Personal View site logo

A Guide to Special Formatting Circumstances in Screenplays

Screenplays are living documents that are blueprints for movies. The more life we live, the more things we wind up wanting to put into scripts. But, screenplays and their format were invented before, and we see a lot of things every day. So, formatting has had to evolve over time to keep up. Today, I want to give you a guide to those special circumstances so you can get things right on the page. While the standard script format covers most writing scenarios, some special circumstances require unique formatting considerations.So, let's dive in. Special Formatting Circumstances in Screenplays1. MONTAGE:A montage is a sequence of quick shots, usually accompanied by music, that conveys the passage of time or the completion of several related actions.Formatting:Start with the word "MONTAGE" centered on the page.Briefly describe each shot on a separate line, using present tense verbs.End the montage with "END MONTAGE" centered on the page.Example:MONTAGE- A SEED is planted in the earth.- The SEED sprouts, growing into a young plant.- RAIN falls, nourishing the plant as it matures.- SUNSHINE bathes the plant, encouraging it to bloom.END MONTAGE2. SERIES OF SCENES:Similar to a montage, but the shots are not necessarily as rapid or accompanied by music. Used to show a series of related actions within a scene.Formatting:Begin with a scene heading (INT. or EXT., location, time of day).Briefly describe each shot on a separate line, using present tense verbs.Example:INT. KITCHEN - DAY- MARY chops vegetables.- JOHN stirs a pot on the stove.- Their CHILD sets...

read more...

Published By: NoFilmSchool - Thursday, 7 November

Search News