Play script layout

[Shaun]

I want to set out a script with the Speaker on the left and the speeches on
the right so that the speeches on the second and subsequent lines do not go
to the left margin but continue on the next and subsequent lines directly
under the beginning of the speech.

In other words in this example I should like Shaman to appear under My name.

SPEAKER: My name is speaker. I was born in Timbuktu and I am an African
Shaman

 

[JoAnn Paules]

I'd use the paragraph settings and set it to hang by some amount. That
amount would have to vary. SPEAKER takes up less room that HENRY WADSWORTH
LONGFELLOW.

 

[Graham Mayor]

I think I would be more inclined to use a two column table.

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP

My web site www.gmayor.com

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[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Although a table might appear to be an easy way to handle this, it adds
unnecessary complexity and complicates the insertion of stage directions.
Use of appropriate styles (dialog styles with a generous hanging indent, a
centered or indented style for stage directions, other styles for act and
scene headings, etc., with judicious use of following styles, will be more
satisfactory, I think.

 

[grammatim]

Surely templates are available for plays and screenplays?

But note that if you're submitting your script for consideration by a
producer, they often have pretty strict requirements about formatting
or they won't even look at it. Contact their acquisitions department,
or your agent.

 

[Robert]

Here are a few topical pages:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/formats.shtml
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,2941,00.html
http://forum.onestopenglish.com/
http://www.lib.umd.edu/ETC/ReadingRoom/Fiction/FictionAG.html
http://www.davidappleyard.com/english/punctuation.htm
http://www.englishclub.com/index.htm

Hope this helps.