Screenwriting Basics
How to Format a Montage in a Screenplay
Jan 19, 2024
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
A montage is a powerful storytelling tool used in screenwriting to condense time and convey information or emotions efficiently.
Whether you want to show a character's transformation, a series of events, or the passage of time, mastering the art of formatting a montage in your screenplay is essential.
In this blog post, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of properly formatting a montage.
Establish the Montage Heading
The first step in formatting a montage is introducing it with a clear heading. The heading should be centered and in uppercase letters, typically a few lines below the scene heading. The word "MONTAGE" should appear in all caps, followed by a colon. For example:
```
MONTAGE:
```
Describe the Montage Sequence
Under the "MONTAGE" heading, provide a brief description of the montage sequence. This description should be concise but informative, giving the reader a clear idea of what will be shown in the montage. Include the key elements, emotions, and any essential details to set the tone. Here's an example:
```
MONTAGE:
A series of quick shots showing Sarah's daily routine as she prepares for the big race.
```
List the Individual Shots
In the body of your montage section, list the individual shots that make up the montage. Each shot is described in a single line, starting with "1." and followed by a brief description in present tense. Use action verbs and descriptive language to convey the image and emotion you want to evoke. Here's an example:
```
Sarah tying her running shoes, determination in her eyes.
Close-up of her stopwatch, seconds ticking away.
Sarah stretching her muscles against a beautiful sunrise.
Quick shots of her running through the park, getting faster with each step.
Sarah crossing the finish line, arms raised in victory.
```
Use Transitions
To indicate the transition from one shot to the next, you can use various techniques. The most common transition method is the word "CUT TO:" at the end of each shot description. This tells the reader that the montage is transitioning smoothly from one shot to the next. Here's how it looks in the example:
```
Sarah tying her running shoes, determination in her eyes.
CUT TO:
Close-up of her stopwatch, seconds ticking away.
CUT TO:
Sarah stretching her muscles against a beautiful sunrise.
CUT TO:
Quick shots of her running through the park, getting faster with each step.
CUT TO:
Sarah crossing the finish line, arms raised in victory.
```
Add Duration or Music
If the montage duration is essential or if specific music accompanies it, you can include this information after the montage description. Use the word "MUSIC" or "DURATION" in all caps, followed by a colon, to indicate the relevant details:
```
MONTAGE:
A series of quick shots showing Sarah's daily routine as she prepares for the big race.
MUSIC: Uplifting, motivational track playing in the background.
DURATION: 1 minute.
```
Conclusion
Formatting a montage in a screenplay is a crucial skill for screenwriters. By following these steps and guidelines, you can effectively convey a series of shots, events, or emotions concisely and engagingly.
Remember to be clear in your descriptions, use transitions, and consider the use of music or duration when appropriate. A well-executed montage can enhance your screenplay and captivate the audience, making it an essential tool in your screenwriting arsenal.
