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# Screenwriting.io

Answering basic questions about screenwriting.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://screenwriting.io/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [How many pages should each act of a screenplay be?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-pages-should-each-act-of-a-screenplay-be/) - Screenplay act breaks are strictly theoretical, but most screenwriters talk about movies having three acts. The Syd Field paradigm breaks them dwon to 30/60/30.
- [How many acts does a TV show have?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-acts-does-a-tv-show-have/) - Multicamera sitcoms usually have two to three acts in 2011, while hour-long dramas have four to six acts.
- [How many acts does a movie have?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-acts-does-a-movie-have/) - Screenwriters talk about three acts, meaning ‘the beginning,’ ‘the middle,’ and ‘the end.’ Syd Field's paradigm breaks up the second act into 2A and 2B
- [What do the different writer credits mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-do-the-different-writer-credits-mean/) - Writer credits are complicated, and unparsing them for any particular project may be an impossible task without talking directly to those involved.
- [Who decides who gets credit for writing a movie?](https://screenwriting.io/who-decides-who-gets-credit-for-writing-a-movie/) - The producer submits a list of final credits to the WGA, and gives a copy of the final script to all writes involved. Anyone can arbitrate if they disagree.
- [If someone gives me notes, feedback, or ideas during the development of my script, are they entitled to credit?](https://screenwriting.io/if-someone-gives-me-notes-feedback-or-ideas-during-the-development-of-my-script-are-they-entitled-to-credit/) - If someone gives you notes, feedback, or ideas during the development of your script, they are not entitled to credit.
- [What does arbitration mean for screenwriters?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-arbitration-mean-for-screenwriters/) - In arbitration, WGA members review all drafts of the script, and determine credits based on a formula.
- [In dialogue, how do you express that one character is interrupting another?](https://screenwriting.io/in-dialogue-how-do-you-express-that-one-character-is-interrupting-another/) - One easy way to show one character interrupting another is to use double-dashes or an ellipsis to indicate the first character's dialogue is being interrupted.
- [What are colored revisions/drafts/pages?](https://screenwriting.io/what-are-colored-revisionsdraftspages/) - Revision order will be tracked on the screenplay's title page, and that particular draft will be referred to by the color of the latest revisions:
- [How do you label a scene that takes place both inside and outside?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-label-a-scene-that-takes-place-both-inside-and-outside/) - If a scene transitions from INT. to EXT. or visa-versa, you should have a new scene heading. If a scene breaks between INT. and EXT., include both.
- [What is a pre-lap?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-pre-lap/) - A pre-lap is when the dialogue (or any sound) from the next scene starts before we cut away from the previous scene. They are a common and useful transition.
- [How do you format a telephone conversation in a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-format-a-telephone-conversation-in-a-screenplay/) - There are a few ways to deal with telephone conversations in screenplays, depending on who is seen, who is heard, and how important the editing specifics are.
- [What is the difference between V.O. and O.S.?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-difference-between-v-o-and-o-s/) - O.S. is used when the character is in the scene location, but not currently on screen. V.O. is used when the speaker is not physically in the scene.
- [What is the proper way to use parentheticals?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-proper-way-to-use-parentheticals/) - Parentheticals have many uses, including indicating how to say a line, who to say it to, what action to do while saying it, and others.
- [What does a screenplay title page look like?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-a-screenplay-title-page-look-like/) - All title pages should include the title, the writer's name, and based on (if any). Some will also include the date, contact information, and copyright details.
- [Is there a standard screenplay font?](https://screenwriting.io/is-there-a-standard-screenplay-font/) - Since standard screenplay format is designed so that one page approximately equals one minute of screen time, consistant character spacing is important.
- [What is standard screenplay format?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-standard-screenplay-format/) - While there can be slight variations for different types of scripts, screenplays follow strict formatting rules.
- [How do you format a montage in a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-format-a-montage-in-a-screenplay/) - Montage formatting should strive to express what's happening on screen as clearly and simply as possible without taking your reader out of the script.
- [What is a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-screenplay/) - Screenplays are film or TV scrips, which include dialogue as well as stage direction and character actions and movement.
- [What is the difference between a script, a screenplay, and a teleplay?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-difference-between-a-script-a-screenplay-and-a-teleplay/) - Script is the general term for the written version of a performable story; screenplays are scripts for the screen; teleplays are television screenplays.
- [What does a manager do?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-a-manager-do/) - Managers usually have fewer clients than agents, and often take more personal and less business-focused roles in their clients' careers.
- [What is the WGA?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-wga/) - The Writers Guild of America is a labor union composed of film and TV writers.
- [Why is the last “w” of WGAw lowercase?](https://screenwriting.io/why-is-the-last-w-of-wgaw-lowercase/) - The last "w" in WGAw stands for "west." The WGAw is the west coast branch of the Writers Guild of America.
- [What is Final Draft?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-final-draft/) - Final Draft is one of a few screenwriting programs commonly used in Hollywood.
- [Is Final Draft on the iPad?](https://screenwriting.io/is-final-draft-on-the-ipad/) - Final Draft's iPad app is not released as of this writing, but FDX Reader can read Final Draft 8 files.
- [What does “screen story” mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-screen-story-mean/) - A “screen story” credit is given when a screenplay is based on source material, but the screenplay’s story is new and substantially different.
- [What are the metal things you see in screenplays called?](https://screenwriting.io/what-are-the-metal-things-you-see-in-screenplays-called/) - Screenplays are traditionally presented on three-hole paper, but with only two brads: one in the top hole, and one in the bottom.
- [How many brads should you have in a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-brads-should-you-have-in-a-screenplay/) - Screenplays are traditionally presented on three-hole paper, but with only two brads: one in the top hole, and one in the bottom.
- [Can scripts be printed double-sided?](https://screenwriting.io/can-scripts-be-printed-double-sided/) - Scripts are typically only printed one-sided, but environmentally friendly readers may choose to print double sided. One-sided is always the safer choice.
- [What is Movie Magic Screenwriter?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-movie-magic-screenwriter/) - Movie Magic Screenwriter is one of the industry standard screenwriting applications, with Final Draft and Celtx being the other two popular programs.
- [What is a feature film?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-feature-film/) - Modern features are typically between 80 and 180 minutes. SAG defines a feature as being 80+ minutes; the Academy uses 40 minutes. Sundance's cutoff is 50.
- [How long is a short film?](https://screenwriting.io/how-long-is-a-short-film/) - Any film shorter than 40 minutes qualifies as a "short" for the Academy Awards, while any movie under 50 minutes is a "short" according to Sundance.
- [What is the difference between .fdx and .fdr?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-difference-between-fdx-and-fdr/) - The newest version of Final Draft outputs .fdx files. Older versions output .fdr files.
- [Are there any free screenwriting applications?](https://screenwriting.io/are-there-any-free-screenwriting-applications/) - Celtx and Five Sprockets are both bigger programs that contain screenwriting elements.
- [How many acts are in a Broadway musical?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-acts-are-in-a-broadway-musical/) - Broadway musicals' acts are more defined than films', since there is an act break between them.
- [Who is Syd Field?](https://screenwriting.io/who-is-syd-field/) - Syd Field is a screenwriting guru who articulated the three-act structure.
- [What is Save the Cat?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-save-the-cat/) - Save the Cat! breaks down screenplays into 15 beats (and further, into 40) that all screenplays should contain.
- [How much does a screenwriter make?](https://screenwriting.io/how-much-does-a-screenwriter-make/) - A screenwriter working for a WGA signatory can be paid anywhere between scale and -- well -- anything.
- [What is scale?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-scale/) - Scale changes every year, and varies depending on the budget of the film and the work done.
- [What does an outline look like?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-an-outline-look-like/) - Outlines can take different forms based on many different factors including purpose, level of detail, method of creation, and writer preference.
- [How many pages is a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-pages-is-a-screenplay/) - The general prevailing wisdom is that one script page in standard format equals one minute of screen time.
- [Is there a standard screenplay format?](https://screenwriting.io/is-there-a-standard-screenplay-format/) - Format can vary slightly depending on the type of screenplay, its destination, and its origin, but there is a standard font, tab, spacing, and more.
- [What does “high concept” mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-high-concept-mean/) - "High concept" ideas are easily pitched. It was originally coined ironically, in opposition to “high art,” which is why to some the term is counter-intuitive.
- [What do the different producer credits mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-do-the-different-producer-credits-mean/) - In film, producer credits are complex, and their meanings can vary wildly from film to film, or even from producer to producer on the same film.
- [What is a “spec script?”](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-spec-script/) - A “spec script” is a movie written without a deal already in place. For young writers, it is a term used to refer to portfolio samples.
- [Does format change for screenplays/teleplays/etc?](https://screenwriting.io/does-format-change-for-screenplaysteleplaysetc/) - Yes. Multicamera sitcom scripts have a different format than single-camera TV scrips, which have a slightly different format than film scripts.
- [How many scenes should a screenplay have?](https://screenwriting.io/how-many-scenes-should-a-screenplay-have/) - It’s tempting to say that a 120-page script at approximately 2 to 3 pages per scene should have 40 - 60 scenes. While not wrong, this is a gross generalization.
- [Why do some teleplays have stage direction in all caps and some not?](https://screenwriting.io/why-do-some-teleplays-have-stage-direction-in-all-caps-and-some-not/) - Multicamera sitcoms (think: anything with a laugh track) have slight formatting variations.
- [What is a beat?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-beat/) - A "beat" is the smallest unit of measurement in a screenplay. If a character sits down at a desk and picks up a pencil, that is two beats.
- [How do you deal with a character who initially appears in the background of a scene, but who is named later?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-deal-with-a-character-who-initially-appears-in-the-background-of-a-scene-but-who-is-named-later-2/) - If a character appears in a scene before he is introduced, it is important to make mention of it. If not, he could easily be left out.
- [What is an insert?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-an-insert/) - An insert is a shot -- usually a close-up -- that focuses on a specific detail. If necessary, these shots can be written into a screenplay.
- [Can you put directing notes in your screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/can-you-put-directing-notes-in-your-screenplay/) - If you are the director as well as the writer, it is certainly okay to include directing notes in your screenplay. If not, the answer is a bit more dicey.
- [What is an option?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-an-option/) - A screenwriter can be on both sides of options: he can have his screenplay optioned by a producer, or he can option the rights to an existing piece of material.
- [What is an establishing shot?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-an-establishing-shot/) - When we see a shot of the sun setting behind the exterior of a building, and then we cut to the inside of that building, we have seen an establishing shot.
- [How are multicamera TV scripts formatted?](https://screenwriting.io/how-are-multicamera-tv-scripts-formatted/) - Multicamera shows are shot on a stage in front of an audience, and their scripts appropriately look like a hybrid of screenplay format and play format.
- [Can scene headers be bold?](https://screenwriting.io/can-scene-headers-be-bold/) - Scene headers can be bold, but they don't have to be. It is up to your discretion and preference. But be consistent with your choice.
- [Should I put scene numbers in my screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/should-i-put-scene-numbers-in-my-screenplay/) - When writing your screenplay, do not number scenes. Someone on the production team will handle that when the time is right.
- [How do you deal with a character speaking in a different language?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-deal-with-a-character-speaking-in-a-different-language/) - Depending on the situation, there are different ways to handle non-English dialogue. You goal is always to be as clear as possible.
- [What does MOS mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-mos-mean/) - MOS means "without sound." For example, "Vic watches through the binoculars as the couple argues MOS."
- [What does SUPER mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-super-mean/) - SUPER means that something is superimposed over the image, usually text.
- [Can you reference specific, proper-noun products/songs/locations/etc. in your screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/can-you-reference-specific-proper-noun-productssongslocationsetc-in-your-screenplay/) - Being specific with real life nouns often helps your scene feel more grounded. But there is a difference between mentioning something and including it.
- [What is a protagonist?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-protagonist/) - The protagonist is the person who changes over the course of the story. It is not necessarily the good guy, hero, or main character, but it often is.
- [What is a slug?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-slug/) - A slug or slugline (or "slug line") is an uppercase line of text with a blank line above and below it, used to call attention to information.
- [What does POV mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-pov-mean/) - POV stands for point of view, and is used to indicate that the audience is seeing something from a specific angle or through a particular character's eyes.
- [What does it mean when a writer uses ALL CAPS?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-it-mean-when-something-in-a-screenplay-is-written-in-all-caps/) - Generally, text in a screenplay's actions or stage directions will be in ALL CAPS when something deserves special attention.
- [Are there any ergonomic tips for screenwriters?](https://screenwriting.io/are-there-any-ergonomic-tips-for-screenwriters/) - Ergonomics is important for screenwriters. Keep your feet on the floor, sit up straight, consider an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, and take breaks.
- [How should fight scenes or action scenes be written?](https://screenwriting.io/how-should-fight-scenes-or-action-scenes-be-written/) - With fight or action scenes, the goal is to clearly express your vision without taking the reader out of the screenplay.
- [What is a premise pilot?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-premise-pilot/) - A premise pilot, as its name suggests, is a TV pilot that establishes the premise of a show.
- [In television, what are "upfronts?"](https://screenwriting.io/in-television-what-are-upfronts/) - Upfronts are presentations where the major television networks preview their upcoming fall and midseason series for advertisers, the press, and other networks.
- [What is the hero's journey?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-heros-journey/) - Campbell argues that the great enduring myths from around the world all share an underlying structure he calls the "monomyth."
- [How do I deal with a group of characters?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-deal-with-a-group-of-characters/) - Groups of characters can be referred to by their group names if it is clear, or with slashes between the members' names.
- [How does TV staffing season work?](https://screenwriting.io/how-does-tv-staffing-season-work/) - Television seasons are written by writing staffs, not a single writer. Shows therefore employ -- and, accordingly, need to hire -- entire staffs of writers.
- [What is the television writer/producer pecking order?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-television-writerproducer-pecking-order/) - The different TV writer/producer credits correspond to what level writer they are -- where they fall on the pecking order.
- [What does it mean to "break story" on a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-it-mean-to-break-story-on-a-screenplay/) - Breaking story is mapping out a story and coming up with a logically and dramatically consistent beginning, middle, and end, and the major checkpoints therein.
- [How do you format two characters talking at once?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-format-two-characters-talking-at-once/) - When two characters are talking at the same time, it is referred to as "dual dialogue," and the two speakers' text blocks go side-by-side.
- [What is a treatment?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-treatment/) - Treatments differ from outlines in that they look more like short stories where outlines look more like breakdowns or bulleted lists.
- [What is a script doctor?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-script-doctor/) - A script doctor is an accomplished screenwriter hired to help a script overcome a few specific problems, usually just before the movie goes into production.
- [What is the proper way to label dialogue spoken by a group of characters?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-proper-way-to-label-dialogue-spoken-by-a-group-of-characters/) - When characters are speaking the same dialogue simultaneously (as opposed to characters speaking at the same time), you will usually handle it with slashes.
- [What is the proper way to handle a large group speaking at once?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-proper-way-to-handle-a-large-group-speaking-at-once/) - There are a few ways to handle a large group talking simultaneously, depending on the situation. They can be background noise, ALL CAPS sounds, or dialogue.
- [What constitutes a scene?](https://screenwriting.io/what-constitutes-a-scene/) - A scene is a unit of story that takes place at a specific location and time. If one of these changes, you have a new scene.
- [What is a McGuffin?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-mcguffin/) - A McGuffin (sometimes MacGuffin or maguffin) is a device that drives the plot, but has no real relevance, like the briefcase in Pulp Fiction.
- [What screenplays should aspiring screenwriters read?](https://screenwriting.io/what-screenplays-should-aspiring-screenwriters-read/) - One of the best ways to figure out formatting, story, and other screenwriting questions is to read others' screenplays.
- [How long should it take to write a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-long-should-it-take-to-write-a-screenplay/) - There is no set length of time it should take to write a screenplay, but professional screenwriters are often given deadlines they have to meet.
- [What tense are screenplays written in?](https://screenwriting.io/what-tense-are-screenplays-written-in/) - Unlike novels, which can be written in a variety of tenses, screenplays are always written in present tense.
- [What is the best way to handle flashbacks or dream sequences in a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-best-way-to-handle-flashbacks-or-dream-sequences-in-a-screenplay/) - If you want the viewer (and the reader) to know that a scene is a (or is part of a) flashback or dream sequence, add the tag in brackets after the header.
- [Do non-talking characters' names get put in ALL CAPS when introduced?](https://screenwriting.io/do-non-talking-characters-names-get-put-in-all-caps-when-introduced/) - Any essential element should be put in all caps when it is first introduced, especially a character, regardless of if it is human or if it speaks.
- [Can you include emotion or other "unshootable" elements in your screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/can-you-include-emotion-or-other-unshootable-elements-in-your-screenplay/) - If including something like emotion gives your screenplay flavor and helps paint a better picture of your character or scene, include it.
- [What is sweepstakes pitching?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-sweepstakes-pitching/) - Sweepstakes pitching is when a studio brings in many different writers to pitch on the same project, purposefully going for the scattershot approach.
- [How long should a screenplay be?](https://screenwriting.io/how-long-should-a-screenplay-be/) - There is no set page count for how long a feature screenplay should be, but generally speaking, your spec scripts should be between 110 and 120 pages.
- [How short can my screenplay be?](https://screenwriting.io/how-short-can-my-screenplay-be/) - Generally speaking, as a novice your spec scripts should be between 110 and 120 pages.
- [Are scenes that take place in cars INT. or EXT.?](https://screenwriting.io/are-scenes-that-take-place-in-cars-int-or-ext/) - More often than not, car scenes will use INT./EXT. in the scene headers.
- [How do you format an on-screen countdown clock?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-format-an-on-screen-countdown-clock/) - Your first instinct may be to mark each appearance of the clock as an INSERT or SUPER. This would most likely be distracting after the first appearance.
- [What should I look for in an agent or manager?](https://screenwriting.io/what-should-i-look-for-in-an-agent-or-a-manager/) - Your agent and manager will help steer the direction of your career. You want to be sure your representatives are people who share the same philosophy as you.
- [What is the difference between a logline and a tagline?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-difference-between-a-logline-and-a-tagline/) - A "logline" is a movie's concept boiled down to one or two sentences. A "tagline" is a short, clever one-off found on a movie's poster.
- [If I am adapting a classic work that is in the public domain, should I credit the original writer?](https://screenwriting.io/if-i-am-adapting-a-classic-work-that-is-in-the-public-domain-should-i-credit-the-original-writer/) - When adapting a well known work in the public domain, it is a bit of a judgement call as to whether or not the original work needs a "based on" credit.
- [In dialogue, how do you handle a character with a speech impediment?](https://screenwriting.io/in-dialogue-how-do-you-handle-a-character-with-a-speech-impediment/) - If you have a character with a speech impediment, it is distracting -- and quite possibly condescending -- to mimic the impediment in all of his dialogue.
- [How should I approach rewrites?](https://screenwriting.io/how-should-i-approach-rewrites/) - Establish goals for the rewrite and figure out how to accomplish them. Identify scenes that are related to these goals, and tweak them to get them right.
- [How do I write a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-write-a-screenplay/) - Screenplays are not stand-alone pieces of literary material. When you are writing a screenplay, you are writing a movie.
- [How do screenwriters use index cards?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-screenwriters-use-index-cards/) - Screenwriters often find index cards valuable for outlining as well as pitching.
- [Who is Robert McKee?](https://screenwriting.io/who-is-robert-mckee/) - Robert McKee is a screenwriting guru whose book and seminar series, Story, is one of the most popular and polarizing how-to screenwriting books on the market.
- [What is the difference between an em-dash/double-hyphen and an ellipsis?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-the-difference-between-an-em-dashdouble-hypen-and-an-ellipsis/) - Em-dashes are used to indicate interruption or abrupt change, while ellipses are used when a thought trials off...
- [How should you handle numbers or confusing jargon in dialogue?](https://screenwriting.io/how-should-you-handle-numbers-or-confusing-jargon-in-dialogue/) - If you do not write out numbers in dialogue, you run the risk of your actors speaking them differently than intended.
- [What is a one-step deal?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-one-step-deal/) - A one-step deal is a deal in which a studio hires a screenwriter to write a single draft of a screenplay, and all future work after the delivery of that draft is optional, at the discretion of the studio. These vary from more traditional two or three step deals, where the writer is guaranteed at
- [How are lyrics formatted in screenplays?](https://screenwriting.io/how-are-lyrics-formatted-in-screenplays/) - It's helpful to include the parenthetical "(singing)" the first time lyrics come up. The lyrics themselves should be in italics.
- [What are MORE and CONT'D used for in screenplays?](https://screenwriting.io/what-are-more-and-contd-used-for-in-screenplays/) - When dialogue is split by an action line or page break, use (CONT'D) to indicate that the second part of the dialogue block is a continuation of the first.
- [How should you handle text messages (SMS) or instant messages (IMs) in screenplays?](https://screenwriting.io/how-should-you-handle-text-messages-or-instant-messages-ims-in-screeplays/) - It will be up to your director how to handle them in the movie, but IMs and texts should be treated as noted-dialogue in your screeplay.
- [What format should my script be in when I send it out?](https://screenwriting.io/what-format-should-my-script-be-in-when-i-send-it-out/) - PDFs are a universally readable format, and don't run the risk of someone accidentally editing your screenplay.
- [What is Fountain?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-fountain/) - Fountain is a simple markup language for writing screenplays in plain text.
- [What is Highland?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-highland/) - Highland is a Mac utility that converts PDF scripts into editable Final Draft or Fountain files.
- [How do I import a PDF script into Final Draft?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-import-a-pdf-script-into-final-draft/) - Highland is a Mac utility that converts PDF scripts into editable Final Draft or Fountain files.
- [Are PDF scripts editable?](https://screenwriting.io/are-pdf-scripts-editable/) - Highland makes it easy to convert PDF scripts into an editable format.
- [How do I convert a Fountain file into a PDF script?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-convert-a-fountain-file-into-a-pdf-script/) - Highland is a Mac utility that converts Fountain files into PDF scripts or Final Draft files.
- [How do I edit a PDF script?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-edit-a-pdf-script/) - Highland is a Mac utility that converts PDF scripts into editable Final Draft or Fountain files.
- [How do I import a Fountain file into Final Draft?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-import-a-fountain-file-into-final-draft/) - Highland is a Mac utility that converts Fountain files into PDF scripts or Final Draft files.
- [Can I use "CUT TO:" when moving between scenes? Do I have to?](https://screenwriting.io/can-i-use-cut-to-when-moving-between-scenes-do-i-have-to/) - "CUT TO:" can be a useful transition when you need to be extra-clear we're moving to a new place and/or time. However, with the presence of scene headers, it is by no means necessary, and in modern screenplays it is often not used at all. In a 2003 blog post, John August names three situations
- [How do I express a character's mispronunciation of a word?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-express-a-characters-mispronunciation-of-a-word/) - If a character mispronounces a word, spell out their mispronunciation with phonetic English (not IPA).
- [What is a two-hander?](https://screenwriting.io/what-is-a-two-hander/) - "Two-hander" is a term used to refer to a movie that has to main characters whose stories are given roughly equal weight.
- [Can I use real people in my screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/can-i-use-real-people-in-my-screenplay/) - It's okay to refer to a person in his known capacity, but having a real person as a character opens many legal challenges.
- [How much description is too much?](https://screenwriting.io/how-much-description-is-too-much/) - The amount of description in a screenplay is heavily dependent on personal writing style and on genre. For example, action movies tend to require more description to communicate what is happening in an action sequence. The question is how to use script real estate most economically; what is needed to get the message across. Remember, Production Designer is it's
- [Should I use real locations in my spec?](https://screenwriting.io/should-i-use-real-locations-in-my-spec/) - There is no reason to avoid using real locations in a spec pilot, particularly if it is set in a generally recognizable city. Keep in mind the possibility that a reader may not recognize that specific location, so include details that will give a sense of the place as well. If that kind of specificity
- [How do you indicate voiceover from a different point in time?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-you-indicate-voiceover-from-a-different-point-in-time/) - Voiceover from another point in time can be employed over a visual scene or montage using (V.O.).
- [Do I need to register or copyright my screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/do-i-need-to-register-or-copyright-my-screenplay/) - You can register your screenplay with the US Copyright Office or the WGA, but copyright exists upon creation of the material regardless.
- [What does OOV mean?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-oov-mean/) - OOV stands for "Out of View," and is used much like (O.C.) or (O.S.). It is a term primarily used in U.K. screenwriting, and rarely seen in American scripts.
- [What does "Off him..." mean in a screenplay?](https://screenwriting.io/what-does-off-him-mean-in-a-screenplay/) - "Off him" indicates that the camera is on a character who is reacting to something nonverbally. It can also be noted as "Off her expression..." or "Off his [emotion]." This term is often used to motivate a scene transition. [scrippet] JOE I love you, but I have to tell you the truth. LUCY I love
- [How do I describe a scene when some of the action takes place on a screen?](https://screenwriting.io/how-do-i-describe-a-scene-when-some-of-the-action-takes-place-on-a-screen/) - You can use ON SCREEN and BACK TO SCENE as ways to move from the scene to the screen. So for example: INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY Shirley watches the news. ON SCREEN An ANCHORWOMAN interviews an OLDER MAN. ANCHORWOMAN How long have you planned to wait out the storm? OLDER MAN We’ve got enough

## Pages

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