Screenwriting Basics
How to Write Text on Screen in a Screenplay
Dec 4, 2023
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
In the world of filmmaking, screenplays serve as the blueprint for creating movies and TV shows.
They provide characters' dialogue and actions and describe visual elements, including how text is displayed on screen. Writing text on screen in a screenplay is essential for conveying messages, setting the tone, and enhancing the storytelling.
In this blog post, we'll explore the techniques and guidelines for effectively incorporating text on screen in your screenplay.
Introduce Text Elements
Before you start incorporating text on screen, it's crucial to establish a clear format for introducing text elements in your screenplay. To do this, use the "INT. TEXT ON SCREEN" or "EXT. TEXT ON SCREEN" slugline. The INT. (Interior) designation is for text that appears within the setting, while the EXT. (Exterior) designation is for text superimposed on the exterior of a scene.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - Opening Credits
```
Formatting Text
When writing text on screen, the text itself should be capitalized and enclosed in quotation marks, just like dialogue. This formatting makes it clear to the reader that it is on-screen text.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - News Headline
The headline reads: "Breaking News: Earthquake Strikes City."
```
Specify Appearance
It's important to specify how the text should appear on the screen. This includes details like font style, size, color, and special effects. Be concise in your description, but convey the essential information about the text's appearance.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - Text Message
The text message appears in bold red letters on a black background.
```
Timing and Duration
In your screenplay, indicate when the text should appear and how long it should stay on screen. You can use parentheticals to specify the timing, such as (FLASHES ON SCREEN) for a quick appearance or (LINGERING ON SCREEN) for a longer duration.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - Flashback Title
The title "20 Years Ago" FLASHES ON SCREEN for a brief moment.
```
Context and Purpose
Ensure that the text on the screen serves a clear purpose within the story. Provide context or a brief explanation to help the reader understand why the text is there and how it contributes to the narrative.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - Text Message
The text message from Emily reads: "Meet me at the park. I have something important to tell you."
```
Use of Text Effects
If the text on screen requires special effects, like fading in/out or scrolling, describe these effects in your screenplay. Use descriptive language to convey the desired effect.
Example:
```
INT. TEXT ON SCREEN - Closing Credits
The closing credits scroll up the screen, fading to black as they finish.
```
Clarity and Readability
Remember that screenplays are primarily for communication between the writer, director, and production team. Ensure that your descriptions of text on screen are clear and easy to understand, as this will help in the production process.
Conclusion
Writing text on screen in a screenplay is a skill that screenwriters must master to convey information and enhance storytelling effectively.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your on-screen text is clear, visually engaging, and contributes to the overall impact of your script.
Be creative but also practical in your descriptions, keeping in mind the practicalities of production.
With practice and attention to detail, you can effectively incorporate text on screen to enhance your screenplay's narrative and visual appeal.
