Screen Writing

A close look at the Dark Knight

Slugline

INT / EXT = Is your scene internal or external (inside or outside)

Location = Where is your scene. Eg. Forest, Tower, etc

Time of day = When is the scene taking placeEg. Morning,

Afternoon, Night

Action

• Action runs from left to right the full width of the page.

• Use the active voice. Eg The door slams shut NOT the door is slammed shut.

• Always write in the present tense.• If the detail is essential to the story put it in

otherwise leave it out.

Dialogue

• The characters name is always in CAPITALS and is centred on the page above their dialogue.

• Dialogue is indented and centred on the page• If a characters dialogue is interrupted by

action then their name must be retyped and CONT’D (continued) added after their name.

Dialogue (CONT’D)

Parenthetical• Direction placed in brackets after dialogue– Attitude– Verbal Direction– Action Direction

– Use only when essential

Dialogue Extensions

• O.S When the dialogue happens off screen

• V.O When the dialogue is a voice over

WART (O.S.)

Hurry up Kay!

Transitions

A transition is a form of direction and is frowned upon in most circumstances.

Eg. CUT TO:FADE OUT:

Shots

Shots are another form of direction and are also frowned upon in most circumstances. Remember you are the screen writer not the director.

Eg.PAN TO – A boat pulling up at the dock