Production Glossary
Screenplay
A screenplay, also known as a script, is a piece of work drafted by a screenwriter that is created specifically for TV programs (teleplay) or film. The actions of characters, along with their activity, countenance, and conversation are all described. Most often screenplays are of original ideas and content, but it is common for other author’s works, such as novels or plays, to be adapted for the screen.The primary makings of a screenplay are dialogue and action. All action is composed in the present tense, leaving the dialogue to be spoken by the characters themselves. Slug lines, used only in screenplays, give the details of each scene (i.e. EXT. GARDEN-BENCH-DAY).
Screenplays conform to a very specific format. In the US, both letter size paper and Courier 12 point font are required. Europe employs the A4 paper size format without the font regulation. The second formatting mandate relates to the tab settings of a scene’s essential elements (i.e. progressions, discourse, explanations, and scene headings). These rules ensure that each page of a script equals one minute of screen time.
A specific trend of grammar lends itself to the composition of a screenplay. The screenwriter uses prose that concentrates on that which is both visible and audible to the audience. Rarely will the writer offer insight or commentary unless it is necessary for clarification. A systematized process of notation indicates technical and expressive elements (i.e. a change in the point of view of the narrative, progression from one scene to another, or a character’s dialogue that is spoken off screen).
A screenplay can be labeled either a spec screenplay or a commissioned screenplay. A spec screenplay is written without the stipulation of compensation and is most commonly an original work that the screenwriter desires to have bought and produced. A commissioned screenplay is authored by a hired writer. Usually, the idea for a show or movie is already established and one or more screenwriters are brought in to formulate a script for production.
Although typewriters used to be the machine of choice for screenwriters, computer programs specifically designed to compose screenplays are now available (i.e. Montage, Movie Magic Screenwriter, Movie Outline 3.0, Celtx, FiveSprockets, and DreamaScript).
