Script Writing
Script Writing
Optional
CONTINUOUS ACTION (moving from a scene to another as the action continues)
ESTABLISHING SHOT (establishes a location/time)
STOCK SHOT (sequence previously shot and available for use)
INT. BEDROOM -NIGHT
INT. OFFICE – DAY - CONTINUOUS ACTION
2 pgs. later
EXT. OUTER SPACE JUNGLE-NIGHT
! Every page has a header (even though there are 3 pgs. with the same header)
ACTION
Full row, left – right
Real time only (now)
Short paragraphs (4-5 rows max)
Same shot- a sg line
PARENTHETICALS
Not centered under character’s name
Attitude, verbal direction, action
Short, to the point, only used when necessary
JULIE
(sleepy)
What? What time is it?
FRANKIE
(getting out of bed)
After six. You will be late
again and I don’t want to hear it.
ANNA
(re: coffee)
Why is it so cold?
EXTENSIONS
How the character’s voice will be heard
O.S. – off screen (character out of camera range)
V.O. – voice over (narrator)
FRANKIE
(continuing)
You’re welcome.
(beat)
How long you gonna be?
JULIE (O.S.)
20 minutes.
TRANSITIONS (ALL CAPS)
CUT TO
DISSOLVE TO (time passed)
SMASH CUT
QUICK CUT
FADE TO
FADE OUT
CUT TO
SHOTS (formatted like scene headings)
FRANKIE JULIE
Get out of my life! Don’t you yell at me!
The CROWD yells: “You stink!” “Rubber arm!” “You throw like my
sister!”
CROWD
You stink! Rubber arm! You throw like my sister!
ABBREVIATIONS
b.g. – background
Frankie sits on the bed putting shoes on. In the b.g. Julie takes
money out of the wallet.
MONTAGE
Long period of time in more shots.
1. Josh is born. The doctors clean him and hand him over to his
mother.
2. Josh rolls over in his bed. His mother applauds.
3. Josh takes his first steps
4. Josh’s first day of school.
TITLE PAGE
Centered vertically and horizontally – title (bold)
2 lines below – written by
2 lines below – name