Proper Screenplay Formatting

If you’re a creative type, it might drive you crazy to think that there are just these iron clad rules that you have to follow when you write a screenplay. I know it used to upset me, at least. It felt so constraining, and arbitrary.

But I’m here to tell you: There are iron clad rules that you have to follow when you write a screenplay.

And there are actually good reasons for that.

One is that people who have to read screenplays have to read a TON of screenplays. And it’s easier for them if they share a common format. As I’ve read more screenplays over the years, I can attest that this is true. Think about how difficult it would be if every time you logged onto your computer your icons were all in different places. Or the user interface fonts were different each time. They are small things, but they can drive you batty if they change from one moment to the next. Think about how insane people go when facebook redesigns! (I know, I’m one of them.)

Another reason is that, properly formatted, a screenplay pretty much adheres to the basic 1 page = 1 minute of screentime formula. This is important to producers who have to budget a film.

Lastly, it actually works to your advantage because you can immediately look like a professional without being a professional (yet). Learn these simple rules and then your script can be judged based on the words alone, not anything else. This is unlike music, where fancy recording equipment (or the lack thereof, actually) can immediately make you sound like an amateur.

So, without further ado, here are THE RULES of FORMATTING:

Actually, I’m just going to link you to two sites that lay it out clearly.

How to format a script

Read all of this. Read it twice. Please read it. Please follow it.

More formatting rules

Read all of this. Read it twice. Please read it. Please follow it.

By far, the easiest way to adhere to proper screenplay formatting is using screenplay software.

The best, in my opinion, are Final Draft and Screenwriter. But they do cost money. However, if you’re planning on writing screenplays in the future, the investment is worth it. You can get both for reduced pricing if  you are a student:

Final Draft Student Deal
Screenwriter Student Discount

There are also free alternatives. I can’t vouch for these as much – but I’ve heard of people who have made them work. You’ll probably have to put some time into learning them, though.

Scripped

Celtx

I also know there are some Word templates floating around online that might work for you, too. Actually, there are some available at the Script Frenzy link above.

A couple other small things:

* Limit long monologues! Here and there they may be JUST what your story needs, but in general you want to keep your lines of dialogue to less than 4 lines on the printed page. The monologues you choose to include will make much more of an impact if you don’t use many of them.

* Limit description. In your lines of action, again adhere to the 4 line maximum rule. People in this industry don’t really like to read, and will skip a paragraph if it’s too long. Keep it short and sweet and use lots of white space on the page.

* Don’t use a ton of parentheticals. Use them only when completely essential for people to understand the scene.

Okay, so that’s it about formatting. It’s boring, but it’s also vitally important.

Until you’re a hot screenwriter. Then you can do whatever you want to do.