Scripts are composed of different types of information - Scene Headings, Character Names, Dialogue, Transitions, etc.
Traditional screenwriting conventions dictate that each has separate indentations, alignment, spacing, casing, etc. http://www.finaldraft.com calls these unique paragraphs Elements. The specifications for all Elements are defined in the Format > Elements dialog. Other word processing programs may refer to them as style or style sheets.
When a new paragraph is added to the script, its characteristics are taken from the specifications in the Elements dialog and applied to the paragraph, giving the script a consistent, professional look.
The entire script may be altered by changing the settings for one or more elements. For example, if the indentations for the Dialogue element are changed, every paragraph of dialogue is reformatted accordingly. This causes the script's length to be adjusted (lengthened or shortened).
The basic default Elements (except Shot) include:
Marks the beginning of a scene, describing where and when the scene takes place. They are always written in all-capital letters. Traditionally, Scene Headings are the only element that have a scene number assigned to them. They will not be "orphaned" at the bottom of a page but will be placed at the beginning of the next page to stay with the action that follows.
Scene Intros indicate whether the scene is set inside or outside. The default Scene Intros are: INT (interior); EXT (exterior); I/E (interior/exterior).
Location indicates where the scene is to take place.
Time indicates when the scene is to take place.
Represents screen direction which tells what is happening in the scene. It may include physical and psychological action.
Always precedes dialogue to indicate who is doing the talking. They are always written in all capital letters.
A Character Extension indicates where the speech is "coming from" - off screen, voice over, etc.
Directions which precede or follow dialogue. They indicate an immediate action being taken by the speaker, or that the dialogue should be delivered in a certain way. Parentheticals should be no more than a few words.
Note: When a Parenthetical element is added, Final Draft automatically enters both the left and right parentheses and positions the insertion point between them.
A character's speech. It is always preceded by a Character Name, which identifies the speaker.
Marks the end of a scene and may indicate how the passage between scenes takes place. They are always written in capital letters.
Used to indicate a camera angle, camera movement or direction within a scene. They are always written in capital letters. They behave and paginate just like Scene Headings, although they do not get numbered. They will not be "orphaned" at the bottom of a page but will be placed at the beginning of the next page to stay with the action that follows the shot description. For example:
BACK TO ANDY
CLOSE-UP ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN
Used for any text which does not fall within any of the standard elements.
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