Action Line
An Action Line is a basic building block in screenplay writing that describes what's happening on screen. It's the part of a script that tells what viewers will see, like character movements, locations, and visual elements. Think of it as stage directions in a play, but for movies or TV shows. Writers use Action Lines to paint a picture of the scene without including dialogue. This is also sometimes called "scene description" or "action description." It's a crucial skill for any screenwriter because it helps directors, actors, and production teams understand exactly what should happen in each scene.
Examples in Resumes
Crafted compelling Action Lines that brought dynamic chase sequences to life in feature film scripts
Refined Action Lines and scene descriptions to minimize page count while maximizing visual impact
Developed clear and concise Action Description for multi-episode television series
Typical job title: "Screenwriters"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Screenwriters
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach writing Action Lines for complex sequences with multiple characters?
Expected Answer: An experienced writer should explain how they keep Action Lines clear and concise while juggling multiple elements, emphasizing the importance of visual clarity and pacing. They should mention techniques for breaking down complex scenes into manageable pieces.
Q: How do you balance descriptive writing with keeping the script at a reasonable page count?
Expected Answer: Should discuss techniques for efficient writing, knowing what details are essential vs. unnecessary, and how to create vivid scenes with minimal words while maintaining the script's readability and impact.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What's your process for revising Action Lines based on budget constraints?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of how to modify scene descriptions to work within production limitations while maintaining the story's impact, and explain how to communicate the same idea with less expensive elements.
Q: How do you write Action Lines that serve both the reader and production team?
Expected Answer: Should explain the balance between engaging prose for script readers and clear, practical descriptions for the production team, with examples of how to achieve both goals.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic rules for writing effective Action Lines?
Expected Answer: Should know the fundamentals: writing in present tense, using active voice, being concise, focusing on what can be seen on screen, and avoiding camera directions unless absolutely necessary.
Q: How do you format Action Lines in a screenplay?
Expected Answer: Should understand basic formatting rules: using proper margins, writing in blocks between dialogue, keeping paragraphs short, and using standard screenplay formatting software.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic screenplay formatting
- Writing clear, simple Action Lines
- Understanding of visual storytelling
- Basic scene description
Mid (2-5 years)
- Efficient and engaging prose
- Complex scene management
- Budget-conscious writing
- Collaboration with production teams
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced visual storytelling
- Managing multiple storylines
- Production-savvy writing
- Mentoring other writers
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to write in present tense
- Overuse of camera directions in Action Lines
- Too much unnecessary detail in scene descriptions
- Lack of visual storytelling ability
Related Terms
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