1. Title Page:
* Title of the screenplay: This is the name of your story.
* Writer's name: Your full name and contact information.
* Contact information: Your phone number and email address.
* Copyright notice: © [Year] [Your Name]
2. Scene Headings (Slug Lines):
* INT. [LOCATION] - DAY/NIGHT: These lines tell the reader where and when the scene takes place.
* INT. indicates an interior location.
* EXT. indicates an exterior location.
* [LOCATION] specifies the place, e.g., "LIVING ROOM," "PARK," "SPACE STATION."
* DAY/NIGHT tells the time of day.
3. Action Lines:
* Descriptive text: These are concise, active, and objective descriptions of what happens in the scene. They describe the setting, characters' actions, and the overall mood.
4. Character Names:
* In all caps: Each character's name is written in all caps when they speak.
* Parentheticals: Optional brief descriptions of how the character delivers their lines, like "(whispering)" or "(with a smile)."
5. Dialogue:
* What characters say: This is the conversation between characters, formatted with each character's name in all caps followed by a colon and their speech.
6. Parentheticals (Optional):
* Character's actions/thoughts: These are short descriptions of a character's actions or inner thoughts that aren't spoken aloud, like "(nods)" or "(thinking)."
7. Scene Transitions:
* FADE IN/OUT: Indicates the start or end of a scene.
* CUT TO: A quick transition to a new scene.
* DISSOLVE TO: A gradual transition from one scene to another.
8. Additional Elements (Optional):
* Scene Numbers: For organization, you can add scene numbers at the top of each scene heading.
* Sound Effects: Written in parentheses, these are used to indicate sound effects, like "(thunder)."
* Music Cues: You might include suggestions for background music or specific soundtracks.
* Camera Directions: While these are generally avoided in screenplays, you can sometimes include camera angles or movements if it's essential to the scene's visual impact.
Important Considerations:
* Format: Screenplays have a specific format. Follow industry-standard software like Final Draft or Celtx.
* Concise Language: Be brief and direct in your writing. Avoid overly descriptive language.
* Visual Storytelling: Remember, a screenplay is meant to be visualized. Use action lines to paint a picture for the reader.
* Character Development: Focus on creating characters with depth and motivations.
* Conflict: Every scene should have some form of conflict or tension to keep the audience engaged.
Following these guidelines will help you create a professional-looking screenplay that will capture the attention of potential readers and producers.