SCREENPLAY FORMAT

Screenwriting is both an art and a craft, and while the story itself is paramount, the format and presentation of a screenplay can also be critical. Proper formatting makes the script easier to read and understand, thereby making it more likely to be well-received by producers, agents, and executives. Here are some best practices often recommended for screenwriting, specifically when using screenwriting software like Final Draft:

Best Practices for Formatting:

1. Use the Industry-Standard Font and Formatting: Final Draft defaults to the industry standard, which is typically 12-point Courier font.
2. White Space: A “dense” script can be off-putting. Balance dialog and action to ensure the page doesn’t look too crowded. The rule of thumb is that “one page equals one minute of screen time.” Stick to that pacing as closely as possible. The careful use of white space can make a script more visually appealing and accessible, which in turn can make it easier for the script to be greenlit or for the story to be effectively conveyed in its final form.
3. Short Paragraphs: Both dialogue and description should generally be concise. Long blocks of text can make a script difficult to read.
4. Capitalize Character Introductions: The first time a character is introduced in the description, their name should be capitalized.
5. Page Numbers: These should be in the upper right corner, and the industry standard is to not number the first page.
6. Avoid Camera Angles and Editing Language: Unless you are also directing the movie, it’s usually best to avoid technical language.
7. Use Natural Dialogue: Spoken language is not always grammatically perfect. Make sure your characters speak like real people.
8. Stick to Present Tense: Screenplays are written in the present tense, even though the story may be set in the past or future.
9. Sluglines: Always format scene headings (sluglines) correctly. For example, INT. HOUSE – DAY. This sets up the location and time of day.
10. Read Aloud: Before finalizing, read the dialogue aloud to make sure it flows naturally.

Comments from Industry Professionals:

1. Ease of Reading: Producers and executives often have to read multiple scripts in a short period. Ease of reading—aided by good formatting—is often appreciated.
2. Visual Presentation: Some producers and executives have commented on the importance of first impressions. An incorrectly formatted script might not even get read.
3. Economy of Words: Executives appreciate it when screenwriters get to the point quickly. Overly verbose scripts can get passed over.

Tips from Famous Screenwriters:

1. Aaron Sorkin: Sorkin has emphasized the importance of pacing and rhythm in dialogue. He pays meticulous attention to how dialogue looks on the page, down to the punctuation.
2. William Goldman: Known for the adage, “Nobody knows anything,” Goldman often stressed the importance of having a strong hook—something that grabs a reader immediately.
3. Quentin Tarantino: Tarantino has a unique style but maintains readability by breaking dense action into digestible pieces. He often uses capitalization to emphasize important ACTION or SOUNDS.
4. David Mamet: Known for “Mamet Speak,” his staccato, interrupted dialogue style, Mamet urges writers to be as concise as possible, a lesson he also applies to action descriptions.
5. Charlie Kaufman: Famous for his unconventional storytelling, Kaufman advises focusing on the emotional truth of a story rather than worrying excessively about formal rules.
6. Shane Black (“Lethal Weapon,” “Iron Man 3”): Known for pioneering a more narrative style in his action lines, Shane Black uses white space strategically. He often employs short, punchy sentences to break up action and create a visual rhythm on the page. This makes his scripts exceptionally easy to read and sets the pacing for how the movie should feel.
7. Paul Schrader (“Taxi Driver”): Schrader has spoken about the spiritual aspect of screenwriting, likening the white space on a script to “emptiness” that invites creative interpretation, both by the reader and eventually the actors and directors.
8. Ethan and Joel Coen (“No Country for Old Men”, “Fargo”): Known for their unique tone and pacing, the Coens use white space to help create a rhythm in their scripts, which often balances dark humor, dialogue, and action.
9. Vince Gilligan (“Breaking Bad”): Gilligan has spoken about how the “look” of a script page can often inform an actor’s performance. For example, an empty page with just one line of dialogue can send a powerful message about the weight and importance of that line.
10. Lawrence Kasdan (“The Empire Strikes Back,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark”): Known for intricate plots and character-driven stories, Kasdan emphasizes the importance of keeping description brief and to the point, leaving plenty of white space. This style helps the reader to not feel overwhelmed, making the story’s complexities easier to follow.

While following formatting standards is crucial, every screenwriter eventually develops their own unique style. The most important thing is to tell a compelling story in a way that only you can.