Scriptwriting Essentials 2

Question 1

In standard screenplay format, what is the purpose of a 'slugline' (scene heading)?

Accepted Answer

To establish location, interior/exterior, and time of day

Answer

To describe a character's emotional state

Answer

To indicate background music

Answer

To list the props needed for the scene

Question 2

What does the abbreviation 'O.S.' mean in a screenplay?

Accepted Answer

Off Screen

Answer

Open Set

Answer

Original Score

Answer

On Stage

Question 3

Which element appears in ALL CAPS the first time a character is introduced in the action lines?

Accepted Answer

The character's name

Answer

The location

Answer

The time of day

Answer

The dialogue

Question 4

What is a 'parenthetical' in screenplay dialogue?

Accepted Answer

A brief direction on how a line is delivered

Answer

A camera angle instruction

Answer

A scene transition

Answer

A sound effect cue

Question 5

Why is screenplay action written in the present tense?

Accepted Answer

To convey events as they happen on screen

Answer

Because past tense is grammatically incorrect

Answer

To save space on the page

Answer

Because directors prefer it stylistically only

Question 6

What does 'V.O.' stand for and indicate?

Accepted Answer

Voice Over — narration not tied to the on-screen space

Answer

Visual Order — the sequence of shots

Answer

Vocal Onset — when an actor starts speaking

Answer

Verbal Offset — a delayed line

Question 7

Roughly how many script pages typically equal one minute of screen time?

Accepted Answer

One page

Answer

Three pages

Answer

Five pages

Answer

Half a page