forum Am I writing a screenplay correctly so far?
Started by @Leiko
tune

people_alt 40 followers

@Leiko

FADE IN:
Lauren is fumbling in her bedsheets, while on her knees, trying to look for a journal. She is wearing a navy-blue sweatshirt and black jeans, with black rim glasses.

Lauren:
Dammit! I need that journal!(Lauren throws her hands up in exasperation) has this just been a waste of about six months?

@Cassiopeia

Hey, @Leiko!

I won't be the one to tell you whether or not there is a 'correct' way of writing a screenplay. Much like writing anything else, there's no particular 'right' way to do things. If the way you've written the example is what works for you, then that is how you should write it!

However, if you'd really like advice, I'm unsure if the description of clothing is necessary? Perhaps you could add a note before the scene begins what each character is wearing, so that way it allows you to focus on what your characters are doing. (Or, if their outfit remains relatively unchanged throughout your play, you could put a note at the beginning of what they usually wear unless otherwise stated.) It might also help to put in quotation marks!

So, for example…

FADE IN:
[Lauren is fumbling in her bedsheets on her knees, looking for a journal.]
Lauren: "Dang it! I need that journal!" [Lauren throws her hands up in exasperation] "Has this just been a waste of about six months?"

Sorry if this seems kind of nitpicky, it's pretty good the way it is! I don't know much about screenplays, so please take this reply with a grain of salt!

Best of luck to you!

— L.C.