1.
When a character is introduced, describe them; how old are they, what do they look like, what are they wearing, etc?
2.
When there is a new location, describe it; where is it, how is it decorated, what type of place is it, noise, etc?
3.
Slug lines are needed for every location, including room changes, however brief.
4.
Telephone calls need to be listed as V.O.s if we do not see the other person (or cut to their location) or you need a new slug if we see them in their location.
5.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar is as important in your screenplay as it is in a formal essay. Lower case ‘i’ characters, when alone or before an apostrophe, e.g., “I went to the shop”, “I’ve been to the shops”, are always capitalised, as are the first letters of all new sentences. Proof read your work carefully and get into the habit of checking all work before it is submitted.
6.
Follow layout conventions; you have lots of examples of scripts from Sherlock, the BFI, the BBC, etc., so there is no reason that your script shouldn’t be laid out appropriately.
7.
HIIS = how is it shown. I’ve used this across many pages, so you know to add details about how a character’s feelings and emotions are shown. Remember that screenplays are not like books and the audience will never see it, so you need to write how the characters will display emotions.
8.
Remember the purpose of a screenplay – it leads onto the next step in production, e.g., shot lists, storyboards, and ultimately filming, so ensure that the next person will have enough to work with and can visualise everything clearly. You cannot say 'we see' or make any reference to 'we' as we don't exist in the world of the screenplay (the diegesis)
9.
Actions and reactions – you don’t need to write a novel, but you do need to say how characters act and react during a scene. Sometimes there are sections of dialogue, with exchanges between characters, with little or no actions. If a character likes or dislikes something that is said, describe how they react. If a character meets someone for the first time, how do they greet them? Do they shake hands, hug, fist bump, etc.?
10.
Make the dialogue and action believable. You can use colloquialisms, slang and include dialogue that appears natural, but also don’t be too strong with this as not everyone may identify with what you are trying to communicate. We need to believe these characters and the world you have created for them could exist.
