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Script Writing Workshop

The document provides guidance on key script formatting requirements including scene headings, action, characters, dialogue, parentheticals, and extensions. It explains that scene headings are in all caps and include the location and time of day. The action is written in present tense and only includes what can be seen and heard. Character names are capitalized in the action and also above their dialogue. Parentheticals provide character direction but are rarely used. Extensions provide technical notes like voice-overs. The document also discusses how to format split screen and voice over scenes. It emphasizes that screenwriting uses present tense to mirror the visual medium.

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610 views

Script Writing Workshop

The document provides guidance on key script formatting requirements including scene headings, action, characters, dialogue, parentheticals, and extensions. It explains that scene headings are in all caps and include the location and time of day. The action is written in present tense and only includes what can be seen and heard. Character names are capitalized in the action and also above their dialogue. Parentheticals provide character direction but are rarely used. Extensions provide technical notes like voice-overs. The document also discusses how to format split screen and voice over scenes. It emphasizes that screenwriting uses present tense to mirror the visual medium.

Uploaded by

api-394443105
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Script writing workshop

Key Formatting Requirements To Be Aware Of


• Scene Heading:
A scene heading is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a
scene, also known as a "slugline." It should always be in CAPS.
Example: EXT. WRITERS STORE - DAY reveals that the action takes place
outside The Writers Store during the daytime.
• Action:
The narrative description of the events of a scene, written in the present
tense. Also less commonly known as direction, visual exposition, blackstuff,
description or scene direction.
Remember - only things that can be seen and heard should be included in the
action.
Key Formatting Requirements To Be Aware Of
• Character:
When a character is introduced, his name should be capitalized within
the action.
For example: The door opens and in walks LIAM, a thirty-something
hipster with attitude to spare. A character's name is CAPPED and
always listed above his lines of dialogue. Minor characters may be listed
without names, for example "TAXI DRIVER" or "CUSTOMER."
• Dialogue:
Lines of speech for each character. Dialogue format is used anytime a
character is heard speaking, even for off-screen and voice-overs
Key Formatting Requirements To Be Aware Of
• Parenthetical:
A parenthetical is direction for the character, that is either attitude or
action-oriented.

With roots in the playwriting genre, today, parentheticals are used very
rarely, and only if absolutely necessary. Why? Two reasons. First, if you
need to use a parenthetical to convey what's going on with your
dialogue, then it probably just needs a good re-write. Second, it's the
director's job to instruct an actor on how to deliver a line, and
everyone knows not to encroach on the director's turf!
Key Formatting Requirements To Be Aware Of
• Extension:
Placed after the character's name, in parentheses. An abbreviated
technical note placed after the character's name to indicate how the
voice will be heard onscreen, for example, if the character is speaking
as a voice-over, it would appear as LIAM (V.O.).
How to
Format a Split
Screen Scene
How to Format
a Voice Over
Led Scene
How to
Format a
Voice Over
Led Scene
What tense should I use?
The prose writer has freedom to use anything, go anywhere,
use any tense, and explore any point of view. Screenwriting,
however, is essentially filmmaking on paper. It’s a visual
medium after all, so the screenwriter must write in PRESENT
TENSE – only what the audience can SEE and HEAR.

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