay.
The first ten pages are the most important part of the
screenplay, as this forms the shop window from which
agents and publishers will view. The beginning of the
novel need not form the opening of the screenplay.
The following pointers might help in this decision.
Look for the most dramatic scene in the novel and begin
there.
Consider combining scenes in the novel to create a new
one in the screenplay
Invent a new scene if one does not present itself within the
novel.

Differences between screenplay and

script writing
Because a screenplay
is a form of script and
not opposite is the
case
Screenplay
Dramatic elements of
the film
Setting, light values,
action
Blue print of a
structure

A script
A general term for a
written work
Detailing story,
setting, and dialogue
A script may take the
form of a

screenplay,
shooting script,
lined script,
continuity script,
or a spec script

Shooting Script
Shooting scripts are scripts used during production to
shoot the movie.
They are written with much more detailed than spec
scripts and may include, among other things,
scene numbers,
editing transitions, and
camera angles

Shooting scripts are a great source of confusion for

novice writers because they seem to break all the
formatting rules.
Since shooting scripts are used in production, they
are formatted to include any helpful information that
the director may request.
They are not used for selling purposes, so if you come
across one, do not use its format.

Spec Script
Spec scripts are scripts written on the
speculation of a future sale. They are
written in the present tense using master
scene format.
This format uses
scene headings
narrative description
dialogue blocks

There is absolutely no technical direction

for camera, sound, music, and editing.
Technical and artistic direction are implied
through creative writing.

Scene Headings
A scene heading, also called a "slug line," is composed of
three parts:
interior vs. exterior
location
time of day

The three parts are written on one line and capitalized, as in

the example below.
Interior and exterior are always abbreviated as INT. and EXT.
Time of day is limited to DAY and NIGHT, with the occasional use of
DAWN and DUSK.

INT. DON'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

If any of the three elements change, it creates a new scene
and a new heading is required.
For example, if the next scene takes place in the same location but
during the day, the heading would be changed to read:

INT. DON'S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Special Scene Headings

There are several special scene headings to help clarify issues of
time and space. They include:
"Month Year"
Use this heading when the script alternates between several different
time periods. It can be written in a variety of ways, including "season
year." This heading is from the The Godfather:

SPRING 1946
"Back To"
Use this heading when returning to a previous location or time after a
short scene change:

BACK TO THE DON'S LIVING ROOM Or

BACK TO SPRING 1946 Or
BACK TO THE PRESENT Or
"Later"
Use this to indicate a minor shift in time at the same location:

LATER Or
LATER THAT DAY

 "Flashback"
Use this to indicate an earlier time:

FLASHBACK:
"Montage"
This indicates that a series of short related
scenes follows (note that a montage can also
be implied in the writing):

MONTAGE:
"Intercut"
This indicates that the scene takes place in
more than one location. It is often used with
telephone calls:

INTERCUT:

Usage
Use of special scene headings is a matter of
personal taste and will distinguish your writing style.
They should make the script easier to read. If the script
becomes more complex, you are using them incorrectly. If
in doubt about a heading, do not use it.
Special scene headings can be used alone or in
conjunction with a normal scene heading. When used in
conjunction with a normal heading, it is placed first, as
such:

SPRING 1946
INT. DON'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
It is acceptable to use a special scene heading on the
same line if it improves the writing flow:

INT. DON'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT (SPRING 1946)

Narrative Description
Narrative description is the telling of the
story as it unfolds on screen. It begins
directly below the scene heading.
The writing should be lean and visual,
focusing on action that moves the story
forward. Though concise, it should have
enough flair to engage readers.

Write Only What Can be Seen and

Heard
Unlike a novel, everything in a screenplay
must be recorded in terms of picture and
sound. Therefore, narrative description
should never include anything that cannot
be seen or heard.
For example, you cannot describe a
character's feelings, since this cannot be
recorded. To convey a character's feelings,
thoughts, and memories they must be
externalized in some way. This can be
through action, dialogue or flashback

Timing
It is a customary assumption in the movie
industry that 1 page of screenplay equals 1
minute of time on screen. This is convenient
for planning purposes. Since the average
feature is 120 minutes, the average script
should be about 120 pages in length.
Because of this convention, description
passages should cover as many pages as the
scene is expected to run in real time. For
example, if you sense that an action scene
will take a minute of screen time, it should be
written to cover 1 page, rather than 1 line.

Dialogue Blocks
Dialogue blocks, also called "speeches," are composed of three
parts: character name, wryly, and dialogue, as illustrated below:
Character Name:
HAGEN
Wrly:
(quietly)
Dialogue:
I didn't tell mama anything.
Character names are written in upper case, wrylies are written in
lower case inside parenthesis, and dialogue is written in normal
sentence case.
A wryly indicates how a line should be said. It was named after all
the novice screenwriters whose characters say things in a "wry"
way. Wrylies should only be used if the subtext of the dialogue is
not clear. Keep them to a bare minimum. Action can be written as
a wrly if it is a few words and helps the flow of action.

 When a character speaks in narration it is

indicated with (VOICE OVER) after the character's
name. When a character speaks from off screen, it
is indicated with (OFF SCREEN) after the
character's name. These instructions can be
initialed, though it makes the script a bit more
cumbersome to read for non-industry types:
Narration:
HAGEN (Voice Over)
or
HAGEN (V.O.)
Off Screen Dialogue:
HAGEN (Off Screen)
or
HAGEN (O.S.)

Footers
There are two types of footers that can be used in a
screenplay:
(CONTINUED) and
(MORE).
The footer that is used depends on whether the page break
occurs
in the middle of narrative description or
in the middle of dialogue.

When the page break occurs in the middle of

description,
the footer (CONTINUED) is used to indicate that the scene is
continued on the next page.
It is placed in the lower right corner of the page:

Don Corleone blinks. One feels that just for a second he

loses all physical strength; he clasps his hands in front
of him on the top of the desk and (CONTINUED)

Footers
When the page break occurs in the middle of dialogue,
the footer (MORE) is used to indicate that there is more
dialogue on the next page. It is centered directly under the last
line of dialogue :

HAGEN
(quietly)
I didn't tell mama anything. I was about to come up and
wake you and (MORE)
Why use footers?
Cast and crew often break the script apart into scenes, to
correspond to each day's work.
It is easy for individual pages, called "sides," to become lost.
The footer indicates that there are more pages in a given scene.

It was once customary to use footers in all scripts.

Since they serve no purpose in a spec script, there is a trend to
leave them out.

Formatting "Don'ts" Summary

When writing a spec script don't use
scene numbers
camera angles
page footers
caps for sound effects in narrative description
caps for character names in narrative
description (except when first appearing)
third person use of "we" (e.g. "We see John
storm out...")

Margins
Margins are crucial to proper screenplay format.
The standard margins are:
Headings and Description - 1.5" left, 1" right.
Headings and descriptions should be approximately
6" in width.
Dialogue - 3" left, 2" right. Dialogue should stay
around 3.5" wide
Character Names - 4" from left (up to 4.25" is
acceptable)
Wrylies - 3.5" from left (up to 3.75" is acceptable)
Top/Bottom Margins - 1" top, 1" bottom
Page Numbers - upper right, usually .25"-.5" from
top and 1"-1.25" from left

 Line Spacing
Description and dialogue blocks are
printed using single line spacing. Scene
headings, description, and dialogue
blocks are separated using double line
spacing.

Typeface
The screenplay and title page must be
printed in 12 point courier typeface.
Nothing else.

Binding
The cover must be blank. Different colors are
acceptable, but there must be no artwork or logos.
After the cover comes the title page, also called the
fly page. There are three sections on the title page:
title, author, and contact information.
The copyright and registration information should not
be mentioned, because it will "date" the script
(producers want fresh material). After the title page
comes the script itself. There should be no blank
pages.
The script is held together with #5 ACCO folding brass
fasteners with washers. It is traditional to use two
rather than three. Screw brads (i.e. Chicago screws)
are also acceptable. Do not use spiral binding!

 Paper
The script and title page should be 3-hole
20lb. paper. Use only white. The cover
should be card stock in the color of your
choice. Covers that fold over the fasteners
are acceptable and look nicer, but cost a bit
more.
Formatting Software
Screenwriting software ??? automatically
creates proper margins as you write. This
allows you to concentrate on telling the
story, rather than remembering formatting
rules. Some of these products can help you
generate and develop story ideas, as well.

Elements of Screenplay

Slug lines
Action
Parenthetical
Characters Name
Dialogue
Transitions