Basic Elements of a Film Script for BEGINNERS! (How To Format, Read and Write a Screenplay!)

Summary

In this informative video, Mikayla Lizac, a professional actress with nine years of experience, introduces viewers to the essential elements of a film script. She explains terms like slug lines, action lines, and dialogue formatting, providing clarity on how to write for film. Mikayla also clarifies the difference between 'off screen' and 'off camera' dialogue, and the use of parentheticals for direction. The video is a helpful guide for aspiring actors and filmmakers, aiming to demystify film language and scriptwriting.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The video is an educational resource for understanding the elements of a film script.
• 🔍 The 'slug line' or 'scene header' is crucial as it sets the time and setting of a scene, using terms like 'interior' (INT) or 'exterior' (EXT).
• 🏠 'INT' stands for interior and 'EXT' for exterior, specifying whether the scene takes place inside or outside.
• 🔄 'I-E' or 'Interior-Exterior' can be used in slug lines to indicate a setting that transitions from inside to outside or vice versa.
• 📝 Slug lines should be specific to avoid confusion in production, affecting set design, lighting, and sound adjustments.
• 🕰 After the setting, the slug line specifies the time of day or other temporal details like 'day', 'night', or 'moments later'.
• 🤔 Creative liberties can be taken with slug lines to convey a specific tone or atmosphere, like using 'dark abyss' instead of a standard setting.
• 🏃‍♀️ 'Action lines' follow slug lines, providing more detailed descriptions of what is happening in the scene.
• 🎭 Capitalization in scripts is used for emphasis or to highlight important props, characters, or sounds when they are first introduced.
• 🗣️ 'Dialogue breaks' format the script for spoken lines, with character names in all caps when first introduced, and potential notes for delivery.
• 👥 'Off-screen' (OS) and 'Off-camera' (OC) are terms used to indicate whether a character is in the same room or space as the scene's action.
• 📚 Parentheticals provide specific directions for how a character should say their lines, offering nuanced guidance for actors.
• 🔄 Transitions at the bottom of scenes indicate the pacing and tone of the piece, with different types of cuts and transitions for different effects.
• 📑 The script format can vary greatly depending on the type of production, such as multi-camera comedies versus procedural dramas.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of a slug line in a film script?

A slug line, also known as a scene header, establishes the time and setting for a scene in a film script. It typically starts with 'INT' (interior) or 'EXT' (exterior) to specify the location and may include additional details like the specific place and time of the scene.

Why is it important to specify 'interior' or 'exterior' in a slug line?

Specifying 'interior' or 'exterior' in a slug line is crucial because it helps the production team understand the setting of the scene. This information affects set dressing, lighting, and sound adjustments, ensuring that the scene is prepared correctly for filming.

What does 'INT' stand for in a slug line?

'INT' stands for 'interior' and is used in a slug line to indicate that the scene takes place inside a building or enclosed space.

What does 'EXT' stand for in a slug line?

'EXT' stands for 'exterior' and is used in a slug line to indicate that the scene takes place outside, typically in an open environment.

What is the difference between 'OS' and 'OC' in a script?

'OS' stands for 'off screen', meaning the character is talking but not in the same room or space as the scene. 'OC' stands for 'on camera' or 'over camera', indicating the character is in the same room as the scene and visible to the camera.

Why are character names capitalized when first introduced in a script?

Character names are capitalized when first introduced in a script to draw attention to their introduction and make it clear to the reader that they are being introduced for the first time.

What is the purpose of action lines in a script?

Action lines provide detailed descriptions of what is happening in a scene, including character actions, movements, and important props. They help the reader and the production team visualize the scene and understand the actions of the characters.

What is a parenthetical in a script, and how is it used?

A parenthetical in a script is a set of directions for the actor or the way they are supposed to say their lines. It is used to provide additional details about the character's actions or emotions without taking up a whole action line.

How does a screenwriter indicate that a character is talking about a specific object in their dialogue?

A screenwriter can use a parenthetical to specify what a character is talking about. For example, 're: coffee, why is it so cold?' helps the actor understand that they are referring to the coffee, not the weather.

What is the role of transitions in a script?

Transitions in a script, placed at the bottom left corner of a scene, establish the tone and pacing of the piece. They guide the director and editor on how scenes should flow together, whether through cuts, fades, or other cinematic techniques.

Why are dialogue breaks important in a script?

Dialogue breaks are important in a script because they clearly separate the character's name from their spoken lines. This formatting helps the reader easily identify who is speaking and how their dialogue is structured within the scene.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Introduction to Film Script Elements

In this introductory paragraph, Mikayla Lizac, a professional actress with nine years of experience, welcomes viewers to her channel and introduces the topic of the video. She aims to educate viewers, particularly new actors and writers, on the various elements and terminology used in film scripts. The video promises to demystify the film language for newcomers and includes a brief mention of her credentials and a call to action for viewers to subscribe for career guidance in the film and television industry.

05:02

📝 Understanding Slug Lines and Action Lines

This paragraph delves into the specifics of slug lines, which are used to establish the time and setting of a scene in a script. It explains the use of 'int' for interior and 'ext' for exterior, as well as the combination of both with 'I-E'. The importance of specificity in scene setting is emphasized to avoid confusion during production. The paragraph also covers the structure of action lines, which provide detailed descriptions of what is happening in the scene, including character actions and important props. The use of capitalization for emphasis and clarity in scripts is also discussed.

10:04

🗣️ Dialogue Formatting and Script Notations

The focus of this paragraph is on dialogue formatting within a script, including character names, dialogue lines, and dialogue notes. It clarifies the difference between 'V.O.' (voice over), 'O.S.' (off screen), and 'O.C.' (off camera), explaining how these notations guide the reader or production team about the character's location in relation to the scene. Parentheticals are introduced as a way to provide specific direction for character actions or line delivery without using a full action line. The paragraph also touches on the use of transitions and cuts, which are placed at the bottom of a scene to indicate changes in the narrative or visual flow.

Keywords

💡Slug Line

A slug line, also known as a scene header, is a crucial element in a film script that specifies the setting and time of a scene. It typically starts with 'INT' for interior or 'EXT' for exterior, followed by the location and time of day. In the video, the slug line 'interior viewers bedroom night' is used to set the scene in a bedroom at night, which helps establish the mood and context for the reader or production team.

💡Action Lines

Action lines in a script describe what is happening in a scene, providing visual and physical details that guide the actors and the production crew. They are essential for setting the stage and conveying the narrative. In the script, 'an attractive young woman stacey, 20s checks her appearance in a bathroom mirror' is an example of an action line that describes the character's actions and appearance.

💡Character Name

In a script, the character name is used to identify the person who is performing the action or speaking the dialogue. It is usually written in all caps when first introduced to avoid confusion. In the video, 'STACY' is presented in all caps when she is first introduced, indicating her as a new character to the reader.

💡Dialogue Breaks

Dialogue breaks separate the spoken lines of different characters in a script, making it clear who is saying what. Each character's dialogue is placed under their name, sometimes accompanied by a dialogue note or direction. In the script, dialogue breaks are used to distinguish between the lines of different characters, such as 'Kira' and 'Stacy'.

💡Parentheticals

Parentheticals are directions for actors within a script, placed in parentheses next to the character's dialogue. They provide additional context or instructions on how a line should be delivered. For example, the script might say '(Handing receipts)' to indicate the action taking place while the line is being spoken.

💡Voice Over (V.O.)

A voice over, abbreviated as V.O., is a narrative technique where a character's voice is heard but not seen on screen. It is used to provide internal thoughts or commentary. The video explains that V.O. is a direction for actors and production to understand that the character's voice is coming from off-screen.

💡Off Screen (O.S.)

Off screen, denoted as O.S., refers to dialogue that is heard from a character who is not physically present in the scene. It is used to indicate that the character is in a different location. In the script, 'Kira O.S.' would mean that Kira is speaking from another room or space.

💡On Camera (O.C.)

On camera, or O.C., is the opposite of off screen, indicating that the character is visible and present in the scene. This is important for directing the camera angles and actor placement. The video contrasts O.C. with O.S. to clarify the difference in character presence.

💡Transitions

Transitions in a script dictate how scenes change, affecting the pace and tone of the narrative. They can be as simple as a cut or as complex as a match cut or jump cut. The video mentions 'jump cut' as an example of a transition that might suggest a fast and energetic change in pace.

💡Formatting

Formatting in a script refers to the layout and style in which the text is presented. It includes the arrangement of slug lines, action lines, character names, dialogue, and transitions. Proper formatting is essential for clarity and professional presentation. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding different script formats, such as those for comedies or dramas.

💡Screenwriting

Screenwriting is the art and craft of writing scripts for films, television shows, or other visual media. It involves creating dialogue, action lines, and scene directions to tell a story. The video provides an overview of screenwriting elements, emphasizing the complexity and creativity involved in the process.

Highlights

The video aims to educate viewers on the elements of a film script, focusing on script terminology and lingo.

Mikayla Lizac, a professional actress, presents the video to assist new actors and writers in understanding film scripts.

A slug line or scene header is introduced as the starting point of a scene, specifying the setting and time.

INT and EXT abbreviations are explained, representing interior and exterior scenes respectively.

The importance of specifying whether a scene is interior or exterior for production purposes is emphasized.

Action lines are detailed as the narrative part of a script that describes what is happening in a scene.

Character names in action lines are capitalized when first introduced, aiding recognition for the reader.

Props and important sounds are also capitalized in action lines to denote their significance.

Dialogue breaks and formatting for character speech are explained, including the use of dialogue notes.

VO, OS, and OC are differentiated, with explanations for voice over, off screen, and on camera dialogue.

Parentheticals are introduced as directions for actors on how to deliver their lines.

The use of parentheticals to clarify what an actor is referring to in their dialogue is demonstrated.

Transitions and cuts are described as elements that establish the tone and pacing of a film.

Different script formats are acknowledged, noting that they vary depending on the type of production.

The video concludes with an invitation for viewers to share their favorite script element in the comments.

Mikayla encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with her channel for more screenwriting content.

A call to action for viewers to like the video to help it reach a wider audience is presented.

Transcripts

[Music]

having a hard time understanding the

difference between os and oc are you

unsure about what a parenthetical is or

what a slug line is then this video is

for you hello lovely people my name is

mikayla lizac welcome to my channel or

welcome back to my channel if you're new

here

hey

what

today i'm going to be showing you all

the different elements of a film script

i totally understand film language is

definitely foreign to a lot of new

people who are in the industry and if

you're a new actor or new writer you

might need a little bit of help so i'm

going to show you guys all the different

terms and the lingo used within film

scripts if you don't already know who i

am hi again i already said my name my

name is michaela lizac i'm a

professional actress of nine years imdb

resume in the description and i help

aspiring actors and filmmakers try and

break into the film and television

industry hit subscribe so i can help you

navigate your career or maybe you can

just follow me on mine we are like a

family here we help each other out help

each other try and be successful without

further ado let's get right on into the

video

i think it's pretty fitting that we

start out with what starts a scene and

that would be the slug line or a scene

header a slug line or scene header

establishes the time and the setting for

your reader or for the production at the

start of your slug line you're usually

going to see three letters and it can

either be int or ext but what do these

mean int stands for interior and ext

stands for exterior sometimes you can

also see i dash e and this means both

interior and exterior the reason we use

interior and exterior is so that we're

specific about our setting we're

specific about our setting guys take for

example if your scene just says coffee

house day and there's no interior or

exterior this will definitely cause some

confusion for everybody in the

production having something inside

versus outside for production changes

everything set dressers and lighting and

sound they all have to adjust to being

outside or inside so it's very important

to be specific and it all starts with

interior or exterior after interior or

exterior you're going to have your

setting which is where your scene takes

place this could be as intimate as a

coffee house or a bedroom to something

way bigger like an airport or space

space and sometimes in your slug lines

it can go from a larger area to a

smaller area for example you can put

exterior beach towel bar day so it just

makes things a little more specific

after you're setting you're going to

want to specify time so you're going to

specify whether your scene takes place

in the day or at night or

later or moments later or it's

continuous from another scene to that

current scene and sometimes creative

liberties are taken with slug lines for

example if you have a setting that it's

not really clear what time it is or if

it's inside or outside for example a

dark abyss instead of putting like

interior dark abyss day you can just put

dark abyss and then go into your action

line slug lines can be

very practical and they can be a little

more artistic it just depends on what

type of film you're writing and what

tone you want to convey in your script i

think slug lines are pretty fun and if

you agree give this video a thumbs up

thank you for the thumbs up

if you didn't slugline is very offended

he'll find you in your sleep

interior viewers bedroom night slug line

creeps up to your name lying in bed fast

asleep

holding a knife

don't let that be you

don't let that be you

after our slug lines we have our action

lines those are right down below them

slug lines action lines are pretty

self-explanatory and they're very

important they give the reader and the

production more detail about the scene

what's going on let me pull up one of

the scenes i have written so this is

what you can usually expect from an

action line interior apartment bathroom

night an attractive young woman stacey

20s checks her appearance in a bathroom

mirror she fluffs out her blonde curls

and adjusts the straps of a sexy blue

dress

over here where it says stacy her name

is in all caps why is it in all caps

miss girl you're not gonna put your

character name in all caps all the time

you just capitalize your character's

name when they're first introduced to

the audience or first introduced in your

script right beside that in parentheses

you'll see a little 20s it just gives a

little more description about like the

character or whatever and also within

your action lines if there's a prop

that's very specific or important you

will also put that in all caps or maybe

sometimes sounds like if there's a knock

knock knock it's gonna be in all caps

usually it doesn't have to it can be

italicized again style she looks at a

knife it would be in all caps when

certain elements are important to the

story or they want emphasis a writer

will stylistically make the choice to

capitalize it after action lines we have

our dialogue breaks

dialogue now when it comes to formatting

dialogue within a script you're usually

going to have your character name on its

own line and their dialog lines right

under that now sometimes on the same

line of your character name you're going

to see a little dialogue note and it's

abbreviated what is this what does it

mean now sometimes these abbreviated

notes are for the production how this

dialogue is supposed to be said where

it's supposed to be said so there's a

variety of them so let me go over them v

o means voice over o s and o c these

sound very very similar but they are not

similar off screen means the person is

talking but they're not really in the

same room or the same space

kira is off screen so she's in another

room she's not in the same room she's

not in the bathroom she's yelling over

like stacey ready for a gossip girl

marathon whereas if it said kira oc then

kira would be in the same room and we

could literally have the camera pan over

and she's right there off camera is

really good for reveals when you're

writing next we have our parentheticals

these are more specific directions for

your character or for the way they're

supposed to say their lines it's a

smaller way to give that direction

without taking up a whole action line

for example a store employee is giving a

customer a receipt they can say have a

nice day and in a parenthetical it can

say handing receipts that's just like a

simple example of that it can be used to

explain to the actor how they should say

they're lying for example yelling

crying or it can be used to tell the

actor there needs to be a moment they're

talking and then there's a beat or a

change in thought then or a sigh or it

can help clarify to an actor what

specifically they're talking about for

example let's go back to the coffee shop

exterior coffee house day now we have

two characters outside and they're

drinking their coffee and one of them

says why is it so cold that's kind of a

vague statement for an actor we might

not know what our character is supposed

to be talking about are they talking

about why is it so cold outside why is

my coffee so cold so a way that a

screenwriter can specify that for an

actor is by saying re so in a

parenthetical they could say re-coffee

why is it so cold and it'll help us as

an actor understand how we should say

our mind because if it was re weather

why is it so cold we'd be looking up at

this guy we'd go like this why is it so

cold you know but if it was our coffee

we'd take somebody like why is it so

cool

take this back lastly we have our

transitions

and cuts now for transitions these go at

the bottom left corner of your scene now

transitions again establish more of the

tone of the piece uh the pacing how they

want to shoot it there's a whole bunch

of videos on the different types of cuts

and transitions so i'm not really going

to go over that in this for example if a

writer writes jump cut maybe we know the

pace of the sequence is fast and it's

energetic maybe if we have a match cut

that's a little more artistic or if we

just have a cut too and there are so

many other things like

pre-lapse and act breaks again there's

so many different script formats a

multicam comedy script is not going to

look the same as a five act procedural

drama there's different formatting with

the action lines in the dialogue because

comedy ones use double space and other

one doesn't so there's a lot of stuff

not every script is the same if you want

to learn more about the other types of

scripts you already know leave a comment

down below and let me know what you want

to see next if you want me to explain

more about this or if you literally

don't care and you want me to make

something else comment down below what

your favorite script element is

my favorite script element my favorite

element of script is definitely dialogue

i love no

this is hard actually i like action

lines because they force you to be

really concise but also say so much and

paint this picture i think action lines

are my favorite

dialogue's cool

i really like frick okay i'm torn but

let me know what your favorite element

of a script is in the comments below and

i would love to see what you guys think

and we can compare but yeah

screenwriting is very complex this is

just the basics of formatting there's so

much that goes into it i hope you guys

found this helpful and if you made it to

the end of the video don't forget to

leave without subscribing please like

this video so more people find this

video and my channel can grow it would

mean the world to me you can also follow

me on my instagram if you want more

screenwriting content be sure to check

out this video how to break down a

script i think it'll be really helpful

especially for actors it's a really good

one so i would say check out that video

i hope you have

i hope you have a lovely day or night

whenever it is for you and i will see

you

in the next one

[Music]

[Music]

you