Drafting in Script Form

It’s drafting time!

Yesterday, we looked at the benefits of script drafts. If you’re here, you likely read the previous article. If you missed it, I suggest doing so. For now, it’s time to learn.

I hear you now: “Where in tarnation do I start?” Let’s do a little checklist.

• A screenwriting program, site, or app (there are lots of free ones out there. I use Fade In)
• An outline (even a sentence describing one chapter will do)

It’s probably best to test your skills on a small piece to gather your bearings. For all intents and purposes, I will use examples from a fun piece.

Set the Scene

The scene is the first thing people notice. Sight and Sound are fundamental. Interactions take care of the rest. New scenes are indicated like so: INT./EXT. (interior or exterior) LOCATION – TIME OF DAY.

Describe the surroundings:

INT. GREEN ROOM – NIGHT
Cream walls. Green carpet. Coffee station. Muzak plays on PA system. Art Nouveau painting on the wall.

See how I wrote the line? Everything is brief. I did say it looked boring, but you’ll retain it this way. A lot of writers still use full sentences, but this is personal preference.

Introduce the Characters

BYAKUYA TOUGAMI (20s), a bleach blond man with glasses and sharp eyes, walks in. Stares at the painting. Strokes his chin.

This is a new paragraph. Even characters get basic descriptions. Note how is Byakuya is a new character. New characters’ names are written in all caps the first time. Afterwards, capitalised as normal. The age bracket is used for actor recruitment, but gives an idea of their appearance.

Byakuya’s Not Alone?

Let’s assume he’s not for this exercise. To depict two characters, separate their actions between lines.

Byakuya takes a sandwich. Looks back at the painting.

Larry watches. Holds his coffee in both hands.

What about the Painting?

Is it important? Maybe take a closer look. Your new line is a SHOT. Find the shot option in your program.

PAINTING
Abstract. Thick brush strokes. Bright colours.

How does Byakuya feel about it?

Byakuya cocks his head. Grimaces.

What about dialogue?

After a line, press TAB and fill out the name and dialogue. No need to insert quotation marks.

BYAKUYA
(Under breath)
What is this mess?

The cue in parentheses is for physical delivery such as imitation or distinct accents. To insert this quickly, press TAB after entering the name.

Never use this for emotions. Use actions to convey emotion, like I did in the previous step. Silence and screaming are actions, therefore they don’t belong in dialogue.

My Character’s Face is Concealed?

Indicate this when you plan to hide their face in-story. Don’t forget to describe their face at the reveal! Use (O.S.) or (O.C.) beside the character’s name in dialogue.

There You Have It!

Your first scene is complete, and the basics are down pat! The rest is history. Now, do it again. I’m tempted to post more tips on script etiquette, but we’ll leave that for the final addition: Hot Tips on Draft Scripts.

It would be awesome to read your scripts! I have my own to write, but surely I can find time in my day. If you wish to send me yours, drop it in the comments with your work and I’ll give you a summary of my thoughts.