Caps (Capitalization)

The following pertains to master scene formatting. Other formats, e.g. multi-cam sitcoms may have different formatting styles.

Anything formatted as a...

Scene Heading

Character Cue (including V.O. and O.S.)

Transition

Shot

...will automatically be formatted in caps by the scriptwriting software.

Action (scene description)

Characters

The first time a character appears in a script, capitalize their name.

JESSICA, a woman in her late 20s, runs across the street.

SFX

Sound effects may also be in caps though this is not required.

See Sound Effects for more on this.

Visual effects

Capitalizing a visual effect can help it to stand out. If you have a recurring effect, you may want to standardize how you write it. For example, it's always on its own line.

Props

In general, it isn't necessary to capitalize the props in a scene. However, caps can be used for emphasis or to highlight important or surprising objects, particularly if they have story value.

Other uses

Most other uses such as highlighting an action should be used very sparingly.

Readability

Always consider the readability of your script.

A smart, selective use of caps can produce an impact but excessive use of caps can have the opposite effect, making pages look unfriendly or inaccessible.

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Master Scene Screenwriting Guide