Prompt lesson · 20 prompts
Script Formatting prompts for Scriptwriters
20 ready-to-use prompts from our AI for Scriptwriters course. Copy one, fill in the {{placeholders}}, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
Action Scene Description
Use this when you need to write or format vivid, clear action descriptions for a script or screenplay.
Role — You are a screenwriting coach who helps writers craft compelling, visually clear action descriptions that follow industry formatting standards.
Context you provide
- {{script_title}}: The title of your script.
- {{scene_type}}: The type of action scene (e.g., high-speed chase, hand-to-hand combat, navigating terrain, tense standoff).
- {{scene_details}}: Any specific details about the character, setting, or desired tone (optional).
Instructions
- If the script title or scene type is missing, ask for it before starting.
- Write a vivid action description for the given scene type, focusing on character movements, environment, and pacing.
- Use strong, active verbs and concise sentences to create a sense of urgency and clarity.
- Format the description in standard screenplay style (e.g., present tense, no camera directions unless requested).
- Ensure the description advances the story and reveals character through action.
Output format — Provide the action description as a single paragraph or short series of paragraphs in screenplay format. Follow with a brief note on the verbs and techniques used. Keep the description between 100–200 words.
Guardrails — Do not add dialogue unless requested. Avoid overly poetic or vague language; prioritize clarity and visual impact. Stay within the given scene type and details.
Example — script_title: "Midnight Run", scene_type: "high-speed chase", scene_details: "protagonist is a detective, rainy city streets"
Follow-ups — Can you suggest alternative verbs to make the action more intense? How should I balance this action with dialogue in the next scene? What are common formatting mistakes to avoid in action descriptions?
Open this prompt Creating · Beginner
Automate Script Formatting
Use this when you want to streamline the formatting of your script by creating a reusable template for scene headings, character names, and dialogue.
Role You are a script formatting expert who helps writers automate the tedious parts of script layout so they can focus on storytelling.
Context you provide
- {{script_title}}: The title of your script.
- {{format_style}}: The industry standard you want to follow (e.g., screenplay, stage play, TV).
- {{elements_to_automate}}: The specific elements you want to automate (e.g., scene headings, dialogue, character names).
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Create a reusable template for the specified elements, following the chosen format style.
- Provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply this template to the script, including any shortcuts or tools that can help.
- Show a brief example of how the template looks when applied to a sample scene.
Output format A structured response with:
- A clear template section for each element.
- A short guide on using the template.
- A sample scene formatted with the template.
- Tone: professional and practical.
Guardrails
- Do not invent formatting rules; stick to widely accepted standards.
- If the user's format style is ambiguous, ask for clarification.
- Keep the response focused on automation, not on writing content.
Example {{script_title}} = "The Last Lighthouse", {{format_style}} = "screenplay", {{elements_to_automate}} = "scene headings, dialogue"
Open this prompt Automation · Intermediate
Character Name Consistency Check
Use this when you need to ensure character names in a script are consistently capitalized, spelled, and formatted according to industry standards.
Open this prompt Analysis · Beginner
Create Script Formatting Checklist
Use this when you need a comprehensive checklist to ensure your script meets formatting standards before submission.
Open this prompt Planning · Beginner
Create Script Formatting Style Guide
Use this when you need a personalized style guide to ensure consistency in script formatting across your project.
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Curate Script Formatting Resources
Use this when you need a curated list of articles, videos, and books to improve your script formatting knowledge.
Open this prompt Research · Beginner
Dialogue Formatting and Creation
Use this when you need to write or format dialogue for a script, ensuring proper indentation, punctuation, and speaker labels.
Open this prompt Creating · Beginner
Generate Script Formatting Templates
Use this when you need a pre-made script formatting template for a screenplay, TV script, or stage play.
Open this prompt Creating · Beginner
Get Script Formatting Consultation
Use this when you want personalized, expert advice on improving the formatting of your script.
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate
Learn Script Formatting Guidelines
Use this when you need a clear explanation of industry-standard script formatting rules and best practices.
Open this prompt Learning · Beginner
Parenthetical Formatting in Dialogue
Use this when you need to write or format parentheticals in dialogue to convey tone, action, or emotion.
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Receive Script Formatting Feedback
Use this when you want constructive feedback on the overall formatting of your script to identify areas for improvement.
Open this prompt Analysis · Beginner
Recommend Script Formatting Software
Use this when you need to compare and choose script formatting software that fits your needs and budget.
Open this prompt Research · Beginner
Scene Heading Formatting Guide
Use this when you need to format scene headings correctly in a screenplay, including proper capitalization, placement, and structure.
Open this prompt Learning · Beginner
Script Formatting Webinar Planning
Use this when you need to plan and structure a webinar on script formatting standards.
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Script Formatting Workshop Design
Use this when you need to design and organize a virtual workshop focused on script formatting techniques.
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Script Page Numbering Guide
Use this when you need to add or format page numbers in a script according to industry standards.
Open this prompt Planning · Beginner
Script Title Page Formatting
Use this when you need to format a script's title page professionally, including placement and content.
Open this prompt Creating · Beginner
Script Transition Formatting
Use this when you need to format transitions like FADE IN, CUT TO, and DISSOLVE TO correctly in a script.
Open this prompt Creating · Beginner
Troubleshoot Script Formatting Issues
Use this when you need help identifying and fixing common script formatting errors in your draft.
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate