Celina's Screenplay Example
This example is based on Celina's character sketches and treatment. As you will see, it is only the beginning of the screenplay that would tell the story of Allison and her mom. Notice that it is written in proper screenplay format using Courier 12 pt font. Pay attention to the comments in purple that explain the use of centering, left and right justification, and capitalization.
FADE IN: (This is like saying "The Beginning")
INT.-THE SMITH'S LIVING ROOM-DAY
(Interior or Exterior- Location- Day or Night)
ALLSION SMITH (names are always capitalized), 12, sits on the couch with the remote control in her hand, changing the channels. Her MOM comes into the room.
MOM
Allison, are you going to sit in front of that television all day?
(Dialogue is centered)
ALLISON ignores her.
(Action is left justified)
MOM
(cont'd)
Allison?
(pause)
Hello! Can you hear me?
ALLISON
Mother!
MOM
You have been sitting on that couch all day. Go out and get some exercise.
ALLISON
Mother, I'm watching TV.
MOM walks to the couch, grabs the remote, and clicks the TV off.
MOM
Not anymore you're not.
ALLISON
Mom! Come on!
MOM
Why don't you call Jenny? You two are usually out the door the minute you drop your backpacks at home.
ALLISON
I don't feel like it.
MOM
Why not?
ALLSION
Because.
MOM
Because? Because why?
ALLSION
Because. . .
(pause)
we had a fight.
CUT TO:
(right justified --
shows that this is a new scene in a new place)
EXT.-SCHOOLYARD-EARLIER THAT DAY
JENNY and ALLISON stand opposite each other, a group of girls gathered around them.
JENNY
AJ is my favorite Backstreet Boy. You're just a dumb copycat.
ALLISON
I liked AJ before! I just never said it!
JENNY
Whatever. You're soooo immature.
JENNY stalks off. ALLISON yells after her.
ALLISON
I am not im-im-immature!
CUT TO:
INT.-THE SMITH'S LIVING ROOM-DAY
MOM sits on the couch next to ALLISON.
MOM
I see.
The screenplay would continue here to tell the rest of the story.
