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How to Indicate a Music Sequence in a Screenplay

Many of Hollywood's classic films -- "My Fair Lady," "Singing in the Rain," and "Oklahoma" to name a few -- are musicals. A musical screenplay closely resembles those of other genres, but includes lyrics written as modified dialogue. A speculative or "spec" script, which the screenwriter delivers to the producer for review, often only contains a placeholder indicating where the music should be inserted. However, a small production company, in which the screenwriter, composer and lyricist work in close cooperation, may request the screenwriter to insert the lyrics into the screenplay as the music is approved.

Things You'll Need

  • Screenwriting software (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Indicate where the music will be inserted into the script by typing a placeholder, such as "insert song," in parentheses at the end of the scene description. If the song has not yet been written, this is all you need to do before moving on to the next scene.

    • 2

      Indicate an upcoming sequence for which you have the full lyrics by typing something such as "he begins to sing" or "SONG:" followed by the name of the song in all caps at the end of the scene description.

    • 3

      Indent 4.2 inches from the left side of the page and type the name of the character who is singing in all caps. If you are using screenwriting software, select the "Character Name" preset instead of indenting.

    • 4

      Set your indents at 2.9 inches from the left and 2.3 inches from the right or select your software's "Dialog" preset. Type the lyrics in all caps to distinguish it from dialogue.

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