On the previous page we discussed the outline or story treatment. Here we will cover format and elements of the actual script. It’s your instruction manual, blueprint or recipe card for the visualization of the story you want to tell. Look at the sample script below.

 

 At the top left you will see abbreviations that indicate whether the shot is from outside or inside. EXT. for exterior shot and INT. for interior shot. The next indicator let’s us know the location. In this example we’re composing a shot of the house. The last abbreviation tells us what time of day we are taking the shot. In this story it is shown as: DUSK. The next line gives us the elements and action. Capitalized words in this instructional block draw attention to elements to include in the shot.

 In the example script page, the first character and dialogue box shows the letters O.S. after the character’s name. This abreviation appears in place of OFF SCREEN. It means that we hear Jane’s words but we don’t see her. The camera at that point is still on grandmother. Immediately after Jane’s dialogue there is a new instruction, CUT TO: followed by the location and  time. Now we see Jane and who she is talking to. It is written in this manner so there is no confusion or lengthy conversation. Just straight forward instruction. You won’t fully appreciate the script building process until it is in the hands of everyone associated with your project. The less you have to explain the better. How it plays out on the screen depends on the director’s interpretation and communicating it to the cast and crew. So make certain that your vision is clear.