Screenplay format guide
How to Write a Freeze Frame in a Screenplay
A freeze frame stops the picture on a single image. To write one, put FREEZE FRAME in capitals on its own line at the moment the action should stop. Add narration or a title over it if needed, then write BACK TO SCENE to start moving again, or let a new scene heading or the end of the script follow.
Written and reviewed by ScriptLix Editorial
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
Mid food fight. A meatball hangs in the air, inches from Dev's face.
FREEZE FRAME.
DEV (V.O.)
That's me. The kid about to wear the spaghetti. You're probably wondering how I got here.
BACK TO SCENE
The meatball hits. Dev goes down in a spray of sauce.
Write your own
Type in plain text. A name in caps right above a line becomes dialogue, and lines starting INT. or EXT. become scene headings.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA - DAY
Mid food fight. A meatball hangs in the air, inches from Dev's face.
FREEZE FRAME.
DEV (V.O.)
That's me. The kid about to wear the spaghetti. You're probably wondering how I got here.
BACK TO SCENE
The meatball hits. Dev goes down in a spray of sauce.
How to use it
- 1
Describe the exact image you want held, so the reader sees the frozen moment.
- 2
Write FREEZE FRAME. in capitals on its own line.
- 3
Add any voice over or title, then BACK TO SCENE, a new heading, or the end.
What is a freeze frame used for?
Three things, mostly. Opening a story in the middle of a mess and then rewinding, with narration over the frozen image. Introducing a character with a name and a joke on screen. And ending a film on an image that will not resolve, where the freeze is the last word.
In each case the freeze is a choice about storytelling, which is why it is acceptable in a spec. A freeze used only to look stylish reads as directing.
How do you format a freeze frame?
Put the frozen image in the action line just before, then FREEZE FRAME. on its own line at the left margin, in capitals. Some writers set it flush right like a transition. Either reads fine; be consistent.
If a character narrates over the freeze, format the narration as dialogue with (V.O.) on the cue. To resume, write BACK TO SCENE on its own line, then carry on. To end the film on it, follow with FADE OUT. or THE END.
How is a freeze frame different from slow motion?
Slow motion stretches time while things keep moving. A freeze frame stops time completely. Slow motion is about feeling a moment; a freeze frame is usually about commenting on one, often with narration or text.
More from the format guide
- How to Write a Montage in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Flashback in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Phone Call in a Screenplay
- How to Write Text Messages in a Screenplay
- Dual Dialogue in a Screenplay
- Voice Over in a Screenplay: V.O. Narration
- Screenplay Transitions: CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO
- How to Introduce a Character in a Screenplay
- How to Use Parentheticals in a Screenplay
- How to Write an Intercut in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Title Card in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Series of Shots in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Flash Forward in a Screenplay
- How to Write a Dream Sequence in a Screenplay
- Smash Cut: What It Is and How to Write One
- O.S. in a Screenplay: Meaning and Format
- How to Write a Pre Lap in a Screenplay
- Subtitles in a Screenplay: Foreign Dialogue
- How to Write a Split Screen in a Screenplay
- How to Write Slow Motion in a Screenplay
- How to Write Song Lyrics in a Screenplay
Questions writers ask
How do you write a freeze frame in a screenplay?
Describe the image, then write FREEZE FRAME. in capitals on its own line. Resume with BACK TO SCENE or move on to a new scene heading.
Can you end a screenplay on a freeze frame?
Yes. Write FREEZE FRAME. on the final image, then FADE OUT. or THE END.
How do I add narration over a freeze frame?
Write it as dialogue with (V.O.) after the character name, right after the FREEZE FRAME line.
Is FREEZE FRAME a transition?
It is usually written at the left margin like action, though some writers set it flush right. Both are understood.