The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue
This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.
Dialogue

This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character
When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue

This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue
This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue
This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue
This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.
The elements of a screenplay template

If you’re planning to make your own screenplay format, learn the different elements. Remember,
screenplays are typically created a certain way. This means that you need to follow the format.

Nowadays, there is formatting software which you can use to create your document. But it’s still
important to know the basics in case you want to make the screenplay yourself. Take a look at these
elements:

First page

The first page of the document has its own formatting. The right, top, and bottom margins should be
1-inch only. But the left margin is 1.5-inches. The extra half-inch is there to allow for binding. The
first page and the rest of the document should only be single-spaced.

The first things you write on this page are the words FADE IN. Also, you don’t include this page in the
numbering of the document. However, in the subsequent pages, the page numbers should be in the
upper-right hand corner.

Scene heading

This is a one-line description of the setting. It includes the location as well as the time of day of the
scene. It should reveal where and when the scene takes place. It should be in CAPS, and it’s also
referred to as the “slugline.”

The width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Sub header

When you don’t need a new scene heading, but you do need some distinction, you can use this. Use
this within the scene but use them sparingly.

This is because screenplays which contain too many sub headers aren’t appealing. The width should
be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Action

This is a narrative which describes the events within your scene. You write this part using the present
tense. This can also have different names. These include the scene directions, visual exposition,
direction, description, or blackstuff.

Keep in mind that you should only write things which the reader can see and hear in the scene. The
width should be 6.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.

Character

When you introduce a character within the action, capitalize the name. Aside from using CAPS, make
sure to write the name above the dialogue lines. You can also include the names of minor characters
using CAPS as well. The width should be 4.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 2.0″.

Dialogue
This refers to the lines of speech for each of the characters. You use this format every time your
character speaks. Use it even for voice-overs or off-screen dialogues. The width should be 3.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 1.5″ , Left: 1.0″.

Parenthetical

This refers to the direction of your characters. It can be action or attitude-oriented. Nowadays
though, screenwriters seldom use parentheticals. There are 2 important reasons for this.

First, it’s the job of the director to instruct an actor on how to deliver his dialogue. Second, you
shouldn’t need a parenthetical to convey the message of the dialogue.

If you do, then you may need to consider re-writing your content. The width should be 2.5″ and
indentations should be: Right: 2.0”, Left: 1.5″.

Extension

You place the extension right after the name of the character, in parentheses. The extension is a
technical note that’s abbreviated. It suggests how the audiences will hear the voice onscreen.

Transition

This refers to instructions for film editing. Typically, you only use them when writing a script for
shooting. If you’re writing a screenplay, you don’t have to include this element.

That is unless there’s no other way for you to indicate an element of the story. Some common
transition terminologies are:

CUT TO:

DISSOLVE TO:

SMASH CUT:

QUICK CUT:

FADE TO:

The width should be 2.0″ and indentations should be: Right: 0.0″ , Left: 4.0″.

Shot

This element would inform the reader when the main focus of a particular scene changes. Just like
the transition element, this isn’t as necessary for screenplay formats.

This is mainly because it’s the job of the director to determine the shots. The width should be 6.0″
and indentations should be: Right: 0.0”, Left: 0.0″.