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Glossary

Screenplay Format.The Industry Standard for Story on the Page.

Screenplay format is the standardized way of writing scripts for film and television, using specific fonts (Courier 12pt), margins, and structural elements so that one page of script roughly equals one minute of screen time.

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Definition

Screenplay format is the standardized way of writing scripts for film and television, using specific fonts (Courier 12pt), margins, and structural elements so that one page of script roughly equals one minute of screen time. The format includes scene headings (slug lines), action descriptions, character names, dialogue, parentheticals, and transitions. Proper formatting is not a stylistic choice; it is an industry requirement that ensures scripts are readable, consistently timed, and compatible with production workflows. M Studio's AI script generator produces output that follows screenplay conventions, giving you a production-ready starting point for storyboarding.

In practice

How “Screenplay Format” shows up on screen

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FAQ

Common questions about screenplay format

Industry standard is Courier 12-point font. Left margin is 1.5 inches, right margin is 1 inch, top and bottom margins are 1 inch. Dialogue is indented to 2.5 inches from the left and extends to 6 inches. Character names are centered at 3.7 inches. These specifications ensure the one-page-per-minute timing works.

Generally no, especially for spec scripts (scripts written without a commission). Camera directions like CLOSE ON or PAN TO are considered the director's domain. The writer's job is to describe what happens visually and emotionally, not to direct the camera. Occasional, purposeful camera references are acceptable in shooting scripts.

Final Draft is the industry standard. Highland, WriterSolo, and Fade In are popular alternatives. Free options include WriterSolo (web-based) and Fountain (a plain-text markup language). The key is using software that handles formatting automatically so you can focus on the story.

Feature film screenplays typically run 90 to 120 pages. Comedies and animation scripts tend toward the shorter end (90 to 100 pages). Dramas and epics may extend to 130+ pages, though anything beyond 120 faces resistance from producers. TV pilots are typically 30 pages (half-hour) or 55 to 65 pages (hour-long).

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Shot List

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