Script writing formats and conventions

Script writing formats and conventions.

Formats and conventions refers to how a script writer is expected to lay out each script they write.

A master script (A script without camera shots) is expected to start with the “courier” font on size 12 and start with slug lines.

Slug lines are written in bold before any dialogue, their purpose is to set the scene for the reader as they usually describe whether a scene is set on the interior or exterior, the time of day and where the scene is set.

Character names are written next in block capitals before any dialogue is written so that the reader is able to picture which character is saying what, the listing can also say whether the character is talking on or off-screen.

Dialogue is the main aspect of a script and it can be listed as one person talking or multiple talking at once, the dialogue is always listed directly beneath the character(s) name, included after the dialogue can be parentheticals which are used to go in to more detail on a piece of dialogue and can determine whether the dialogue is spoken through a phone for example.

Going in to conventions means starting with the language being used whether it's formal or informal and the dialogue must be short sentences to make it sound good to the reader, this is known as being "written for the ear". Writing for the ear means to use everyday words that you would often hear and not words that nobody uses while also using contractions.
The tone of a character must match the content, so if the dialogue is mellow or sad then the character must also be mellow and sad to portray his/her emotions