Screenplay Scripts 101

Think of screenplay script format as a new tool for writers and a fun way to tell stories for readers. Screenplays challenge the imagination and reward readers with added benefits. Avid book lovers who enjoy watching movies and television will likely appreciate the simple format of screenplay scripts. Some popular features include:

Length –

Stories written in screenplay format have less than half the words of a traditional novel revealing the same narrative.

Pace –

Screenplays read much faster than novels, so one can savor twice as many adventures in the same amount of time or less.

Timing –

Traditional speculative screenplays are printed on standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch paper. Feature-length scripts are about 100 pages long, about 1 page per minute of screen runtime. When a script is rewritten for production, camera directions and other notations will easily expand the number of pages in a shooting script.

Convenience –

Scripts are easier to read thanks to clarifying indications like scene titles, abundant whitespace, and universally accepted 12-point Courier font.

Clarity –

In addition to more whitespace, readers encounter rich, precise action descriptions, character cues, and dialogue. A parenthetical will occasionally provide actor direction.

Nostalgia –

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Even modern action adventures are fun to read in Courier font. A page full of Courier text offers the imprimatur of inclusiveness in the filmmaking industry as well as legacy publishing. Despite all of our modern advances, scripts are still presented in 12-point Courier.

Entertainment value –

Famous authors like Quentin Tarantino publish the screenplays of their celebrated movies. Reading movie scripts—what a fun way to rediscover a favorite film.

Exercise for creative minds –

Reading fiction challenges the imagination, screenplay format adds a visual element. Writers benefit further

A boon for struggling writers –

Banish writer’s block forever and never stare at a blank page again. Screenplay format somewhat forces the issue. The first word in every scene is a notation for indoor or outside – ‘EXT.’ for exterior or ‘INT.’ for the interior. A short scene location description follows, e.g., ‘URBAN PARK’ or ‘FARMHOUSE’ along with a timestamp like ‘DAY’ or ‘LATER.’ Once a scene is identified, then action descriptions, characters, and dialogue will flow.

New techniques for writers –

Enlist elements of screenplay script format as a creative strategy. For example, constructing scenes is a valuable organizational tool. The organic process of visualizing and developing scenes will allow concepts and ideas to flourish.

Screenplay format offers a true adventure for the reader with clear advantages over novel prose. Challenge your imagination as a creator and bibliophiles will benefit too.

Edward Draper