Screenplay

Screenplay

A Screenplay is a written work by screenwriters for a film, television program, or video game. These scripts can be original works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing. In them, the movement, actions, expression, and dialogues of the characters are also narrated. A screenplay written for television is also known as a teleplay.

Structure

The structure of a screenplay can be broadly classified into three acts: the setup, confrontation, and resolution, following the classical model of dramatic structure. It also includes a detailed characterization, visual elements, and sound design. A screenplay for a feature film is typically between 90 and 120 pages, with each page roughly corresponding to a minute of screen time.

Format

The format of a screenplay is structured in a way that allows the various collaborators (directors, actors, cinematographers, etc.) to all interpret the script in the same way. This includes specific margin and tab settings, and the use of a monospaced font (usually 12 pt. Courier). The major components are action (also called a "slug line"), dialogue, and parentheticals.

Screenwriting

Screenwriting is the art and craft of writing scripts for mass media such as feature films, television productions, or video games. It is often a freelance profession. Screenwriters are responsible for researching the story, developing the narrative, writing the screenplay, and delivering it, in the required format, to development executives.

Screenwriting software

Screenwriting software are word processors specialized to the task of writing screenplays. Examples include Final Draft, Celtx, and Fade In.

See also

• List of film-related topics
• List of television-related topics
• List of video game-related topics