Games Night

A guide to the script format

Welcome. Not everyone may be accustomed to the format of a screenplay, so here is a brief but simple explanation that explains everything you are about to read. Due to Wattpad's format, I've have mentioned how things will look different in this piece. Enjoy.

SCENE HEADING

The scene heading tells the reader where the scene is taking place. INT means interior and that the scene is taking place inside, whilst EXT exterior means the scene is taking place outside. The heading will then have 'day' or 'night' to tell you what time of the day the scene is taking place. Scene headings will always be highlighted in grey (unless formatting automatically removes it)

Action -

Actions begin directly under the scene heading and tell the reader a bit about the scene location (sometimes) what the characters are doing, and what is happening around them. It also introduces characters. When a character is first mentioned on screen, their names are in written in capitals the first time and then normally for the rest of the script. Because of Wattpad's format, the actions will be in italics to avoid confusion.

Text - similar to actions, text will appear under scene headings. It is only used when text appears on screen, i.e. a location name appearing or on screen or time clarification, such as '10 years later' or 'to be continued'.

CHARACTER'S NAME - The character's name will appear like this roughly in the middle of the page. This will tell the reader who is speaking. Sometimes, it will have letters next to it. (V.O.) means voice over, meaning the character may not be visible but their voice is recorded over. Due to Wattpad's format, the names are set to the left.
SIDE NOTE: (O.S.) stands for off screen

Dialogue - The character's dialogue appears under their name, and begins slightly left of the character's name. Wattpad's format means the dialogue will be right next to the character's names.

(Parathentical) - Occasionally, a parathentical will appear under the character's name before their dialogue. This will tell the reader how a line is being said but only appears if needed at times.

TRANSITION

Before a scene heading, a transition will appear on the right side above it before the heading. This simply lets the reader know the scene is cutting to a new scene, or fading to black. This will be on the left due to Wattpad's formatting.

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