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Rules of Script Writing

When writing a screenplay, format is the key to it being read or considered by agents or production companies. After typing a few scripts, the rules will become easier to remember and you will be able to concentrate on your story.
  1. Sections

    • A screenplay is split into 3 sections. A slug line lists the location of the scene. The action lists everything that the viewer sees on the screen. The dialogue is everything that is spoken on screen.

    Present Tense

    • All screenplays are written in present tense.

    "Is" Words

    • Words like "is" should always be removed from a script. For example, "Joe is mowing the lawn" should be changed to "Joe mows the lawn." Read through your script, eliminate "is" and make sure the script is written in present tense.

    Show Don't Tell

    • Unlike books, screenplays are written to show only what the viewer can see. For example, a screenplay would never include the line "Joe hates the thought of pickles." Instead, a scene would show Joe looking at a jar of pickles with disgust.

    Characters

    • When a character is introduced, his name appears in all capital letters. You can follow this by a brief description or let the action tell the story. For example, JOE JOHNSON, 28, wears a suit and walks proudly down the office hallway.

Screen Writing

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