How to Write a Film Screenplay
Learning how to write a film screenplay that will appear professionally formatted and creatively structured is a task that, although potentially overwhelming, virtually every filmmaker and aspiring cinematographer will approach at some point in their career. In fact, writing a script is something that just about anyone interested in filmmaking will approach as they hone their professional understanding of screenwriting and the requirements involved in producing a feature film. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the process. But rather follow these steps and you’ll learn everything you need to write a film script that amazes your audience.
Follow Screenplay Formatting Rules
A professional written screenplay will adhere to some basic formatting rules. This includes using a 12-point Courier font. Including 1.5 inch margins on the left and a 1 inch margin on all other sides, right, top and bottom.
Additional screenplay formatting requires include:
- Starting dialogue blos at 2.5 inches from the left of the page.
- Using Capital letters for Character names.
- Positioning character names at 3.7 inches from the left of the page.
- Including page numbers at the top, right corner of the page with a 0.5 inch margin from the top down.
- Omitting the page number from the first page and including a period after each subsequent page number (ie.- 2.)
Software that performs screenwriting formatting will generally cover most of these basics for you. This is why many beginners are well suited to use software in order to achieve their script formatting with minimal effort.
What to Include in the Screenplay
Much of the process of learning how to write a film screenplay involves the basic essential formatting. And learning about the different elements that should be included.
It is common for scripts to start out with a transition, or scene headings. Some even start out with a subheading that dictates images that the screenwriter would like to establish at the very onset of the story.
In addition to following formatting instructions, you should be sure to include the following:
- A logline which reflects a single sentence description of your protagonist, their goal, and the conflict they’ll face. Remember that a perfectly crafted logline is generally under 30 words and represents the elevator pitch of your film.
- A film treatment which reflects a 2-5 pages summary of your screenplay. Includes the title and logline. And represents a list of main characters as well as the short summary of your script. Make sure you highlight major plot elements and twists.
- Scene headings which reflect the location, timing, and important geographic elements of the scene and setting.
- Subheadings which represent changes in location without breaking the scene.
- Character introductions which are reflected by all-capital letters used for character names as well as a reference to the age and important personality traits of the character.
- Action lines which provide details on the visual actions to take place during the scene, written in third person.
- Character dialogue which includes the personal communications between the characters in your story.
- Extensions which describe any character dialogue that takes place off-screen or which is represented by a voice-over.
- Parentheticals which represent important actions or moods that are vital to the delivery of the story and which are not defined through the dialogue. These are generally kept to a minimum.
Overall
Learning how to write a film screenplay is really all about focusing on drafting your story out, planning, and following the unique formatting requirements that are used in professional screenplays.
With a little practice, a lot of focus on what you include, and where, you can craft a professional looking script that is fun to create, fun to read, and even more fun to produce.