In mentioning “FADE OUT,” it’s perhaps the ideal time to state that the above screenplay format elements do not encompass all formatting tools at a Writer’s disposal. So why does the script read that after “FADE IN?” That’s part of the magic of moviemaking! It can always change between script and final cut. Well, it’s clear that we’re not looking at the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. While some Writers might make alternate creative choices to begin and end their screenplays, these elements are the most common to signify the start and close of the narrative.Īs such, Writers should include them to help guide the reader into and out of the script. That’s what makes ultimately the resolution where they do or don’t get their want so satisfying for audiences.Īnd perhaps two of the most exciting screenplay formatting elements are the use of “FADE IN” and “FADE OUT.” Why? Because in many cases, these will be the very first and last words of a script. A story where the protagonist immediately achieves their goal with no struggle or heartache isn’t much of a story at all. But you have to make life difficult for them. After all, you’ll likely be spending weeks if not months with them. To some degree, Screenwriters can tweak what happens in each act, but often the mark of a strong script is one that relies on having a solid three-act structure.ĥ. Finally, the third act has the protagonist confront their final and most significant conflict – the climax – as well as the outcome to it.
The second act largely encompasses the highs and lows that the protagonist encounters as they move closer to or further away from their central want. The first act introduces the main characters, the stakes for the protagonist, and the inciting incident that sets them on their path to hopefully achieving their goal. Feature scripts generally follow a three-act structure. Include plenty of action – even if it’s not an action movie!Ĥ. Dialogue is a critical part of a screenplay, but you won’t have a compelling script if you just have the characters sitting around and talking about what they want. What’s the story that will be told as the protagonist attempts to achieve their goal? Scripts are very much a show and not tell form of storytelling. Make the goal one where there is a risk of failure. To win back their high school sweetheart. Instead, the protagonist must have a clear and compelling goal. But why are we following the protagonist for two hours or more? Spending that time just to watch them clean their house or run errands is not going to satisfy from a storytelling perspective. In short, a great script will have interesting and dynamic characters.Ģ. They want compelling supporting characters who either help or hurt the protagonist’s chances of attaining their central want or need. Audiences want to cheer for a sympathetic protagonist and hate on a devious antagonist.
Regardless of genre or story specifics, a successful screenplay will generally have these five elements in common:ġ.
Second, as scripts are meant to be read, a solid screenplay format will help a reader move quickly through the story with ease, as well as indicate to them that the writer of it is of a professional caliber.īefore we jump into those screenplay formatting essentials, though, let’s tackle some commonly asked scripting questions that emerging Screenwriters often have.Īnd stay tuned, because as we progress through our rundown of proper screenplay formatting, we’ll be hearing about the business of screenwriting from Sharon Soboil ( After We Fell, After Ever Happy, Love on the Air) and Thomas Bezucha ( The Good House, Marvel’s upcoming Secret Invasion). Understanding exactly how a script should look and be formatted is important for two main reasons.įirst, knowledge of each element can go a long way in supporting the more creative aspects of screenwriting, such as creating memorable characters and building a solid story structure. Before a Screenwriter can tell that next great love story, historical epic or zany comedy, they need to master screenplay format.