The scene heading element is used as a way to describe the location of a scene. It should include information stating that a scene is an interior or exterior scene. It should also state a name for the actual place. This could be a specific room or area of a forest. It is also used to describe what part of the day a scene is happening. A scene heading is also known as a Slugline.
The action element is used to describe the action that is happening. It is important to note that the action should be happening only right now in the voice of the script. All action in the script is taking place in the present, so it should be written as such.
The character name is a scriptwriting element used prior to any dialog spoken by a character in a script. The character name can be a generic vocational title, a visual description or a character's name.
Dialogue is the element of a script in which a character is actually speaking. It may be beneficial to recite dialogue aloud while writing, as this can better ensure that it sounds appropriately natural.
A parenthetical element is used in a script after a character name element and prior to a dialogue element. The parenthetical element is used to guide an actor or actress performing any action or dialog that follows in a script.
The extension element is used as a kind of technical note to state where a character's dialog is going to be spoken from in regard to an audience. The extension is written to the right of a character name in parenthesis.
Transition elements are technical notes for film production. A transition element basically recommends a visual transition type between scenes.
The shot element is used as a technical note to suggest a camera angle be used. It should be used only when necessary or important to a story.