●
Parentheses: Very brief descriptions of the
dialogue that follows, such as (loudly).
●
Dialogue: Lines spoken by the characters.
●
Transitions: Type of transitions between
scenes, such as CUT TO or DISSOLVE TO.
●
Headers: Identifi cations for each new scene,
such as INT–THE KITCHEN–DAY.
Nonfi ction Script Format
The traditional nonfi ction script layout
consists of two vertical columns with the visuals
on one side of the page and the dialogue,
narration, and other audio on the other side. The
problem is that this side-by-side layout can be
inconvenient to use in a word processing program.
Word processors with a “parallel protect” option can
work in two column format, because they ensure
that each paragraph on the audio side remains
directly opposite its related shot on the video side.
For convenience, nonfi ction scripts (like the
following excerpt) are sometimes formatted over-
and-under, instead of side-by-side (Figure 9-10).
4. A revised draft of the script incorporates
the client’s changes.
5. The revised script draft is reviewed by the
client and further changes are ordered. If all
is going well, these changes do not require a
complete third draft, but only a refi nement
of the second one.
Common Script Formats
In professional productions, video scripts
have standardized formats that are adhered to
rigidly—so rigidly, in fact, that failure to use the
right format is considered the mark of an amateur.
Final Draft® software, discussed below, even has
a template for the special format preferred by
Warner Brothers Studios.
Fiction Script Format
The formatting of movie and TV scripts
includes so many rules that at least one entire
textbook has been written on this subject alone.
However, an Internet search will offer several
detailed guides on script formatting. Once you
have learned the rules, you can then set up word
processor paragraph styles to automate the
process (Figure 9-9). The main styles include:
●
Action: Margin-to-margin descriptions of
people, places, and actions.
●
Character: Names of characters speaking.
Figure 9-9 Word processor styles customized for
screenplay writing.
25.
VIDEO TWO SHOT: The GIRL brings in a toy
sailboat and sets it on the table.
AUDIO GIRL: Mom, the rudder broke!
26.
VIDEO OTS on the GIRL.
AUDIO GIRL: Can you fi x it?
27.
VIDEO OTS on MOM
AUDIO MOM: Sure! I’ll get the drill.
28.
VIDEO CU drilling a hole in the sailboat
rudder.
AUDIO SFX: Drill whirring.
Figure 9-10 Over-and-under nonfiction script style.
Chapter 9 Project Development 169