Primer: prose or screenplay layout
A novel is written as prose; a script is written in screenplay layout, with scene headings, character names in capitals and dialogue set apart. Most tools on the register say they take either, and a few say outright that formatting does not matter. From 8 source pages, read 2026-09-25; no maker pays to be listed.
Layout still carries information. A scene heading tells a breakdown where the action is; a name in capitals tells it who is speaking. A tool reading prose has to infer both, and its cast and place lists show how well it did.
Fountain is a middle way: plain text with simple marks that rebuild the layout. Only one tool on the register names it, but any tool that takes pasted text will take its words.
1From the register
Scene Headings start with INT, EXT, and the like. Character names are in UPPERCASE. Dialogue comes right after Character.
Fountain, syntax page
Start with a story idea, script, novel chapter, or plot outline.
AI Drama Generator, home page
Paste a script or describe your story idea.
Arcloop, AI Short Drama Generator page
Drop in your topic or paste your script.
Crreo AI, home page
- Screenplay files, the basic rulesFountain marks a screenplay in plain text: headings start INT or EXT, names are uppercase, dialogue follows
- Formats, step 1: import your storyStory ideas, scripts, novel chapters or outlines go into a story box
- Formats, share your storyA script can be uploaded or pasted, or a story idea described
- Formats, step 1: share your ideaA topic can be dropped in or a script pasted
- Formats, already have a scriptScripts are pasted; a trending link or uploaded video can be broken down instead
- Formats, script into storyboardsScreenplays are uploaded or pasted; a shot list can be imported
- Formats, step 1A story idea is typed or a script uploaded through an Upload Text button
- Formats, step 1Any script, scene or story idea is pasted in
2From source text to episodes
After the intake question in “Prose or screenplay layout”, SceneMixer describes what it does with the text:
The spoken lines and the end card follow your interface language across fifteen dialogue languages, with the cast and setting adapted to that market. The end card falls back to a language it can typeset when a script needs shaping or right-to-left layout.
SceneMixer, AI Ad Video Generator — “Which languages can the ad be in?” (read 2026-10-13)
Every character comes out of the script read with a voice described in words — age, weight, pace, where it sits.
SceneMixer, How Character Voices Work (read 2026-10-13)
3Other primers
The primers describe what vendors wrote on their intake pages; product behaviour beyond the wording is not claimed.