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Formatting Author’s Draft Screenplay – Introduction

In the world of filmmaking, a well-formatted script is essential. The Author’s Draft screenplay is your opportunity to present your story in a professional manner, ensuring that everyone involved in the production can easily understand and follow along. In this post, we’ll cover the key elements of formatting an Author’s Draft screenplay, helping you create a document that looks as polished as your story deserves.

READ POST: The Essential Stages of Script Development: From Concept to Shooting Script

Understanding the Elements of an Author’s Draft Script

The Author’s Draft script is a detailed version of your story, but it’s not yet finalized for production. The main elements you’ll include are:

• Scene Headings (Slug Lines): Indicate the location and time of day for each scene (e.g., INT. KITCHEN – DAY).
• Action Lines: Describe the action happening on screen, written in present tense (e.g., “John opens the door and steps inside”).
• Character Names: Written in all caps the first time they appear and centered above their dialogue.
• Dialogue: The spoken words of the characters, centered and under the character’s name.
• Parentheticals: Brief descriptions of how a line should be delivered, placed in parentheses under the character’s name (e.g., “sarcastically”).

Proper Formatting Techniques for a Professional Script

Formatting your script correctly is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Use the Correct Margins: The left margin should be 1.5 inches, while the right, top, and bottom margins should be 1 inch.
2. Font and Size: Use 12-point Courier font. This ensures that your script adheres to industry standards.
3. Scene Headings: Always write scene headings in all caps and follow the format INT./EXT. LOCATION – TIME OF DAY.
4. Action Lines: Keep action descriptions brief and to the point. Avoid overloading the reader with unnecessary detail.
5. Dialogue Formatting: Center the character’s name and dialogue. Ensure that dialogue is not too wide; it should be around 3 inches from the left and 2.5 inches from the right.
6. Page Numbers: Number your pages in the top-right corner.

Tools and Software to Simplify Screenplay Formatting

While you can format a screenplay manually, using screenwriting software like Final Draft can make the process much easier. These tools automatically apply the correct formatting, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of writing. Final Draft, for instance, is widely used in the industry and offers a variety of features that streamline the screenwriting process.

Conclusion

By following these formatting guidelines, you’ll ensure that your Author’s Draft screenplay is not only visually appealing but also easy to read and follow. Proper formatting reflects professionalism and respect for the filmmaking process, making it easier for everyone involved to bring your story to life.

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