Learn the format to break the format.
Greetings, fellow scribblers! Let’s ponder Hollywood's script formatting standards. You may have written the best script, but without proper pro formatting, chances are it’s gonna buy a one-way ticket on TL;DR airlines.
These elements are the foundation of any motion picture blueprint:
Scene Headings and Sluglines are the guideposts that help your readers navigate the story’s landscape by indicating all the locations and times.
Action lines describe the visual and auditory elements, painting a vivid picture for readers and potential filmmakers. Let your infectious enthusiasm shine in this prose. It’s your best chance to convey your personal voice.
Your characters come to life through the dialogue. Format conversations effectively, ensuring they flow naturally and engage your audience. Many potential buyers and their gatekeepers will only read what the characters say, which could be one reason exposition is all too common these days.
Parentheticals provide insight into the emotions of your speaking characters. Use them sparingly, as they can easily slow the flow.
Transitions are the bridges between your scenes. Simple CUT TOs will do between sequences.
Your script needs to follow the industry standard. Until it doesn’t. Many famous scribblers have developed unique styles of formatting to suit their voices and set their screenplays apart. Their names have been linked to ScriptSlug.Com for easy access to some of their great works:
Quentin Tarantino: Known for his distinctive storytelling style, Tarantino's scripts contain unconventional formatting choices. He's known to use excessive capitalization, unconventional scene headings, and detailed descriptions that read almost like the prose of a novel. His screenplays are an extension of his cinematic voice, capturing a raw and distinctive flavor.
Aaron Sorkin: Renowned for his rapid-fire dialogue and intricate character interactions, Sorkin's scripts have a unique rhythm. He often includes long blocks of dialogue without breaking them into separate lines, generating a distinct visual style on the page. This mirrors the fast-paced and intricate verbal exchanges characteristic of his work.
Charlie Kaufman: Known for surreal and introspective narratives, Kaufman's scripts often blur the line between reality and fiction. His formatting choices can reflect the psychological complexities of his characters and stories. In "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," for example, he used a dual-column format to juxtapose the internal thoughts of characters.
Wes Anderson: Anderson's visual and artistic style also extends to his script formatting. He's known for his meticulous attention to detail, and his scripts reflect this. Anderson often includes visual descriptions of camera angles, set designs, and even specific color palettes. This gives his scripts a unique visual representation that matches his distinct cinematic vision.
Shane Black: Black's scripts defined the modern action-comedy genre through witty banter and elaborate action sequences. His descriptions can be detailed and vivid, contributing to the bravura tone and pace of his yarns. Black's screenplays showcase how formatting can enhance the reader's experience by immersing them in the world he's creating.
These folks have shown how formatting can be an opportunity to express a unique voice and style. But assemble your scripts via the industry-standard before unleashing your inner auteur and disassembling the hell out of them!
To learn the basics, I recommend checking out this StudioBinder article.
