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 Screenplays
1. 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 MONTAGE
2. 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 the table.
3. INSERT SHOT:
Used to emphasize a specific detail or object within a scene, often a close-up shot.
Formatting:
- Write “INSERT” or ‘CLOSE ON’ followed by a brief description of the object.
Example:
INT. LIBRARY – NIGHT
Sarah opens a dusty book.
CLOSE ON: A faded PHOTOGRAPH.
4. VOICEOVER (V.O.):
When a character’s voice is heard, but they are not seen speaking on screen.
Formatting:
- Place “(V.O.)” after the character’s name in the dialogue element.
Example:
EXT. BEACH – SUNSET
SARAH (V.O.)
As I watched the waves crash against the shore, I realized I was finally home.
5. OFF-SCREEN (O.S.):
When a character’s voice is heard, but they are not seen speaking on screen, usually because they are in a different location than the visible characters.
Formatting:
- Place “(O.S.)” after the character’s name in the dialogue element.
Example:
INT. RESTAURANT – NIGHT
JOHN and MARY are eating dinner.
JOHN
This steak is delicious.
MARY (O.S.)
Could you pass the salt?
6. PHONE CONVERSATIONS:
Several ways to format phone conversations. One common method is to use the character’s name followed by “(ON PHONE).”
Example:
INT. OFFICE – DAY
John is sitting at his desk.
JOHN (ON PHONE)
Yes, I understand. I’ll have the report on your desk by tomorrow morning.
7. INTERCUT:
Used to show two or more scenes happening simultaneously, cutting back and forth between them.
Formatting:
- Start with “INTERCUT” centered on the page.
- Write the scene headings for each scene being intercut.
- Describe the action in each scene, alternating between them as needed.
- End with “END INTERCUT” centered on the page.
Example:
INTERCUT
SCENE A: INT. HOSPITAL ROOM – DAY
A woman is giving birth.
SCENE B: EXT. RACE TRACK – DAY
A man is running a marathon.
END INTERCUT
There’s no “official” way, but here are some common methods:
Dialogue Blocks with (TEXT):
- Treat text messages like dialogue, but add “(TEXT)” after the character’s name.
- This works well for back-and-forth conversations.
Example:
LISA (TEXT)
Hey, you coming to the party tonight?
MARK (TEXT)
Definitely. Can’t wait!
Split Screen for Simultaneous Texting:
- Use split screen to show both characters texting at the same time.
- This can add a dynamic element and show reactions.
Example:
SPLIT SCREEN
LISA and MARK
Typing on her phone. Typing on his phone.
CHYRON: (LISA’S TEXT)
Hey, you coming to the party tonight?
CHYRON: (MARK’S TEXT)
Definitely. Can’t wait!
When it comes to text messages, I would just treat them like dialogue with (TEXT) after the names. It’s just the easiest way to do it.
Formatting scripts is pretty malleable. All you want to do is make your story clear to the audience and get them to imagine the movie.
So do what feels right!
Let me know what you think in the comments.
Author: Jason Hellerman
This article comes from No Film School and can be read on the original site.
