A Beginner's Guide to Scriptwriting Pt. 02


A strong film idea requires an equally strong script. Regardless of how great your story might be, a script can make or break it.

Scriptwriting is a little tedious and can be daunting if you do not know what to do or where to begin. 

In part one of the beginner’s guide to scriptwriting, the processes before the actual scripting were examined and explained in detail.

If you missed the post, you can find it here - A Beginner's Guide to Scriptwriting Pt. 01


Now that you have the pre-scripting phase done, you can now proceed to write the actual script.


Like everything, scripts have a standard format used by those in the industry. If you use this format, as provided by Studio Binder, you would have a script that looks very professional in no time.

  • 12-point Courier font size

  • 90-120 pages long

  • 1.5-inch margin on the left of the page

  • 1-inch margin on the right of the page

  • 1 inch on top of the top and bottom of the page

  • Each page should have approximately 55 lines

  • The dialogue block starts 2.5 inches from the left side of the page

  • Character names must have uppercase letters and be positioned starting 3.7 inches from the left side of the page

  • Page numbers are positioned in the top right corner with a 0.5-inch margin from the top of the page.

  • Each line should be single-spaced

  • The first page shall not be numbered, and each number is followed by a period.

  • Printed on 8.5” by 11” white, three-hole-punched paper

Ensuring that these dimensions are maintained might be tasking and so, it is advised to make use of software applications designed specifically for scriptwriters. Some of these applications include Final Draft 10, KIT Scenarist, Scrivener, Highland, Fade In, and Movie Magic Screenwriter amongst others.


With this format, you can proceed to write your script by making use of the following;

1. Scene Heading

This is where you include a 1-line description of the location and time of the day of the scene. It is also called a ‘Slugline’ and should be written in all capital letters.

You will either choose INT. for interior spaces or EXT. for exterior spaces. Then a description of the setting, and then the time of day. 


Example:

EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT


2. Subheader

Often, writers will use subheadings to show a change in location without breaking the scene, even if the scene has shifted from INT. to EXT.

Here, the new location is simply introduced using the same all-caps format as the heading with adequate spacing to indicate a break.


Example:

EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE climbed up the wall to reach the bird on top of the house, something he had always wondered about.

       

BACKYARD

Something moves in the darkness, wondering…


3. Action

This is a narrative account of what is happening in the scenario, written in the present tense at all times. This type of guidance is also known as visual exposition, blackstuff, description, or scene direction. Keep in mind that you should only include items that your audience can see or hear. You may often improve the readability of your script by removing superfluous pronouns and conjunctions. Big sounds and important objects can be written out in ALL CAPS to emphasize their effect on the story. 


Example:


EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE climbed up the wall to reach the bird on top of the house, something he had always wondered about.

He reaches up. Feeling nothing, he frowns and we hear a THUD that causes his eyes to widen. He takes a deep breath and breathes out shakily. Sweat drips down his nose.


4. Character

When you introduce a character, you should capitalize their name in the action. 


Example: 


The car speeds up and out steps DAYO, a muscular man in his mid-fifties with nerves of steel.


You should always write each character’s name in caps and put it about their dialogue. You can include minor characters without names, like ‘AUNTY’ or ‘LAWYER.’



5. Dialogue

Your conversation lines will appear under the character to whom they are assigned. From a formatting viewpoint, dialogue is quite simple, yet it is the most challenging aspect of screenwriting.


Example:


EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE

Ah, omo. Shey they did not send this one from my village, ni?


6. Extension

This is a brief technical remark placed after a character's name to indicate how their voice will be heard on-screen.


Example:


EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE (V.O)

Ah, omo. Shey they did not send this one from my village, ni?


7. Parenthetical

A parenthetical is a lengthy phrase with a basic meaning. It is used to control a character's attitude or behavior — how they do something or what they do. They have their origins in old-school playwriting, and you should only use them when absolutely necessary.


Example:


EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE

(Cries out in anguish)

Ah, omo. Shey they did not send this one from my village, ni?


8. Camera shots

A shot tells the reader that the focal point in a scene has changed. It is not something you should use very often as a spec screenwriter as it is the director’s job.


Example:


EXT - SUBURBAN HOME - NIGHT

ADE climbed up the wall to reach the bird on top of the house, something he had always wondered about.

       

BACKYARD

IN SLOW MOTION - Something moves in the darkness, wondering…


Now that your script is ready, be sure to read through twice, if not thrice. You should also give it to a friend or two to read through for a second opinion.


Before you print your script in preparation for its presentation, it is important that you do the following;


  1. Ensure that you fix all your grammatical and spelling errors. You can use software like Grammarly to check for errors. Also, check to make sure you are maintaining the standard screenplay format.

  2. Be sure to include the title of your script on the title or front page, with ‘written by’ and your name in the middle of the page.

  3. Put your contact information in the lower or right-hand corner of the front page.

  4. Remember, scripts do not include pictures or graphics. As much as you might want to include visuals you clipped from the internet, refrain from doing so.

  5. It is better to bind them with a spiral binder.


Goodluck!

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