Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out in scriptwriting, having a structured template can be an invaluable tool to streamline the writing process. A good script template helps maintain industry-standard formatting, which is crucial when submitting scripts to agents, producers, or production companies. In this article, we will explore different types of script writing templates and how to use them to craft your script efficiently.
1. What Is a Script Writing Template?
A script writing template is a pre-formatted document that outlines the structure of a script, ensuring that the writer follows the correct industry-standard layout. These templates typically include sections for scene headings, action descriptions, character names, dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, and more.
Using a template helps keep your script organized, professional, and readable, which is essential in the competitive world of scriptwriting.
2. Types of Script Writing Templates
There are several types of script templates based on the medium or genre of the script. Here are some of the most commonly used templates:
Feature Film Script Template
This template is for writing a full-length movie script. It includes:
- Scene Headings: Denoting the location and time of day (e.g., INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY).
- Action Lines: Describes what’s happening visually in the scene.
- Character Names and Dialogue: Indicating who’s speaking and their dialogue.
- Parentheticals: Optional brief descriptions of how the character delivers the line (e.g., (angrily)).
- Transitions: Instructions for how one scene flows into the next (e.g., CUT TO).
TV Script Template
Television scripts, particularly for sitcoms or drama series, have their own unique format. The TV script template includes:
- Act Breaks: Dividing the script into different acts, often with cliffhangers or important plot developments at the end of each act.
- Teases and Taglines: Special scenes that are sometimes included at the start and end of a TV episode.
- Character and Dialogue Sections: Similar to the feature film template but may include specific formatting for multi-camera shows (e.g., for sitcoms).
Short Film Script Template
Short films are typically no longer than 30 minutes, so their script templates are designed to focus on brevity and efficiency. The structure is more condensed, focusing on:
- Opening Scene: Brief but impactful introduction.
- Conflict: A central problem or situation the protagonist must face.
- Resolution: A concise ending that ties up the plot.
Stage Play Script Template
For theatrical scripts, the stage play template usually follows a structure that includes:
- Act and Scene Divisions: Each play is divided into acts and scenes, and each scene is formatted with scene headings and descriptions.
- Dialogue and Stage Directions: The dialogue is typically centered, and stage directions are written in italics.
- Character Introductions: Often includes detailed character descriptions before the first appearance in the script.
Audio Script Template
For radio or podcast scripts, this template is formatted differently:
- Sound Effects: Written in uppercase, describing the sound elements that support the story.
- Dialogue: Focused on clear speaker identification and timing, as the audience can only hear but not see the actions.
3. Basic Elements of a Script Writing Template
All script writing templates, regardless of the format, contain several key components that form the backbone of the screenplay. These include:
Scene Headings
A scene heading provides the basic setting for the scene, usually written in all caps and includes:
- INT. or EXT. (indicating whether the scene is indoors or outdoors).
- Location (e.g., “LIVING ROOM”).
- Time of day (e.g., “DAY” or “NIGHT”).
Action Lines
Action lines describe what is happening in the scene. This section should be concise and direct, using vivid, active verbs to bring the story to life.
Character Names
Character names are typically centered above their dialogue. When introducing a character for the first time, you may include a brief description of the character (appearance, age, etc.).
Dialogue
The character’s spoken words are placed under their name, typically aligned with the left margin.
Parentheticals
Parentheticals are optional and used to describe how a character says a line or to clarify something about the action. For example, “JOHN (smiling):”.
Transitions
These are used to indicate how one scene transitions to the next. Common transitions include “CUT TO:”, “FADE IN:”, “DISSOLVE TO:”, etc.
4. Using Script Writing Templates
To get started with scriptwriting, you can use pre-made templates that are available in various formats. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Choose the Right Template: Select a template that fits your script’s genre and format. If you’re writing a short film, make sure to use a short film script template, and similarly for a TV script or feature film.
- Stay Organized: Follow the structure of the template, filling in each section systematically. Don’t skip over any formatting details, as these are crucial for readability.
- Write Concisely: Templates are designed to help you keep your script structured, but it’s up to you to focus on concise, engaging writing that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Edit and Revise: Once you’ve completed your draft, use the template’s structure to review and ensure that the script flows logically, the scenes transition smoothly, and all dialogue serves a purpose.
5. Script Writing Software and Tools
While you can certainly create a script from scratch using word processing software, there are dedicated tools that offer customizable templates to help you write scripts in the correct format. Some popular scriptwriting software includes:
- Final Draft: Industry-standard software for screenwriting with built-in templates for film, TV, and stage plays.
- Celtx: A user-friendly platform that provides templates for various script types, and also offers cloud-based collaboration tools.
- WriterDuet: An online scriptwriting tool that allows writers to collaborate in real-time, offering templates for different formats.
- Trelby: A free screenwriting software that features professional script templates.
Script writing templates are essential tools that help you stay organized, follow industry standards, and focus on crafting compelling narratives. By choosing the right template for your project, whether it’s for a short film, TV script, or feature film, you can ensure that your script is well-structured and ready for submission. Whether you’re working with professional software or using a simple document, the template is your roadmap to writing success in the world of screenwriting.