Screenwriting : How can I show my action lines in a script? by Martha Paredes

Martha Paredes

How can I show my action lines in a script?

Hello!

I am new here and new to screenwriting. I want to perfect my skills. Can anyone help me understand how to be descriptive in action lines? Your input is appreciated. Thank you.

Maurice Vaughan

Welcome to Stage 32 and screenwriting, Martha Paredes. One of the best ways to learn how to write action lines/be descriptive in action lines is by reading scripts. You can read Stage 32 members' scripts here www.stage32.com/loglines. And here's a list of websites where you can read scripts: www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/10-great-websites-download-movie-scripts

Martha Paredes

Thank you, Maurice! I will check them out.

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Martha Paredes. I suggest adding a profile picture and a more detailed bio when you get a chance. They’ll help you build relationships/network on here and if you have a picture, your profile will show up when someone searches for you. You could add things to your bio like the genres you want to write, what type of scripts you want to write (feature scripts, short scripts, TV scripts, web-series scripts, etc.), your goals as a screenwriter, what inspired you to become a screenwriter, and what movies and shows you like to watch.

And here are two great blogs for new screenwriters:

"The Questions Up-and-Coming Screenwriters Need to Ask" www.stage32.com/blog/the-questions-up-and-coming-screenwriters-need-to-a...

"The Do’s And Don’ts Of Writing Your First Screenplay" www.stage32.com/blog/the-dos-and-donts-of-writing-your-first-screenplay-...

Craig D Griffiths

Your software will do most of the formatting for you. I am not sure the picture has uploaded correctly. This is from a first draft I am working on. A young woman wants to visit her dad in prison. She cannot so she is seeing a lawyer. Olivia is the lawyer, Margo is the receptionist in that waiting room and Ruth is the girl.

I hope you see that action is wide across the page. I use as few words as possible and give the actors room to interpret the work. I describe an expression, but don’t say exactly what that is. The actor will know the character and give what they see as an honest reaction.

Ryu Reeves

the industry standard software is Final Draft which will do all the formatting for you! If you're tight on money I used to love using WriterDuet which is free! If you're serious about screenwriting there are many services here on Stage32 in the Education and Script Services sections! Making connections with other people is the best way to learn and get advice

Ewan Dunbar

If you’re new to screenwriting it’s also good to read scripts of projects you’re familiar with, so you can compare how the script translates to the screen. Screenplayed.com let’s you download scripts from movies and has clips from the final movie played alongside the page from the screenplay. There are also other websites where you can download scripts from as well.

Mario Leone

Writing descriptive action in a screenplay is crucial to convey the visual and emotional aspects of a scene to the reader and, ultimately, the audience. Here are five tips for writing descriptive action in a screenplay:

Be Concise and Clear:

Action lines should be concise and easy to understand. Avoid overly complex or flowery language overly verbose descriptions. Use active verbs and straightforward sentences to convey the action efficiently.

Instead of: "He ambulated with great celerity toward the impending confrontation."

Use: "He drives near the impending showdown."

Focus on Visuals and Cinematics:

Help the reader visualize the scene by emphasizing visual elements. Think about how the action will look on screen. Highlight significant movements, gestures, and important visual details that contribute to the overall cinematic experience.

Remember that while detailed action descriptions are essential, overloading a screenplay with excessive details can bog down the pacing. Balance is key, providing enough information to guide the director, actors, and production team while allowing room for interpretation and collaboration.

Read as many scripts as you can. I am not a fan of "He looks" "They look" "We all look." When is "glances" ever used? When is "gazing or gazes" used? Another one...

Suddenly, clearly.... Not a fan this is more stylistic some people use them not me in particular.

Read scripts and highlight with a highlighter lines in a script that you really like.

Martha Paredes

Thank you all for your advice. It is very helpful.

Mario Leone

Yeah, the best thing you can do. It’s highlight some Scripts.

Then write those sentences in a different document. And then do 10 versions of those sentences. you’ll become a Whiz in no time.

I always like to say… if you can’t see it. If you can’t hear it. It’s got no business being there. Lol this is just a funny way of putting it. You can do this keep going.

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