Screenwriting Basics
Mastering the Art of Writing Text Messages in a Screenplay
Jan 6, 2024
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
In the current age, text messages have become integral to our communication landscape. It's no surprise that they often make their way into movie and television scripts as a way to reflect the modern world we live in.
However, writing text messages in a screenplay can be tricky. How do you convey the nuances of texting while keeping the story engaging?
This blog post will explore tips and techniques for effectively writing text messages in your screenplay.
Establish the Format
Before you start incorporating text messages into your screenplay, it's crucial to establish a consistent format. Generally, there are two main ways to format text messages:
Dialogue Blocks: You can treat text messages as regular dialogue blocks, using character names and lines of text. This format works well when you want to emphasize the content of the message and the character's reaction to it.
Example:
SARAH
(reading a text)
"Are you coming to the party tonight?"
(nervously)
Should I say yes?
On-Screen Graphics: Another approach is to display the text messages as on-screen graphics, similar to how they appear on a smartphone. This format provides a visual representation of texting and helps show the timing of messages.
Example:
[On-Screen]
Alex: Are you coming to the party tonight?
[On-Screen]
Sarah: (typing...) Should I say yes?
Keep It Concise
Text messages are known for brevity, so keeping the exchanges concise and to the point is essential. Avoid lengthy monologues within text messages, as they can slow down the pacing of your screenplay. Focus on conveying the most critical information or emotion in a few short lines.
Use Emojis and Emoticons Sparingly
Emojis and emoticons can be fun to express emotions through text messages, but be cautious about overusing them in your screenplay. While they can add authenticity, too many can clutter the page and distract from the dialogue. Use them sparingly to enhance the character's personality or mood.
Reflect Character Personalities
Text messages reveal a lot about a character's personality and communication style. Consider how each character would write their messages. Is one character formal and punctual, while another is casual and uses slang? Tailor the text messages to match the character's voice.
Timing and Pacing
Pay attention to the timing and pacing of text message exchanges. Use pauses, ellipses, or typing indicators (e.g., "Sarah is typing...") to create tension or anticipation. Timing is crucial in conveying the emotions and reactions of your characters during text conversations.
Example:
[On-Screen]
Alex: Are you coming to the party tonight?
[On-Screen]
Sarah: (typing...)
[On-Screen]
Sarah: (pause) I'll be there.
Advance the Plot
Ensure that your text message exchanges serve a purpose in advancing the plot or revealing character motivations. Avoid using text messages solely for exposition or unrelated chit-chat unless they serve a specific narrative purpose.
Conclusion
Writing text messages in a screenplay is a skill that requires attention to detail and an understanding of how to convey modern communication realistically.
You can effectively integrate text messages into your screenplay by establishing a consistent format, keeping messages concise, using emojis judiciously, reflecting character personalities, and considering timing and pacing.
When done well, text messages can enhance the authenticity of your script and engage your audience in the modern digital world.
