Animation Script Template

Stephanie Ciccarelli

April 5, 2018

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Animation Script Page Layout

Here are some best practices for setting up your animation script document:

Typeface

Courier font, 10 characters per inch. Do not use different, special or artsy-looking typefaces. They distract from your script and suggest an amateurish approach to industry professionals.

Tabs

Set regular tabs at 10 CPI

Margins

Set at 1.5 inches from left side of paper, and 7.3 inches from left side of paper.

Action slugs

Set them between the main margins, with blank lines before and after.

Dialogue

This should run between 2.5 inches from the left edge of the paper and 5.8 inches from the left side. Single-space all dialogue.

Personal Direction

Set at 3 inches from the left edge of the paper, single-spaced.

Character Name

Set at 3.5 inches from the left side of the page. Single-space between Character Name, Direction and Dialogue

Page Numbers

Insert into third line of the header, 7.5 inches from the left page edge.

Body of Script

Runs from lines 7 through 60 on the page

Scene Transitions

6 inches from the left page edge.

Fade In/Fade Out

Always start your script with FADE IN: and end it with FADE OUT.
Do not number your scenes, and do not use CONTINUED between pages.

Page Breaks

Use MORE to break dialogue between pages. 3.5 inches from the left page edge.
Use CONT’D to the right of the Character Name at the start of the next page.

Primary and Secondary Slugs

Use blank lines before and after.

Primary or Location Slugs should be ALL CAPS, at the left margin
Examples: INT. (interior), EXT. (Exterior), Camera Angle/Distance, Scene Location, Time of Day.

Secondary Slugs indicate where you need to cut to a new character, use a new camera angle or shift to a new scene.
Example: “ANGLE ON SHERIFF WOODY, ON WOODY, lying beneath a pile of blocks.”

New Characters

Use UPPER CASE the first time a character name is used. Title Case every time thereafter.

Shot Sequencing

Number shots Shot #1, Shot #2, etc.

Character Dialogue

When delivered oncreen: CHARACTER
When delivered offscreen: CHARACTER (O.S.)
Voice Over: VOICE (V.O.)

Stephanie Ciccarelli

Stephanie Ciccarelli is a Co-Founder of Voices. Classically trained in voice as well as a respected mentor and industry speaker, Stephanie graduated with a Bachelor of Musical Arts from the Don Wright Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario. For over 25 years, Stephanie has used her voice to communicate what is most important to her through the spoken and written word. Possessing a great love for imparting knowledge and empowering others, Stephanie has been a contributor to The Huffington Post, Backstage magazine, Stage 32 and the Voices.com blog. Stephanie is found on the PROFIT Magazine W100 list three times (2013, 2015 and 2016), a ranking of Canada's top female entrepreneurs, and is the author of Voice Acting for Dummies®.

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