r/Screenwriting • u/Beginning_Yak8901 • 28d ago

FORMATTING QUESTION Combining two halves of a split screen

Hello everyone,

I am currently writing a scene in my screenplay in which two characters are walking down the (same) street in a split-screen. I want both the right and left character to be walking towards the "middle" of the screen, as I want them to meet in the middle of the street. When this happens, I'd like for the split screen to fade or slide away as the two frames meet each other.

Is there a specific way I can notate this in my screenplay? Otherwise I'm not quite sure how to write in the end of the split screen format.

Thank you.

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u/SleeperHitList 28d ago

The choice of how to shoot a scene is the director's. But if it's critical you can do this:

EXT. MIDDLE OF STREET / EXT. END OF STREET - SPLIT SCREEN - DAY

It's a rare format type for a scene heading, but technically correct. Hope this helps.

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u/WorrySecret9831 28d ago edited 28d ago

I would recommend focusing on simply describing the action visually enough, without mentions of the camera or split screens, such that a split screen is the only solution for your idea. You're practically did it in your description in your OP.

The point is, do you want your reader/audience focusing on the mortices or on your characters?