Overview
This video offers a beginner-friendly guide to the essential elements and terminology of film scripts, aimed at helping new actors and writers understand formatting and industry lingo.
Slug Lines / Scene Headers
- Slug lines (or scene headers) establish time and setting at the start of each scene.
- “INT ” (interior), “EXT” (exterior), and “I-E” (interior-exterior) clarify if action is inside, outside, or both.
- The setting follows INT/EXT, specifying the location (e.g., “coffee house”, “bedroom”, “airport”).
- Time of day is specified (day, night, moments later, continuous) after the location.
- Slug lines may be practical or artistic, with flexibility depending on film style and tone.
Action Lines
- Action lines describe what is happening in the scene directly beneath the slug line.
- Character names are capitalized upon first introduction only.
- Important props or sounds (e.g., KNOCK, KNIFE) may be capitalized for emphasis.
- Age or brief description of characters can be included in parentheses after their name.
Dialogue Formatting
- Character names are placed on their own line above their dialogue.
- Abbreviated dialogue notes provide production or delivery information:
- V.O. (Voice Over) indicates narration or voice not present in the scene.
- O.S. (Off Screen) means the character is speaking but not visible in the current shot/room.
- O.C. (Off Camera) means the character is present in the location but not currently on screen, used for reveals.
Parentheticals
- Parentheticals give specific direction on how a line should be delivered or associated action (e.g., “(handing receipt)”, “(yelling)”).
- They can clarify the subject of ambiguous lines for actors (e.g., “re-coffee: Why is it so cold?”).
Transitions and Cuts
- Transitions (e.g., “CUT TO:”, “JUMP CUT”, “MATCH CUT”) appear at the bottom left of the scene, influencing tone and pacing.
- Different types of scripts may have unique formatting conventions (e.g., multicam comedies use double-spacing).
Script Formatting Variations
- Script formatting can vary by genre and production style.
- The core formatting concepts remain, but stylistic choices may differ.
Recommendations / Advice
- New actors and writers should focus on mastering core script elements and formatting.
- Understanding terminology makes collaboration with production teams more effective.
- View related videos or resources for deeper dives into script breakdowns or advanced formats.
Questions / Follow-Ups
- Audience is encouraged to comment if they want more detail on specific script formats or elements.
- Viewers are invited to share their favorite script element for community discussion.