How to Format Parentheticals in a Screenplay - a quick guide for beginning screenwriters on how to use parentheticals in a script, proper formatting, and style tips.
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PARENTHETICALS IN SCREENPLAYS EXPLAINED
Screenwriting is a very special kind of writing compared to prose. Screenwriters need to be concise and strategic about how they tell the most amount of story in the fewest amount of words. One simple element that speaks volumes is the parenthetical. In this video, we will answer a few questions - what are parentheticals in screenplays, when to use parentheticals, and how to format parentheticals in a script?
WHAT ARE PARENTHETICALS IN SCREENPLAYS
A parenthetical is an element in screenwriting that is used for clarification and short action beats. For example, they might describe how a line of dialogue should be delivered. Or they might interrupt the dialogue for quick action or to clarify who is talking to whom.
WHEN TO USE PARENTHETICALS
As mentioned above, screenwriters should be as concise as possible. Text in any form is typically kept to the absolute essentials. This is especially reserved for moments that might overstep the bounds of the actor and/or director. For example, when a specific line of dialogue is given a parenthetical - the general rule is to only use these parentheticals sparingly.
HOW TO FORMAT PARENTHETICALS IN A SCREENPLAY
As the name implies, parentheticals are written in parentheses. When describing a line of dialogue, the parenthetical is placed just underneath the character name and before the dialogue begins. When interrupting dialogue, the parenthetical is added on the line below the dialogue with the remaining dialogue underneath that.
There are many tools when it comes to screenwriting that writers can use to maximize their vision, give the most complete experience to the reader, and give details with minimal intrusion. The parenthetical is just one of these tools that, once mastered, can give the writer more control over their medium.
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