Upfronts are presentations (and together, an event) where the major television networks preview their upcoming fall and midseason series for advertisers, the press, and the other networks. Recently, focus has shifted away from small meetings geared towards advertising sales and more towards large presentations, often featuring shows’ talent. The upfronts are held in New York […]
What is the proper way to use parentheticals?
Parentheticals (also called “wrylies” or “actor’s direction”) are used to clear up confusion about a line that could be read multiple ways: COACH FOX(sarcastically) Nice throw, Kyle. They can also be used to indicate who a speaker is addressing: COACH FOX(to Tebow) Get in there already! You will sometimes see them used to indicate action. […]
What is standard screenplay format?
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: 12-point Courier font 1.5 inch left margin 1 inch right margin (between .5 inches and 1.25 inches), ragged 1 inch […]
What is a premise pilot?
A premise pilot, as its name suggests, is a TV pilot that establishes the premise of a show. In the Lost pilot, for example, the plane crashes on the island, and the passengers are lost. A non-premise pilot is one that feels like any other episode of the show. South Park’s pilot is about Cartman […]
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 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. POV shots can also sometimes be indicated without using POV, as John August demonstrates in this example from johnaugust.com: Evan is three spoonfuls into his muesli when he […]