Ever Wondered What a Screenplay Looks Like?
It’s hard to think that there once was a time when we Moon Brothers were not familiar with the proper look of a screenplay. Kind of like the fact that you can’t remember what it was like not to know how to ride a bike…
Well, it’s been over a year ago since we first turned to screenwriting guru, Syd Field. We picked up a copy of his book “Screenplay” (considered by many to be The Handbook on the topic. Not that we only used Syd’s advice. We also checked a few other books on the topic…)
These are some of the basics he outlines in his book. Pay attention all you aspiring screenwriters!
- New characters are always capitalized.
- The character speaking is always capitalized and placed in the center of the page.
- Stage directions for the actor are written in brackets under the name. Always single-spaced. Only use when necessary.
- Dialogue is placed in the center of the page. Always single-spaced.
- Sound effects or music effects are always capitalized. Don’t overdo effects.
For our film Liars and Lunatics, we used (and still do, incidentally) software called Final Draft. It does most of the work for you, so you don’t have to really remember all the rules.
For those of you who have ever wondered what a screenplay should look like, here’s a section from the Liars and Lunatics script:
INT. FROLICK’S OFFICE — MORNING
The door opens. We see Frolick from the front. She recoils at what she sees: JAMES JAMISIN, a man in his mid-30s.
ANGLE ON JAMES
Seated, wearing a straitjacket, smiling.
FROLICK
(alarmed)
James, what are you doing in here? And where did you get that jacket–JAMES
We have a session, Doc.FROLICK
James, you can’t just let yourself into my office without–JAMES
–You didn’t tell Dubious about the breakout, did you?FROLICK
Dubious? You mean
(uncertain)
Dr. Donovin?JAMES
That’s what I said: Dr. Dubious.FROLICK
James, how did you get in here?
(searching her desk)
I keep confidential files in here.
(impatiently)
Where’s my name tag?JAMES
I just came by a little early to try the jacket on. You know, to see what it feels like, for when I really do need it.FROLICK
Why am I not seeing any improvement in you?
(still searching)
Did you do something with my ID?JAMES
You know, Doc, you’re putting yourself under way too much pressure.
(upbeat)
Buckle me up at the back?
Frolick hesitates.
FROLICK
How do you expect to lead a mass exodus with that on?
P.S. While some of us Moon Brothers are still finishing up the Liars and Lunatics project, some of us other brothers are pecking away at several new ideas for our next project. So this blog is actually a nice refresher course for those of us who are working on the new screenplays.
