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name: fountain-syntax description: | Complete Fountain screenplay format syntax reference. Covers scene headings, action, character names, dialogue, parentheticals, transitions, dual dialogue, notes, title page, emphasis, and page breaks.

Use when: writing or editing .fountain files, validating screenplay format, converting between formats, or teaching Fountain syntax.

Fountain Syntax

Overview

Fountain is a plain text markup language for writing screenplays. Files use the .fountain extension.

Core Elements

Scene Headings

CopyINT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
EXT. CITY STREET - NIGHT
INT./EXT. CAR (MOVING) - CONTINUOUS

Must begin with INT, EXT, or INT./EXT. followed by location and time of day.

Action

Plain paragraphs become action/description:

CopySarah enters the crowded coffee shop, scanning the room. She spots MIKE at a corner table.

Character Names

Character names in ALL CAPS on their own line:

CopySARAH
Hello, Mike. It's been a while.

Dialogue

Follows character name, indented automatically:

CopyMIKE
(surprised)
Sarah? I didn't expect to see you here.

Parentheticals

Direction within dialogue, in parentheses:

CopySARAH
(sitting down)
We need to talk.

Transitions

End with TO: or force with >:

CopyCUT TO:

> FADE OUT.

Dual Dialogue

Use ^ for simultaneous speech:

CopySARAH
I can't believe you—

MIKE ^
Let me explain—

Notes

Copy[[This is a production note]]

/* This is a hidden comment */

Title Page

CopyTitle: SCREENPLAY TITLE
Credit: Written by
Author: Writer Name
Draft date: January 2025

Scene Numbers

Force scene numbers with #:

CopyINT. OFFICE - DAY #1#

Emphasis

Copy*italics*
**bold**
***bold italics***
_underline_

Page Breaks

Three or more equal signs:

Copy===