How To Format A Screenplay - 5 Basic Elements : FRIDAY 101

This week, Russell goes over five basic elements of screenplay formatting. Next week, we discuss more advanced formatting, and answer any questions you have about how to format in any special situations.

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If you have a question, are seeking advice (FILMMAKING advice, Russ is NOT, in fact, a licensed therapist), or were just wondering about anything at all film or video related, send an email to:
Or tweet Russell @RussellRules, hashtag: #Friday101
Even quick, simple questions will do.

Have something to add to any of the topics we discussed on this episode? Send us a video response, or a Youtube link via email, and record yourself weighing in!

If you have made a movie and want advice as to how it could be better, send a Youtube link, listed or unlisted, to:
and let Russell know you want your movie put on THE CHOPPING BLOCK!

Intro Video by Anthony De Coninck (aka Stylow)

Theme Music by Abhilash Buch

Additional Music by Kevin MacLeod
"Highlight Reel"
"Hotrock"

[maystone]

1 - Slug Line - 2:05 2 - Action - 2:46
3 - Name - 3:57 4 - Dialogue - 4:29
5 - parentheticals - 4:47

[Afrotechmods]

Such a simple thing, but I have always wanted to know how to properly format a screenplay like a pro. Thank you.

[anteradeljic]

You can always tell how good someones ability to make a screenplay is based on their ability to make a how to video.And the fact that this guy explained 5 things in six minutes makes him worthy an academy award.

[merdemoiii-]

I’ve written since I was 16, I’ve made tons of dumb little passion projects and I hope to direct and write my own films maybe to be picked up by A24 or Netflix or studios that really cater towards the stories and the characters rather than the action or profitability of it. I’m 19 now and in the USMC which doesn’t grant me much time to write but there’s this idea that’s been in my head for YEARS and I vow to put it on paper… and eventually hopefully into peoples minds. Let’s hope it happens boys

[brethren]

Thank you, I'm 16, I already write many screenplays, but I like the way you describe everything in a simple way, it helps us noobs out

[AJ-vjes]

Thank you, I’m writing my first screenplay in hopes this is what can get me out there. I know it’s a big dream but I genuinely believe my story is like no other heard before, and i believe if and when I finish writing it in a screenplay format, it will do really well in todays society as a successful film.

[zeratul]

hours of writing, frustration, anxiety, rejection, and disappointment? LETS DO YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES


"If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful."
-Eric Thomas

[auggiemain]

"If you're watching this in the future."
*laughs in 7 years later*

[jeddr]

I just finished a screenwriting course in college, got a distinction for my script.

My tutor got into such detail on how to keep the story rolling, it's insane how difficult it is to keep your audience engaged and how suspense and tension keeps it flowing and keeps you interested.

[JUNKTV]

Omg this is amazing. Love it. I just learned so much in under 7 mins. I just wrote my first script and now I can go back and change some stuff to the right way after seeing this. So proud of myself because I didnt a lot that you mentioned. Thank you so much. Can't wait to start fliming soon and put everything on here.

[Russarino]

During the live show, what I had written had me worried the episode would just be too short, like 2-3 minutes, lol, that's why I was seeming unsure of it. But I fleshed it out and was happy with the final length! Glad you enjoyed it, and good luck writing!

[josephhoffman]

I am trying to write a script for a student running production and this has helped me SO MUCH! You just earned another subscriber!

[coleschott]

DIRECT, TO THE POINT. NO NONSENSE. EXCELLENT INFORMATION. GOOD VIDEO.

[GIBro-mmdj]

Quick, concise and informative. Everything I need to get started for my short film. Thanks

[lenandov]

There's so many videos about content. THIS is what I've been looking for.

THIS video shows a curious writer WHAT comes NEXT on the page.

Thank you!

[mr.christophersmiles]

my gosh, it's hard to find a good enough video to teach me these things, let alone an entire channel dedicated to screen play and more. you are great, thank you.

[WriteForScreen]

A great video that helps newbies with some basic but needed info. Keep up the great work! 🙏

[RimstarOrg]

Not a formatting question, but if you do one on content, what level of detail do you put in and what level do you leave for the director? And from the other point of view, what level do director usually want?

[eurotrash]

Thank you for staying on task and keeping the video short and concise. Tired of YouTube videos that are 90% fluff/ads and 10% content.

[hankerino]

Thanks man, for the refresher course, I've always relied on the software to do it for me but it better to know the basics! And I've been using celtx for 2 yrs now.