Begin each scene with a scene heading, aligned flush left and written in capital letters. Give camera location (INT for interior or EXT for exterior) and set up the scene with a two- to three-word description of the location, such as "Mom's bedroom" or "Taylor High School," and the part of day (AM or PM).
Just below the scene heading and flush left, describe a character's action and set the stage for the scene in sentence case using present tense (e.g., "Jill sets the tray on the table."). When introducing new characters, write their names in capital letters.
Type character names in capital letters, indented 3.5 inches (25 spaces) from the left. Indent character parenthetical instructions ("angrily," "crying") three inches (20 spaces) from the left in parentheses. Abbreviated extensions for any words spoken either as voice over (V.O.) or off-screen (O.S.) follow the character's name in parentheses.
Indent dialogue 2.5 inches (15 spaces) from the left margin. Each line stretches approximately 35 spaces before wrapping to the next line. Dialogue should sound natural and conversational.
The title page lists the title, the author and contact information in bold print centered in the middle of the page and double-spaced. The cover page and script are written in 12-point courier font on 8.5 inch by 11 inch paper, with one-inch margins all around. Print it out
If three-hole paper is not available, print the script on regular paper and use a three-hole punch. Scripts should run 90 to110 pages on average (one page equals one minute of film). Use the three-hole punch on the card stock and insert three brads through the front card stock, placing the holes on the right. Place the cover page face down over the brads, followed by the script and the back card stock. Splay the brads to complete the binding and turn the script over so now the script has the holes on the left side.
On a separate page, write the "logline," a one-sentence description of the plot (just like a "TV Guide" description) and a synopsis---a one- to two-page summary. Some agents, directors and producers want a treatment, which is a summary that can run as long as 20 pages. Treatments or synopses should intrigue agents, directors and producers enough to ask for the full script---without giving away the ending.