Screenplays/ Scriptwriting

One of the most important parts of film making is the screenplay as it shows the directors, producers and the editors what the film is meant to look like, this includes the script, the mise-en-scene and the camera shots. The role of a screenwriter is to create the script for the film. The font that is used for screenplays is always the same as one page of screenplay is the same as one minute of screen time so the same font is used on all screenplays so that this remains true. The font and size for screenplays is 12pt and the font is 'Courier'. Below is a template for screenplays with labels for each part of the screenplay.
There are different elements that are needed to make a successful screenplay, some of these include;

• Scene Heading: Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" (A one line description of the location and time of day, should always be in CAPS. Example: EXT. SCHOOL ENTRANCE - DAY, this shows that its outside the school entrance during the day)
• Action: Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" (Narrative description of the events of a scene, written in present tense)
• Character: Indent: Left: 2.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 2.0" (When a character is introduced his name should be capitalised within the action. For example, The door opens and in walks JADEN, a teenager with a bad taste in fashion) shade
• Dialogue: Indent: Left: 1.0" Right: 1.5" Width: 3.5" (Speech for each character. Used anytime a character is heard speaking on or off screen or even for voice overs)
• Extension: Placed after the characters name, in parentheses to indicate how the voice will be heard on screen. For example (V.O) is Voice over
• Transition: Indent: Left: 4.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 2.0" (Film editing instructions, includes; CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO, FADE TO, etc.
• Shot: Indent: Left: 0.0" Right: 0.0" Width: 6.0" (What camera shot is used)

Below is where some of the above should be in a screenplay