Screenplay
A written script for a film or TV show that includes dialogue, scene descriptions, and stage directions.
Definition
A screenplay is the foundational written document for any film or television production. It tells the complete story through dialogue, action lines, and scene headings formatted in a specific industry-standard structure that communicates timing, pacing, and visual storytelling to the entire production team.
Screenplays follow strict formatting conventions where one page roughly equals one minute of screen time. They are typically written in Courier 12-point font and include elements like sluglines (scene headings), action descriptions, character names, dialogue, and parenthetical direction.
Why It Matters
The screenplay is the single most important document in film production. Every department — from directing and cinematography to wardrobe and set design — builds their work from the screenplay. A compelling script attracts talent, financing, and distribution opportunities.
For producers and studios, the screenplay is the first filter for investment decisions. A well-crafted script demonstrates commercial viability, creative vision, and production feasibility before a single dollar is spent on production.
Examples in Practice
A first-time screenwriter sells a spec screenplay to a major studio for $500,000 after it lands on the annual Black List of best unproduced screenplays.
A production company options a screenplay for $10,000 with the right to produce it within 18 months, giving them time to attach directors and actors before committing full production budget.
A showrunner writes a pilot screenplay that convinces a streaming platform to order a full 10-episode season based on the strength of the writing alone.