Screenplay elements like slug lines, action lines, and dialogue are the building blocks of any script. They help create a clear visual roadmap for the reader, guiding them through the story's locations, actions, and conversations.
Mastering these elements is crucial for effective screenwriting. By using them correctly, you'll craft a professional-looking script that's easy to read and visualize, setting the stage for your story to come to life on screen.
Scene Headings
Slug Line Format
- Slug lines (also known as scene headings) indicate a change in location or time within the screenplay
- Always written in ALL CAPS to visually separate them from other elements
- Consist of three parts: interior/exterior, location, and time of day
- Each part is separated by a period and a space (e.g., INT. COFFEE SHOP. DAY)
Interior and Exterior Designations
- INT. is used for interior scenes that take place inside a building or structure
- EXT. is used for exterior scenes that take place outside
- Occasionally, I/E. or INT./EXT. is used for scenes that move between interior and exterior locations
Location Specificity
- The location should be specific enough to give the reader a clear understanding of where the scene takes place (LIVING ROOM, CENTRAL PARK, TIMES SQUARE)
- Avoid using overly general locations like "ROOM" or "OUTSIDE" unless absolutely necessary
- If a location has already been established, it's acceptable to use a shortened version (JOE'S APARTMENT instead of JOE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM)
Time of Day Consistency
- Time of day is typically written as DAY or NIGHT, but can also include specific times (DAWN, DUSK, MORNING, EVENING)
- Maintain consistency in the time of day throughout a sequence of scenes
- Only include the time of day if it's relevant to the story or visuals (e.g., a sunset or sunrise)
Action and Character
Action Line Purpose
- Action lines describe what is happening on screen, including character actions, visual details, and scene descriptions
- Written in present tense and active voice to create a sense of immediacy
- Should be concise and visually descriptive, focusing on what can be seen or heard on screen
- Avoid including unfilmable elements like character thoughts or backstory unless absolutely necessary
Character Introductions
- When a character first appears in the screenplay, their name is written in ALL CAPS followed by their age and a brief description (e.g., SARAH (30s), a no-nonsense lawyer)
- Subsequent appearances of the character use regular title case (Sarah)
- Minor characters may be introduced with a description only (BARISTA, TAXI DRIVER, PEDESTRIAN)
Transitions and Montages
- Transitions indicate a change in time, location, or scene and are written in ALL CAPS (CUT TO:, DISSOLVE TO:, FADE IN:, FADE OUT)
- Montages are a series of brief scenes or shots that convey a passage of time, a character's development, or a sequence of events
- Montages are introduced with a slug line (MONTAGE) and each shot is described on a separate action line, often using dashes or hyphens to separate them
Dialogue Elements
Dialogue Formatting Basics
- A character's name appears in ALL CAPS, centered above their dialogue
- Dialogue is left-aligned and wrapped to a maximum of 35-45 characters per line
- If a character's dialogue extends beyond one page, use (CONT'D) next to their name on the second page
- Dual dialogue (two characters speaking simultaneously) is side-by-side, separated by a vertical line
Parentheticals and Wrylies
- Parentheticals (also known as wrylies) provide brief descriptions of a character's action, attitude, or tone while speaking
- Appear in lowercase, enclosed in parentheses, and are placed between the character's name and their dialogue (e.g., SARAH (whispering))
- Should be used sparingly and only when necessary to convey important information not evident in the dialogue itself
Voice-Over and Off-Screen Dialogue
- Voice-over (V.O.) indicates a character's thoughts or narration that is heard over the scene but not spoken by the character on screen
- Off-screen (O.S.) indicates dialogue spoken by a character who is not visible on screen but is present in the scene
- Both V.O. and O.S. are written next to the character's name, separated by a single space (e.g., SARAH (V.O.), JOHN (O.S.))
Intercutting Scenes
- Intercut is used when two or more scenes are happening simultaneously, and the action cuts back and forth between them
- Introduced with the slug line INTERCUT followed by the locations of the scenes (e.g., INTERCUT - PHONE CONVERSATION)
- Each character's dialogue is preceded by their name and location to clarify where they are (e.g., SARAH (in car), JOHN (at office))