Split screen
The split screen shows us two or more lines of action happening simultaneously on different areas of the screen.
The challenge with writing a split screen scene is to make it as readable as possible.
The following are some suggested approaches that might make the read a little easier.
1. Two connected locations with dialogue
The scene begins as a split screen.
SPLIT SCREEN - MARC'S BEDROOM/ KARINE'S KITCHEN - DAY
Marc stands in front of a mirror, inspecting his teeth while holding the phone up to his ear.
Karine is sipping on a coffee. Her phone sits on the kitchen table.
MARC
So do you think she'll like my presentation?
KARINE
Of course...
Karine opens the fridge door and stares.
MARC
I don't know.
KARINE
Stop worrying.
Karine closes the fridge door.
Using texting:
SPLIT SCREEN - MARC'S BEDROOM/ KARINE'S KITCHEN - DAY
Marc stands in front of a mirror, texting.
Karine is sipping on a coffee. Her phone sits on the kitchen table.
MARC
Will she like my presentation?
Karine picks up her phone and responds.
KARINE
Of course
Karine opens the fridge door and stares.
MARC
I don't know
KARINE
Stop worrying
Karine closes the fridge door.
2. Different locations - parallel activity
Set up the locations then start the split-screen.
The scripting is similar to an INTERCUT but we're meant to interpret the action/dialogue as parallel rather than sequential.
EXT. CROWDED CITY STREET - DAY
Emily pushes her way through the crowd.
INT. RESTAURANT - DAY
Alex looks impatiently at the time.
SPLIT SCREEN - CROWDED CITY STREET/ RESTAURANT
Emily bangs into a stranger and falls to the ground.
Alex signals the waiter to bring his bill.
Emily is helped up and continues to fight her way through the crowd.
Alex leaves the restaurant.
Emily opens the restaurant door and enters.
3. Same location
Set up the location then split on the sub-location or character.
INT. CASINO - NIGHT
Finn, Marika and three other players who have folded sit around the poker table looking at their cards.
SPLIT SCREEN - FINN/MARIKA
Finn holds an ace-high flush in hearts.
Marika holds one pair.
FINN
I'll see that and raise you...
MARIKA
Feeling confident?
Revised: April 10, 2025
© 2007-2025 Ken Briscoe