A professional script typically balances these three foundational elements:
Positioned above their dialogue and typically written in ALL CAPS to make them easy for actors to find. Features of Script
Instructions regarding non-verbal gestures, sounds, or technical cues (like lighting). These are often written in italics or enclosed in brackets. Core Story Pillars Core Story Pillars Written in ALL CAPS ,
Written in ALL CAPS , these indicate whether a scene is indoors ( INT. ) or outdoors ( EXT. ), the location, and the time of day. Concise, present-tense descriptions of what can be seen
Concise, present-tense descriptions of what can be seen or heard on screen. They establish the setting and character movements.
In the context of writing for performance (film, play, or video), a script is a structured document that provides a roadmap for actors and production teams. Below are the primary features used to create this type of text: Structural Elements
The spoken words of the characters. In professional scripts, dialogue is indented toward the center of the page and does not use quotation marks.