Begin your script with a title page. This should include the name of your script, your own name, and your contact information. If you have an agent, include his or her name as well. The Stranger Written by Andrea Brown fakemail@hmail.com 645-123-4500 The very first item on the first page of your script should be the words: “Fade In.” This is script writing convention, and also tells your reader that this is the beginning of the action. FADE IN: Include a slug line before every scene. These indicate whether the action is taking place inside (INT) or outside (EXT), and include pauses or camera cuts the director should know about. EXT. THE STAR CAFE - DAY. A small, run-down establishment on the main road. A few townsfolk loiter outside, smoking cigarettes and leaning against the bricks. CUT TO: INT. THE STAR CAFE - DAY. The restaurant is cramped but cozy. Only a few tables are occupied. Slug lines also include character descriptions. Capitalize the name of your character and include a brief description of their age, general appearance, and manner. MARLA (48) is a well-known hypochondriac and the town gossip. She bursts through the front door and strides towards the front counter. Character dialogue should always be centered on the page. Make sure to always include the name of the speaker above their lines. MARLA Why are you all sitting here like nothing’s wrong? Hasn’t anyone heard the news? Introduce a second character using the same style as before. OLIVER (25) glances wearily at MARLA. He finishes pouring coffee for one of his tables and heads unhurriedly towards this new annoyance. OLIVER What is it this time, Marla? Government’s been sending mind-control beams through our phones? MARLA (agitated) None of you ever listen to me! I saw him, I saw him with my own eyes… Indicate clearly whether a character is on- or off-screen. If it is her first appearance and she is not visible, refer to her as “voice.” VOICE (off-screen) “Oliver, what’s going on out there?”