How to format text messages in your script

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There’s not really a standard way to format text messages in your script. But we understand you want it to flow naturally and look well presented. 

Most of the ways to deal with the issue of how to format text messages in your script are actually correct as long as they are clear and shows the intention of the writer, not leaving the reader lost and confused.

One easy way to combat this is to treat the text messages as dialogue and format as shown below:

Text format in a screenplay

Overall the director usually chooses how the text messages are portrayed. This may be a voiceover or an on-screen display. Whichever way the director chooses it will sit aligned with the dynamic of the program. However, you can hint to the way you wish to portray it.

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Jay Neill

Jay Neill is the founder, owner, and managing editor of iFilmThings and believes everyone should have access to the film resources they need to plan their filmmaking project, which is why he’s dedicated iFilmThings to helping all filmmakers.

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