Script Writing Terms & Information

• Format: Scripts typically follow a specific format, including elements like scene headings, action descriptions, character names, and dialogue.
• Three-Act Structure: Many scripts adhere to a three-act structure, consisting of setup, confrontation, and resolution.
• Character Development: Scripts involve creating well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and arcs.
• Dialogue: Dialogue is a crucial element, conveying information, character traits, and advancing the plot. It should sound natural and serve the story.
• Visual Storytelling: Scripts use visual elements to convey the story, including camera angles, movements, and settings.
• Sluglines: Scene headings or sluglines specify the location and time of a scene, guiding the reader and production team.
• Action Lines: These describe the physical actions and events in a scene, providing details to help directors and actors understand the intended visual elements.
• Introspection: Scripts may include character thoughts and feelings (often in italics) to convey internal conflicts or emotions.
• Parentheticals: These provide additional direction for how a line of dialogue should be delivered or the character’s emotional state.
• Page Count: One page of a script generally translates to about one minute of screen time. Feature film scripts are typically around 90-120 pages.
• Revisions: Scriptwriting involves multiple drafts and revisions. Feedback from peers or professionals is crucial for improvement.
• Formatting Standards: Scripts follow industry-standard formatting guidelines, ensuring consistency and ease of understanding for producers, directors, and actors.
• Genre Conventions: Different genres have specific conventions and expectations. Comedy scripts, for example, emphasize humor, while thriller scripts focus on building suspense.
• Visual and Auditory Elements: Scripts consider not only what the audience sees but also what they hear, including music, sound effects, and ambient noise.
• Title Page: The title page includes essential information such as the script title, the writer’s name, and contact information.
• Copyright: Writers often register their scripts with relevant copyright offices to protect their intellectual property.
• Pitching: Successful scripts are often accompanied by effective pitches, succinctly conveying the story’s unique selling points.
• Industry Networking: Building connections within the film and television industry is crucial for getting scripts noticed and produced.

Remember that these are general facts, and there can be variations and exceptions depending on the specific requirements of a project or the preferences of individual writers.