Master Scene Screenwriting Guide

by Ken Briscoe

2. Action

Element name
Final Draft, Fade In, WriterSolo, and WriterDuet: Action

The Action (aka Scene Direction or Scene Description) describes what we see and hear in the scene.

Every Scene Heading should be followed by Action before any Dialogue occurs.

Action is written in the present tense.

You are describing what we see and/or hear so it's redundant to use phrases like 'We see' or 'We hear' -- just describe it.

Break the Action into short paragraphs. Keep each paragraph to a maximum of about five lines.

In long, multi-paragraph, direction, keep each paragraph simple and focused on a single idea, action, image, or logical unit of the story.

The writer's job is to help the reader imagine the action as effortlessly as possible. Don't make them think or reread. The goal is clarity so avoid obscurity in the description. Mystery can be introduced through storytelling choices.

Starting a scene

Always start the scene with some description and indicate all of the characters who are present in the scene.

Character nicknames can be used in dialogue but always use the official "character name" in action.

Characters who arrive later in the scene should be introduced in Action when they enter.

Introducing characters

Name

Caps

Character names should be capitalized when the character first appears in the script. This signals the reader that they are a new character.

In subsequent scenes, their name should NOT be capitalized.

Pronouns/Groups

Use the character's name -- not a pronoun -- when you first include them in a scene.

Use all of the characters' names -- not a group description -- when you first include them in a scene.

e.g. use "Alex and Jana" not "The two friends"

Later in the scene, if you use a pronoun or a grouping, make sure the reference is clear. If there's any possibility of confusion, use their name(s) instead.

Similarly, when using the singular "they," in a context where it could refer to a group, use the character's name instead.

This may seem clunky from a writing perspective but clarity and speed are more important than style.

First mentioned in dialogue

If a character is first referenced in dialogue, do NOT capitalize their name in the dialogue. Only capitalize them when they first appear in a scene.

One character, one name

Use the character's actual name when you introduce them. Don't start with MYSTERIOUS WOMAN then change to MARISSA. Use MARISSA as soon as we see the character.

There could be some rare exceptions to this but only if it's absolutely necessary to building the story.

Age

When introducing the character, always give an age. It can be precise, e.g. 23, or approximate, e.g. 40s.

In the produced version of your script, the viewer will see the character so give the reader a similar opportunity to process the story quickly.

The character’s age should be written in numerals and set off by commas -- not enclosed in parentheses.

MAYA, 27, crosses the parking lot.

If the character's age is meant to be approximate, you can write it in numerals or spell it out.

MAYA, late 30s, crosses the parking lot.

-or-

MAYA, early twenties, crosses the parking lot.

For children and teenagers, be precise about their age: a 9-year-old is very different from a 5-year-old and an 18-year-old is very different from a 14-year-old.

Gender

If relevant, state their gender. Don't rely on a character's name to attribute gender since a significant number of names are not gender-specific.

Description

Character description should be limited, keeping the focus on attributes that are important to the story or that might be helpful in remembering the character.

Example

ALEX, a man in his early twenties, dressed in a sports jacket with no shirt, stumbles towards the checkout counter.

For groups of people (crowd, workers, customers, etc.), it is not necessary to capitalize.

Action stacking

If you have a series of short action descriptions, you can stack them on top of each other.

Alex lunges forward.

Young Cashier drops the phone.

MANAGER, a woman in her 40s, runs over.

Using "beat"

For a pause in the action, you can use "beat" but use this sparingly.

Anna looks around the room.

Beat.

She closes the door.

Consider describing some action rather than using a beat where possible.

NOTE: In dialogue, the use of "beat" or "pause" should also be limited and it should be in a parenthetical.

Camera directions

Avoid using camera directions such as CLOSE UP (C.U.), LONG SHOT, AERIAL SHOT, DOLLY SHOT, ZOOM, ANGLE ON, etc.

Action in the scene can be described without having to direct the camera. If you have a scene set in a big area, you can direct attention to a specific point or character simply by describing the action.

Security Guard #1 reaches for her gun.

Remember that the writer's job is to direct the reader's attention and imagination.

Keep it simple

Avoid using words that stand out or draw attention to themselves. If the reader is distracted by your words, they are not engaging with your story.

Avoid excessive detail or directing. Instead of "She reaches into her left pocket with her right hand then pulls out a gun" just say "She pulls out a gun." Keep the focus on the relevant story action.

Scenes play out in real time so consider how long it would take for the actions to be completed. A scene of someone getting ready to go to bed could involve many steps, changing clothes, brushing teeth, etc. Some options would include: 1) just show us the first step(s) then cut to the next scene; 2) use a SERIES OF SHOTS.

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Master Scene Screenwriting Guide