When a playwright starts working on their play, they might not think about the format first. But once inspiration strikes, the structure of their script is what brings their vision to life on stage.

Maybe you’re thinking about writing a screenplay, but don’t know where to start. Or maybe you’re interested in following in the footsteps of writer-directors such as Mindy Kaling or Jordan Peele.

Writer C. Mason Wells tells IndieWire about embracing a different script format that allowed Carol Kane and Jason Schwartzman new acting freedom. Silver and Wells’ scriptments are about 50-page prose ...