Anatomy of a Screenplay — Movie Script Format Explained (And Why It Matters)

The Anatomy of a Screenplay — the ultimate guide to screenplay format, the elements of a film script, and why these things are so important in the filmmaking process.

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Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Screenplay Formatting
01:00 - History of the Screenplay
03:32 - Chapter 1: Screenplay Elements
11:31 - Chapter 2: Formatting
16:45 - Chapter 3: Creative Applications
21:24 - Takeaways

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THE ANATOMY OF A SCREENPLAY

The screenplay is a medium every knows but there is a lot more going on in this form than people realize. In this video, we’re going to look at the history of the screenplay, movie script format and why it’s important, and some creative exceptions that push the artform forward.

ELEMENTS OF A FILM SCRIPT

There are six basic elements in the anatomy of a film script and their format and function is 99% consistent from script to script. These include the scene heading, action/description, character, dialogue, parentheticals, and transitions. Scene headings denote the location and time of day a scene takes place, as well as whether it is an interior or exterior scene. The action/description provides all the non-dialogue storytelling — introducing characters, describing the action from beat to beat, etc. Character cues mark a specific character’s dialogue, which can be augmented with parentheticals for more direction on the delivery of the dialogue. And finally, transitions can be included to mark the definition switch between scenes, especially if that switch contains relevant storytelling material.

THE PURPOSE OF MOVIE SCRIPT FORMAT

The reason why movie script format is so uniform goes back to the days when making movies was more like a factory assembly line. This allows ADs and producers to accurately estimate critical information like budget and schedule. On average, each page of properly formatted script equals a minute of screentime. That page is then divided into 1/8ths to schedule each shooting day.

For beginning writers, it is important to follow these “rules” because the people who decide whether to buy and/or produce your script expect “professionalism” and something familiar they can recognize an assess. If you hand in a script that follows none of these rules, your chances of it being read passed page one are slim to none.

You might have the best idea for a script but unless you understand the anatomy of a screenplay and the in’s and out’s of movie script format, it might never see the light of day.

#FilmTheory #VideoEssay #Filmmaking

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♬ SONGS USED:

“Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin
“Main Theme (The Shining)” by Wendy Carlos and Rachel Elkind
“Seance” by Snowman
“Ægus” by Makeup and Vanity Set
“Welcome” by Justin Hurwitz
“Searching For ET” by John Williams
“Main Title (Maps to the Stars)” by Howard Shore
“Quantum IV” by Makeup and Vanity Set
“Tannhäuser Gate” by Makeup and Vanity Set
“The Alien” by Ben Salisbury & Geoff Barrow
“Imhotep” by Jerry Goldsmith
“The House That Hårga Built” - Bobby Krlic
“Main Title (Willy Wonka)” by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley
“American Psycho” by John Cale
“Carson City” by Mark Mancini & Trevor Rabin
“The Secret of the Scrolls” by John Williams
“Training Montage” by Vince DiCola
“Rubber Band Man” by The Spinners
“Memory Gospel” by Moby
“Los Paramos” by Makeup and Vanity Set
“Mulholland Drive Main Theme” by Angelo Badalamenti
“Crush” by makeup and Vanity Set
“20-30” by Red Licorice
“Main Titles (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)” by Danny Elfman
“Apogee” by Longlake
“Welcome to Jurassic Park” - John Williams
“Name of the Game” by The Crystal Method
“Bathroom Dance” by Hildur Guðnadóttir
“Drive In” by Jon Brion
“Malcolm and Martin” by The Natural Spiritual Orchestra
“Lady Bird” by Jon Brion
“Halloween Theme” by John Carpenter
“Julia” by Makeup and Vanity Set

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[StudioBinder]

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Screenplay Formatting
01:00 - History of the Screenplay
03:32 - Chapter 1: Screenplay Elements
11:31 - Chapter 2: Formatting
16:45 - Chapter 3: Creative Applications
21:24 - Takeaways

[SomewhatAbnormal]

These are very specific details about how a script is structured, down to specific measurements for indenting and margins, and one of the best I’ve seen!

[naweed]

Int. Room - Day
Naweed is experiencing immense happiness after acquiring a profound understanding of screenplay writing, all thanks to the invaluable lessons provided by the StudioBinder YouTube channel.

[Shields]

This is (of course) one of the better explanations of screenplay formatting. Which, I’d expect nothing less from studiobinder. This channel never ceases to amaze me

[teacherofteachers]

When I was young I was overwhelmed by the enormity of two things: (A) learning to write in the framework of a screenplay and (B) thinking of anything to write about in the first place. So, I tackled the first problem first. I cracked open an old short novel I liked and typed it up in screenplay format. It gave me that "Hell, I can do this!" feeling. (Events took me elsewhere and I'm just now getting back to this rather late in life, so I love StudioBinder.)

[arieelloo]

Is it legal to make videos like this for free? I mean Studiobinder, you are amazing. May happiness be with you and the entire Studiobinder crew. Love from the heart

[chaesare]

I must say just wow again. I had no idea about the strict rules referring to movie script writing. I have to admit, I do now respect these professionals in the business a lot more than I did before. Understanding there’s way more to it than (most important, of course) creativity. So kudos to all writers in the field and thank you once more for an eye and mind opening video. Being the capital COURIER of filming insights, I’ll stay FONT of you.

[Dismythed]

Top notch. I've been watching video after video of how to write a movie script—Pretenders!—but this video outshines them like they were in the shadows and this is the bright sunlight. It's three times as much info as all of them put together. THIS is how the pros do it.

Having watched this video, you now have all you need to write a script. Stop watching any more videos on scriptwriting and WRITE!

[KyleLazorko]

Quite literally such a perfect concise video. The way this channel has helped me over the last few months is insurmountable.
Thank you StudioBinder!!!

Growing to be a better writer everyday.

[OPAHco]

This video came at the perfect time given the writers strike. Such a great channel thank you studio binder!

[filmreviewer]

Clear, precise and easy to follow. Nice video.

[vinilima]

Even though I have written at least 4 scripts, this video is literally the most important video about screenplay structure ever made !! LITERALLY!!! ❤❤❤👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 A lot of important pieces of information!!

[tonatiuhaguilar]

I've seen several videos explaining the screenplay and none of the others are as clear as this one. It gives you background history about the format, what are the elements of the screenplay format, how to use them in different ways, advice on what to do and what not to do, and examples of how some writers break the rules to show what they want us to see. Brilliant!

[adrienneclarke]

When this channel blows up, it will blow up big.
I dont even watch movies or tv or much streaming, just youtube and i find every one of your videos so interesting.

[thesomeofawe]

This is such a well rundown of script formatting. Really well done. Perfect for people starting screenwriting

[ashleylodewyk]

Just when I thought I knew it all where screenwriting formatting is concerned, StudioBinder shows me that I don't. Thanx again, mate!

[nhzlsxu]

A welcome change from the regular videos. A definative masterclass on screenplay 101. Loved it.

[DonovanPresents]

This is the most useful screenwriting video I've seen yet! I've had quite a few questions on screenwriting answered through this video, so thank you!

[christophermotley]

StudioBinder is free film school. Nice video.

[drewo.]

Halfway through this and I can personally confirm I needed this! (Been very busy and only recently just got some time to breathe, and I decided to finally get started on the first draft of the script for my short film!) This comprehensive break down of a traditional script structure is just what I needed to help me get a starting idea on how to print my concept in a way that is professional, or at least understandable to others!