I have personally written several scripts in my local dialect using Celtx. Even though the stories are rooted in our culture,
I still follow the standard screenplay structure. Good formatting speaks one language worldwide, and it helps actors, directors,
cinematographers, editors, and crew understand the story without confusion.

What is screenplay format and why does it matter?

A screenplay is not a novel. It is not a short story. It is not a dialogue list.
A screenplay is a production document. Its purpose is not only to tell the story but to guide every single department during filmmaking.

Proper format helps:

• Actors understand emotions, pauses, and tone.
• Directors see scene flow and transitions.
• Cinematographers know locations, vision, and shot possibilities.
• Editors understand pacing and scene changes.
• Producers estimate the budget based on scene count and locations.

When your script is correctly formatted, your film becomes easier to shoot — even if you are like me, doing writing, cinematography,
and editing all by yourself under Taculia Films.

Standard screenplay format: full breakdown

A professional screenplay is typically:

• 12-point Courier font (industry standard)
• One-inch margins
• Scene headings (sluglines)
• Action lines written in present tense
• Character names centered and uppercase
• Dialogue formatted under character names
• Transitions on the right side (optional)
• Around 90–120 pages for a feature film

Celtx and other screenwriting tools format these elements for you. Your main work is understanding what each element means and how to use it properly.

1. The Title Page

Your screenplay begins with a clean, simple cover page containing the title, the writer credit, and your name.
Keep this page simple — no graphics, no colors.

TEMPLE ABASI
Written by
Eventus Offiong Okon (Taculia Films)
    

2. Scene Headings (Sluglines)

Scene headings tell the reader where and when the scene takes place. Format examples:

INT. HOUSE - DAY
EXT. VILLAGE SQUARE - NIGHT
    

Always uppercase. Use INT. for interior and EXT. for exterior. For time use DAY, NIGHT,
or more specific times like MORNING when necessary.

3. Action Lines

Action lines describe what is happening in the scene. Keep them short, clear, and in present tense. Describe only what the camera can see or the audience can hear.
Avoid long paragraphs and backstory here.

A group of elders sit under the old mango tree, whispering among themselves.
Mother wipes a plate slowly, eyes fixed on the yard.
    

4. Character Names

When a character speaks, their name appears centered in uppercase. The first introduction of a character in an action line should also be capitalized and may include a short description.

ETTE JOE, a tough but humorous village man, walks into the compound.

                    ETTE JOE
            Mama, I told you this thing will not end well.
    

5. Dialogue

Dialogue appears under the character name. Keep lines natural, short, and true to the voice of your people. For local-language films this is your strongest asset — authenticity.

6. Parentheticals (Use Sparingly)

Parentheticals give small directions for how a line should be delivered.

                    ETTE JOE
            (whispering)
            Don't say anything yet.
    

Actors should interpret most emotions; do not overload the script with parentheticals.

7. Transitions

Transitions such as CUT TO:, FADE IN:, and DISSOLVE TO: are optional and usually appear on the right. Use them only when you want specific control over timing and mood.

8. Shot Headings (Optional)

As a cinematographer you may be tempted to specify many shots (e.g., CLOSE UP - MOTHER'S EYES). Minimal use is best. Over-directing the camera in the script can limit the director’s and cinematographer’s flexibility on set.

9. Scene Descriptions

Scene descriptions set the atmosphere — environment, important visuals, character movements. These help actors and crew visualize the moment.

The compound is quiet. Palm fronds sway in the wind. MOTHER washes plates slowly, lost in thought.
    

10. Format Length & Structure

Standard feature length is ~90–120 pages (1 page ≈ 1 minute). For local films or YouTube releases:

• 45–60 pages for shorter feature-like films
• 20–30 pages for episodes or longer shorts

Common screenplay format mistakes (avoid these)

• Writing like a novel with long paragraphs.
• Using narration instead of showing action.
• Filling the script with camera angles and shot lists.
• Overlong dialogue without beats or pauses.
• Too many parentheticals.
• Mixing languages without purpose (unless a stylistic choice).
• Ignoring sluglines and clear scene transitions.

Why screenplay format matters in local filmmaking

Your films (Temple Abasi, Ette Joe, Ubiong Utom Eka) prove that local stories told correctly can reach the world.
Format helps you:

• Organize ideas professionally
• Shoot faster and with fewer mistakes
• Edit smoothly since scene boundaries are clear
• Reduce actor confusion
• Create scripts you can later adapt or translate
• Build a consistent brand identity for Taculia Films
• Collaborate with more people as your team grows

Best software for screenplay formatting (and why I choose Celtx)

You can format manually, but it’s stressful. Software takes the burden of presentation away so you can focus on story.

Celtx — the tool I use:

• Automatically formats your script
• Cloud-based and accessible
• Easy for beginners
• Good for low-budget filmmakers and local productions
• Includes planning and production features

Other alternatives include Final Draft, WriterDuet, Trelby, and Fade In — but Celtx fits my workflow best.

Practical example — a short formatted scene

EXT. COMPOUND YARD - DAY

A small yard. Clothes hang on a line. CHILDREN run past, laughing.
MOTHER sits on a low stool, shelling beans.

                    ETTE JOE
            (approaching)
            Mama, who gave you this news?

                    MOTHER
            (soft, tired)
            It came with the wind, son.
    

Final notes — keeping it honest and shootable

Format is the skeleton; your culture and voice are the soul. Whether you write in English or your local dialect:

• Keep action short and vivid.
• Keep dialogue true to the speaker.
• Keep technical notes minimal unless essential.

A well-formatted script reduces confusion on set, saves time in rehearsals, and makes editing smoother later. It also communicates professionalism — an important factor when you want to collaborate or grow Taculia Films.

Links to the rest of this filmmaking cluster

Continue learning with the next guides in this series:

• How to Start Screenwriting for Beginners — practical steps to begin writing your first script.
• Themes in Screenwriting — how to choose and develop themes that give your films weight and identity.