how to write a script
DESCRIPTION
1. Have a title page. Your script will need a title page. This will include the title and your name, but it will also include your contact information and your agent's information (if you have an agent)2. Use the correct font, margins and breaks. You will need to use Courier font (typewriter font) (12 point) when writing your script. This will give it a more professional appearance but it is also key for making it easier to read. Similarly, you should use the correct indentations for each part of your script, as it will help the reader differentiate between dialogue, scene description, etc.[1]3. Give helpful details about the setting and characters. Use slug lines before each scene. These say whether the action is taking place inside or outside, what the location is, and if it is day or night. A character's name should go in all caps above or next to their dialogue (depending on what you're writing for). You can also put instructions, such as pauses, in parentheses.4. Use the correct formatting for your intended method of presentation. If you want to write a movie script, then you will have to write your script in that format. If you want to write a play script, then you will have to write your script in that format. While they are largely similar, there are distinct differences and learning them all can take time.[2] Read lots of scripts in your intended medium to see how the pros do it.5. Make sure you haven't written too much. Scripts usually last about one minute per page, though there is certainly some wiggle room.[3] Scripts are not like books in that word counts. It is a definitive way to gauge length.TRANSCRIPT
SCRIPT TITLE
Written by
Name of First Writer
Based On, If Any
AddressPhone Number
FADE IN:
EXT. EDGE - NIGHT
Scantily clad clubgoers line the dingy, brick alley wall. At the front of the line is ZACH WYLAN (26), exuberant, this guy sweats charm like an old-time movie star.
Zach shivers and turns to the BOUNCER.
ZACHHow much longer until you let me in?
BOUNCERLook man, we just opened. We don’t have space for everyone.
Zach huffs and relaxes back against the wall.
A gorgeous couple skips the line, handing over black plastic cards with a red “e” etched on one side. The bouncer examines the cards before handing them back to the couple and waving them into the club.
ZACHWhat was that about?
BOUNCERThey are members, sir.
ZACHAnd what does one have to do to become a member?
BOUNCERIf you have to ask, you aren’t meant to know.
ZACHOkay buddy, I didn’t want to haveto pull this card, but I’m a member of the press--
Zach pulls out his press badge, and the bouncer glances at it.
BOUNCER(firm)
Please leave now.
ZACHBut I’m supposed to be covering the club.
BOUNCERNo journalists allowed.
ZACHAre you sure that’s the case? I’d like to check with the owner.
BOUNCERI’ll check with the boss now.
(pause)Boss says no.
ZACHBut it’s free publicity.
BOUNCERDoes it look like we need it?
Zach looks back at the line that curls around the block.
BOUNCER (CONT’D)Now please leave or I’ll have you forcibly removed.
Zach throws his hands up in surrender and leaves the line, ignoring the looks from the other club-hopefuls as he walks past.
INT. THE DAILY OFFICES - IDRA’S OFFICE - DAY
A small but polished room. Walls lined with shelves from floor to ceiling, all stacked with newspapers, books, and storage containers, all meticulously marked.
Two chairs face the expansive desk, one wall lined with windows looking out over the newsroom.
Zach hurries past the door.
IDRA Zach! Get in here.
Zach pauses halfway past the windows and backtracks into the room to face IDRA BARTON (46), a stern woman who commands the attention of every room she walks into.
Turning on the charm, Zach slips on a broad grin.
ZACHWhat can I do for you, Idra?
IDRAWhere’s that piece on Edge?
ZACH About that--
IDRAZach, I needed that piece yesterday. Every day that club is open we run the risk of losing the jump.
ZACHI know, it’s just harder to get in than I thought. They won’t even let me in the front door.
IDRAIt’s a club, not the Vatican. Get in and get it done.
ZACHIt’s not that easy.
IDRAI don’t care. You wanna be a journalist? Be a journalist and stop whining while you still have a job because that could change.
ZACHIf you would just let me do something more than hundred word write-ups on clubs, I could show you how valuable I am.
IDRAHow am I supposed to trust you with a major piece if you can’t even get into a club?
ZACH
I’ll--
IDRA
Stop making excuses and get it onmy desk by tomorrow, or don’t bother coming in.
Zach nods as he leaves.