How to Write
a Script.
Writing a screenplay is a unique form of storytelling. Unlike novels, a script is a blueprint for a film or television show. It is visual, auditory, and highly structured. Following the industry rules of screenplay formatting is not just about aesthetics—it ensures directors, actors, and crew members can read and interpret your vision easily.
The Golden Equation
In the film industry, the standard page formatting dictates that one page of script equals roughly one minute of screen time. This is why strict formatting rules are universally enforced: deviation disrupts production scheduling and budget estimations.
1. Standard Formatting Rules
Before writing a single word, you must establish the physical guidelines of a professional screenplay:
- Font: 12-point Courier (or Courier Prime). This monospaced font ensures spacing is identical across all scripts, keeping page counts consistent.
- Margins: Left margin is 1.5 inches (to accommodate binding/punch holes). Right, top, and bottom margins are 1.0 inch.
- Page Numbers: Placed in the top right-hand corner, 0.5 inches from the top, followed by a period. The title page is never numbered.
2. The 6 Core Elements
A screenplay is composed of six basic elements, formatted with precise indentations. Modern editors (like FiveDraft) handle these alignments automatically.
Identifies the location and time. Must begin with INT. (Interior) or EXT. (Exterior), followed by the specific location, and finally the time of day (DAY, NIGHT, DUSK, DAWN).
Example: EXT. MOJAVE DESERT - DAY
Describes what happens on screen. Written in the present tense, focusing only on what the audience can see or hear. Keep paragraphs concise—ideally under 4 lines.
Introduces who is speaking. Typed in uppercase and placed centered above the dialogue block.
Provides instruction on delivery or small action. Enclosed in parentheses and placed below the character name but before the dialogue. Use sparingly.
Example: (whispering) or (pointing)
The spoken words of a character. Placed underneath the character name (or parenthetical), narrower than action lines.
Editing or camera directions between scenes. Placed flush right. Use sparingly in spec scripts.
Example: DISSOLVE TO: or FADE OUT.
3. Golden Rules of Screenwriting
Never write thoughts, internal feelings, or history in action lines. If the audience cannot see or hear it, it does not belong in the script. Instead of writing "Sarah is sad about her divorce," write "Sarah stares at her bare ring finger, wiping away a tear."
Always describe actions as they are happening. Use active verbs. Instead of "John is running down the alley," write "John runs down the alley." It creates immediacy and energy.
The first time a character appears in action lines, capitalize their name and state their age and a brief, evocative description.
Example: We see MARK (30s), a disheveled detective with coffee-stained lapels.
4. Classic 3-Act Structure
Most successful screenplays follow the classic three-act dramatic narrative structure:
- Act I: Setup (Pages 1 - 30)
Establish the normal world, introduce key characters, and present the Inciting Incident (the event that disrupts the status quo). By the end of Act I, the protagonist makes a decision to cross into the adventure (Plot Point 1). - Act II: Confrontation (Pages 30 - 90)
The protagonist faces obstacles attempting to achieve their goal. This act features the Midpoint (a shift in stakes) and the "All is Lost" moment, leading into Plot Point 2 where a final plan is formed. - Act III: Resolution (Pages 90 - 110/120)
The final confrontation and climax. The protagonist resolves the conflict, and a new normal is established.
Ready to Begin?
FiveDraft was engineered to eliminate formatting headaches. As you type, the editor automatically predicts standard alignments, letting you focus entirely on your words.
Open the Workspace
Put these rules into practice now. Load a blank draft or run our guided script tour.