screenplay

Screenplay, also called a script in film and television, is a written document that communicates the narrative, dialogue, and cinematic directions for a production. It describes scenes, characters, actions, settings, and key sounds and visuals, providing a blueprint for directors, actors, designers, and editors. The screenplay is primarily intended for production use, balancing storytelling with the practical needs of filming.

Standard format is widely used in the industry. A screenplay typically includes scene headings (sluglines) that indicate location and time of day, action paragraphs describing what is seen and heard, character names centered above their dialogue, dialogue lines, and occasional parentheticals to indicate tone or delivery. Transitions and shot directions may appear but are usually limited. Unlike a stage play, a screenplay emphasizes camera movement, editing, sound, and visual storytelling rather than stage blocking. In most professional contexts, the length is measured in pages, with roughly one page equating to about one minute of screen time.

Screenplays may be created for feature films, television episodes, or short films and are often produced in specialized software. The writing process typically involves development (outlining and treatment), drafting, and revisions, followed by production-ready versions such as the shooting script. Teleplays follow similar principles but are often divided into acts to accommodate commercial breaks and episodic structures.