How to format a script for educational media part 1

In our previous posts in this series, we explained the importance of properly formatting scripts.

In this post, we’re offering up our rough guide to how to format scripts for educational media projects.

Font

• Courier New 12-point 

Reason: Keeps timing consistent (1 page = 1 minute screen time).

Margins

• Left: 3.81cm

• Top, Right, Bottom: 2.54cm

Reason: Leaves space for binding and notes.

Scene Headings 

• Left-aligned, bold, ALL CAPS. 

• INT. (interior) or EXT. (exterior), LOCATION and TIME OF DAY. 

• E.g. INT. CLASSROOM - DAYTIME 

Reason: This conveys location, lighting, budget and other information for the production crew.

Character names

• ALL CAPS above their dialogue, indented to approx. 6-7cm from left margin.

• Character names are capitalised in the action lines.

Reason: This helps casting teams, actors, and editors identify who’s appearing at a glance.

Dialogue

• Written beneath the character name, indented approx. 3.5cm from left margin with a width to approx. 11.75cm. 

• No quotation marks.

Reason: Keeps the lines easy to scan, with consistent placement for actors and readers.

Action lines

• Left-aligned, double-spaced from previous scene, standard case.

• Describe only what can be seen or heard, present tense only e.g. The bell rings.

Reason: Screenplays are visual documents, they don’t include internal thoughts or exposition. The focus stays cinematic.

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