Writing A Screenplay

Terminologies used

•FADE IN

•EXT (Exterior)

•INT (Interior)

ExamplesINT. LIBRARY – DAY

INT. AUDITORIUM

•O.S – Off Screen

•V.O – Voice over

•CUT TO

•FADE OUT/ DISSOLVE

GUIDELINES• Traditionally written on 8.1/2" x 11" white 3-hole punched paper.

•A page number appears in the upper right hand corner (in the header). No page number is printed on the first page.

Font Type and Size:

COURIER, 12 

The Courier 12 font is used for timing purposes. One script page in Courier 12 roughly averages 1 minute of onscreen film time.

MARGINS

•The top and bottom margins are between 5" and 1".

•The left margin is between 1.2" and 1.6".

•The right margin is between .5" and 1".

Adapting Maupassant’s The Necklace

Into A Screenplay

The Necklace

Adapted from Maupassant’s short story, The Necklace

by

Shruthi Nair

FADE IN:

INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY

MATHILDE, the protagonist is seen arranging the furnitures in the living room in a slow and lazy manner. Throughout, she appears lost in her thoughts.

THE NARRATOR (V.O)“This is Mathilde, one of those pretty and charming girls born as though fate had blundered over her, into a family of artisans. She had no marriage portion, no expectations, no means of getting wedded by a man of wealth and distinction; and she let herself be married off to a little clerk in the Minitry of Education. She suffered endlessly, feeling herself born for every delicacy and luxury.”

MATHILDE (irritated)

“These mean walls, worn chairs, ugly curtains! Lord! I wish I had exquisite pieces of furniture, priceless ornaments, and small charming perfumed rooms, created just for little parties of intimate friends.”

CUT TO:

INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT

MATHILDE is seen setting the table for dinner. It is a round table covered with an old cloth. Meanwhile, MONSIEUR LOISEL, the husband, enters. Both sit down for dinner.

MONSIEUR LOISEL (exclaims delightedly)

“Aha!” Scotch broth! What could be better?”

MATHILDE(V.O)“Oh how much I wish for delicate meals served in marvellous dishes, gleaming silver, tapestries peopling the walls with folk of a past age and strange birds in faery forests. But, here I am with no good clothes or jewels to wear!”

CUT TO:

INT. LIVING ROOM: DAY

MONSIEUR LOISEL enters the room with an exultant air. He calls out Mathilde’s name five times until she rushes into the room.

MONSIEUR LOISEL(holding a large envelope in his hand)

“Here’s something for you.”

MATHILDE swiftly takes the envelope, tears it open and draws out a printed card.

MATHILDE (reading)“ The Minister of Education and Madame ramponneau request the pleasure of the company of Monsieur and Madame Loisel at the Ministry on the evening of Monday, January the 18th.”

MONSIEUR LOOKS AT HER WITH GREAT EXCITEMENT

MATHILDE (With extreme disappointment)

“ What do you want me to do with this?”

MONSIEUR“Why, darling, I thought you’d b pleased. You never go out, and this is a great occasion. I had tremendous trouble to get it…”

Thank You!