Screenplay Template
Screenplay Template: What Every Draft Needs
A screenplay template is not about making every script feel identical. It gives your pages the familiar structure readers expect so the story, characters, and scenes can do the real work.
By ScriptForge·Updated
Title Page
A basic title page includes the script title, writer name, and contact details if you are submitting professionally. Keep it clean and avoid extra design unless a specific submission asks for it.
Scene Block
Each scene normally starts with a heading, followed by action, character cues, dialogue, and any necessary transitions. The template should help readers move through the story without wondering where they are.
- Scene heading
- Action lines
- Character cue
- Dialogue
- Transition only when useful
INT. STATION WAITING ROOM - NIGHT
Rain taps against the glass. MAYA, 30s, sets a dripping envelope on the empty ticket counter.
MAYA
Someone said you'd still be here.
A chair scrapes behind the locked office door.This original example puts the interior location and time first, then visible action, a character cue and dialogue. Replace the setting, action and words with your own scene. The spacing illustrates the elements, not exact print margins; use your writing app's screenplay settings when exporting pages.
Rewrite Notes
A useful template also gives you a repeatable way to review drafts: opening hook, character goal, scene pressure, conflict, pacing, and payoff. That is where ScriptForge can help after the draft exists.
Use ScriptForge After The Draft Exists
Once the pages are written, ScriptForge can help you check coverage, opening pages, character agency, rewrite priorities, and whether the script is clear enough for a real read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need screenplay software to use a template?
Screenwriting software helps, but the important part is understanding the screenplay elements and exporting a clean PDF.
What should a screenplay template include?
It should include title page basics, scene headings, action lines, character cues, dialogue, and transitions.
Can ScriptForge replace a screenplay template?
No. Use a template or writing app to format the script, then use ScriptForge for analysis, coverage, and rewrite direction.