How to Write a Montage in a Script

Montages are a visual storyteller's best friend, allowing you to condense time and action into a powerful and engaging sequence. Did you know that the training montage in Rocky not only became iconic but also redefined how audiences perceive determination and growth in just a few minutes? Montages can show character progression, depict the passage of time, or provide exposition in a creative way. In this blog, we’ll explore how to write an effective montage in a script, including examples, formatting tips, and actionable strategies.

1. What is a Montage?

A montage is a series of short scenes or images that, when combined, create a cohesive and impactful story element. Think of the training scenes in Rocky or the life journey depicted in Forrest Gump. Montages are powerful tools that help move the story forward while maintaining viewer engagement. By condensing time and highlighting critical moments, montages allow screenwriters to add depth without overwhelming the audience with lengthy scenes.

2. Formatting a Montage in Your Script

Formatting a montage correctly is essential to ensure clarity for the production team. Use these two common methods to format your montage effectively:

• Using the MONTAGE Header:

  MONTAGE – CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
  - John runs through the park.
  - John studies late at night.
  - John smiles as he gets his exam results.
      

• Inline Formatting:

  INT. LIBRARY – NIGHT
  John flips through textbooks.
  
  EXT. TRACK FIELD – DAY
  John jogs past cheering students.
  
  INT. CLASSROOM – MORNING
  John beams as he aces his presentation.
      

When formatting, ensure each action or scene adds to the montage’s central theme or purpose. If applicable, include music cues to enhance the sequence’s emotional impact.

3. Checklist for Writing Effective Montages

Use this checklist to ensure your montage hits the mark:

• Theme: Does every scene align with the central purpose of the montage?
• Flow: Are the actions logically or emotionally connected?
• Timing: Have you kept the sequence concise and focused?
• Music: Does the montage work with or without a defined soundtrack?

4. Montages Across Genres

Montages serve different purposes depending on the genre:

• Comedy: Quick, exaggerated actions, like the makeover montage in Legally Blonde.
• Drama: Emotional growth and journey, as seen in Pursuit of Happyness.
• Action: Intense training or preparation, such as in Mulan.

For each genre, consider the emotional tone and pacing. Comedy montages might rely on exaggerated actions and quick cuts, while drama montages emphasize emotional resonance and slower transitions.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your montage is effective, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Overcomplicating the formatting, making it difficult for others to follow.
• Including too many disconnected actions that lack a central theme.
• Creating montages that don’t add value to the story.
• Overusing montages to replace character development or plot progression.

6. Writing Montages with Screenplay Writer

If you’re writing your script in Google Docs, formatting montages can be effortless with the Screenplay Writer Google Docs add-on. This tool allows you to focus on planning and creativity while handling all the formatting challenges for you. Leverage the powerful collaboration features of Google Docs to brainstorm montage ideas with co-writers in real time.

With Screenplay Writer, you get a 7-day free trial to explore its features and a one-time subscription fee of just $9.99 to make formatting hassle-free. Write your next montage with ease and precision!

Conclusion

Montages are more than just sequences—they’re the heartbeat of visual storytelling. Now that you know how to craft them effectively, start writing your next script and let your creativity shine. And if you’re ready to simplify the formatting process, don’t forget to check out Screenplay Writer.