While there can be slight variations for different types of scripts (ie multicam sitcom teleplays), screenplays follow strict formatting rules. Fortunately, software like Highland, will do the heavy lifting for you. Here are the basics: More from johnaugust.com
How should fight scenes or action scenes be written?
There is no universal way of writing action scenes. As with all formatting advice, the goal is to clearly express your vision without taking the reader out of the screenplay. However that is best accomplished for your scene is the right way to write it. In a 2011 blog post, John August offers this headline: […]
What does it mean when a writer uses ALL CAPS?
Generally, text in a screenplay’s actions or stage directions will be in ALL CAPS when something deserves special attention. Some common all caps examples: The first time a character is introduced, his or her name should be in all caps. This is the one steadfast all caps rule. Visual or special effects will often be […]
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. While the term slugline can be used interchangeably with scene heading, it more often refers to an “intermediary slugline,” which is used to break up and re-focus a longer scene, or to point out […]
How do you format a montage in a screenplay?
There is no hard and fast rule for how to format montages in screenplays. As with all formatting, the goal is to express what’s happening on screen as clearly and simply as possible, without breaking up the flow of the screenplay or taking your reader out of the script. The following are a few montage […]
Can you reference specific, proper-noun products/songs/locations/etc. in your screenplay?
By all means, yes. Being specific often helps your scene feel more grounded, or funnier. But keep in mind there’s a difference between mentioning the name of a real thing, which is generally fair game — REGGIE That dude’s a top hat and monocle away from being the tycoon in Monopoly. — and the thing […]