Question of the week 1/24: Does your script have enough white space?

Question of the week: Does your script have enough white space?

White space is the screenwriter's ally.

How does the use of white space help you? First, breaking your action and description into smaller sections makes the script seems as if it reads quickly, giving the reader the effect that your story also moves quickly. A story that moves quickly is more likely to hold a reader's attention.

Smaller sections of action draw the reader's eye down the page. Screenwriters should make their best effort to limit sections of action and description to a maximum of five or six lines. Several consecutive smaller sections of action will appeal to a reader more than one large paragraph of action.

Write right and write on!