Writing a screenplay can be daunting, and there is a ton to consider. However, before you even think about what goes into the document, what is script writing, and why is it essential to understand its fundamentals? Whether you’re writing a short scene or a full script, knowing the basics ensures you’re building from a solid foundation.
Understanding what scripts are is important because script writing is very different from writing in any other format. Writing scripts requires a visual mindset and precise formatting that most other writing forms don’t demand. Knowing what it entails is critical if you want to have any semblance of a career in video production or screenwriting. Let’s dive into the fundamentals of screenwriting and what makes a script compelling.
Anatomy of a Screenplay — Ultimate Guide
What is Script Writing?
What do we mean by script writing?
So you have an idea for a movie, but it’s all in your head. You want to get it all on paper, what do you do?
SCRIPT WRITING DEFINITION
What is script writing?
Script writing is the process of writing stories for a variety of media, including film, TV, video games, and commercials. The process of writing a novel, a poem, or an essay is entirely different from script writing. To express yourself effectively on the screen, particular formatting methods are required. Screenplay format is used to express the story visually, and studying script examples can help writers understand how to apply these techniques effectively. This makes writing scripts both a technical craft and a creative challenge. Script writing can be done for hire or on speculation in hopes of selling their screenplay or finding an agent. Writers often begin with a rough draft and refine it into a full script that can be pitched or submitted.
Scriptwriting Considerations:
- Externalize a character's internal motivations
- Tell a story visually
- Use proper screenplay format
The process of screenwriting is the constant reminder that you are writing for the screen, requiring a deep understanding of storytelling mechanics.
So if you write the line, “he remembers their past fights…”, what would that look like on screen? In actuality, it tells us nothing. Why?
Well, no one can see his thoughts, so that's not an effective form of communication when writing for the screen. Externalizing the internal is critical to telling a story visually.
What could you do in this scenario? One way to externalize this would be to add in a montage scene or a series of flashbacks of all the times they fought.
With that in mind, let’s move on to why we have this medium to begin with. Why couldn't we just write down our movies like we write down our novels, essays, and poems?
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What is Script Writing Format and Why Does It Matter?
Why script writing format?
Thinking visually isn’t always easy, which is why understanding what scripts are and how they function in storytelling is crucial. Breaking the habit of describing what the characters are feeling doesn't always come naturally. And knowing how to pace a scene for the screen is equally as challenging, especially in fast-paced video production environments.
Luckily, basic screenplay formatting streamlines the production process and helps remedy this, and is an essential aspect of screenwriting that professionals must master.
First things first, formatting helps with geography, and using a scene heading establishes clear locations for each scene. These visual anchors are critical for any full script, helping directors and crew prepare efficiently.
Sluglines or scene headings tell the reader where the action is happening, while action lines describe what is unfolding visually and indicate the time of day for each scene. Action lines tell us what the actors are doing.
This formatting tells the reader where the characters are, or even where you’re taking your audience — a major component of learning to write for a visual medium and effective video production. Every element in a full script must serve this visual clarity and flow. See the graphic below to get a better idea.
Notice, too, how the characters' names (aka character cues) are indented, clearly identifying who is speaking when. Check out this graphic where we identify all the major script elements that are important to understand. The provided graphic identifies the essential script elements that are important to understand.
Scripts and screenplay formatting: What you need to know
One page typed, using the standard screenplay font, represents about one minute on screen. Understanding this can help you pace your final draft more effectively. Proper script formatting ensures that pacing and timing translate effectively to the final production.
Reviewing script examples will help you see how professional screenplays achieve the right pacing. Why should I know this? Whether you’re writing an action-adventure film or a drama, pacing is crucial.
Well, when we're writing, this is helpful to understand scene pacing. We could think something is working, but a fight lasting for a few pages may not translate well on screen, and could feel drawn out.
For even more tips on script writing and video production, including action-adventure sequences, script examples like telephone conversations, text messages, and plot devices, watch part two of our screenplay series.
Formatting Techniques for Screenplay
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Also, knowing how to format your screenplay using industry standard guidelines makes it easy to read and, therefore, the first step to becoming a paid screenwriter. Formatting helps agents, managers, and script readers visualize your movie, making scriptwriting an essential skill for aspiring writers. Understanding script format also shows you’re serious about your craft and ready for professional attention.
Pro Tip
Be careful with overdoing dialogue. Get creative with action lines. How a character acts is usually a better indicator of how they feel than what they say out loud.
Writing a screenplay is hard enough; don’t waste time in Word, formatting it yourself. If you’re interested, you can write for free in StudioBinder.
For more on script writing, dive into the age-old question: What does a Screenwriter do?
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Up Next
How to Write a Movie Script
You can now answer what script writing is, and hopefully feel a bit better about the next step. Our next post dives deeper into formatting rules, page count, and other tactical concerns you may have at the beginning of your writing scripts journey, with script examples to illustrate best practice, ensuring every plot point is effectively structured.
So open up your software, and read our step-by-step guide on how to get your vision down on paper — from logline to full script.
