How to Write a Scene in a Film Script
Film scripts are composed of scenes that tie together into a sequence of events that form an entire movie. To write a film script, the writer must break down the story into scenes. Each scene must tell a bit of the story, follow the format for a screenplay and include a few components to make it a workable, coherent part of the script. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Establish what needs to happen in the scene. Developing a treatment outline will help to break down the script scene by scene.
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Determine how long the scene needs to be. A ten-page scene, for example, would require ten minutes of screen time. If the scene is not important enough to take that much time, shorten it or cut it entirely.
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Decide where the scene takes place. Film scripts scenes begin with a scene heading, or slug line, that establishes if the events take place inside (INT.) or outside (EXT.), then exactly where the action happens such as PARKING LOT or HOTEL ROOM.
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Choose which characters need to be in the scene. Know the characters; make sure what they say and how they act are consistent with their personalities. Remember to always capitalize names in your scripts.
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Write a "scribble version" that includes some details about the scene. Just write a few words about what might happen in the scene, and refer to these notes later when writing the full scene.
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Tips & Warnings
To establish a new shot within a scene, the words "CUT TO" followed by a colon are used to describe this action.
Screenwriting software such as Scriptbuddy or Scriptware can assist with correct scriptwriting format.
