Elements of a Script

There is no set page count for how long a feature screenplay should be, but generally speaking, your script should be between 110 and 120 pages. The rule of thumb with screenplays is that one page equals one minute of screen time.

1) Scene Headings/Slugline (1) SCENE HEADINGS appear at the beginning of every scene. They tell us the location of the scene and the time of day it is taking place. It is made up of three main elements. (Note: The Scene Heading should be 1.5 inches (15 spaces) from the left edge of the paper) 1. Location of the camera is the first element. Is it inside or outside? If it is indoors, use INT. for INTERIOR. If it is outdoors, use EXT. for EXTERIOR. Occasionally, if the action moves back and forth it is alright to use INT./EXT. 2. Location of the scene is the second element of the scene heading. This lets us know where all the action is taking place. The name of the location should be short and specific. 3. Time of day is the last part of the scene heading. This describes the time of day the scene is taking place. Most often this will only be DAY or NIGHT. You may use terms such as DUSK, DAWN, MORNING, EVENING and the TIME, if it essential to the story. SAME (indicating the scene takes place at the same time as the previous scene), CONTINUOUS (to show continuity) and LATER (indicating a period of time has passed) may also be used occasionally when important to the story.

2) Action/Description ACTION or description describes what is happening in the scene and who is present. The narrative description is written in present tense. Do not over “fluff” your descriptions; only add the details necessary to move your story forward. However, you still want to add all the important actions and moments. Don’t write anything that can not be shown on screen; thoughts, motives, recollections are a no-no (leave that for the dialogue)

3) Character Name THE CHARACTER NAME always appears over the dialogue every time the character speaks. First appearance of character name is always capitalized. If it is a minor character speaking, that has no name, it is alright to use a descriptive name such as WAITRESS, DOCTOR, GUY. If there are two Doctors use, DOCTOR ONE and DOCTOR TWO.

4) Dialogue Dialogue is what the character says on screen.

5) Parentheticals PARENTHETICALS are used to give specific description of movement, gesture, or method of delivery. VOICE OVER (VO) - is typically used when a character or narrator’s voice can be heard talking from some unknown place. OFF SCREEN (OS) - is used when a character is speaking in a scene but does not actually appear on the screen.

6) Transitions TRANSITIONS are used to indicate a change from one scene to the next. (In a spec script, they should be used sparingly) Typical transitions are: FADE IN, FADE OUT, CUT TO, MATCH CUT, MONTAGE, INSERT, INTERCUT, SERIES OF SHOTS, DISSOLVE TO and BACK TO SCENE.

Spec Script This stands for “speculative script.” It is usually written by a screenwriter who hopes to have the script optioned and eventually purchased by a producer, production company, or studio