What is a series of shots in a screenplay?

A series of shots is a formatted list of quick, connected images used to show a sequence of related action, usually in a tighter timeframe or single thread of events. It's formatted much like a montage, with a heading and short lettered beats.

What is the difference between a series of shots and a montage?

A montage compresses time to show change or a process across possibly many places (a training arc, a season passing). A series of shots shows connected action in a tighter window. They format almost identically; the label signals your intent to the reader.

How do you format a series of shots?

Open with SERIES OF SHOTS, list each image as a short lettered beat (A, B, C), and return to normal scene format afterward. Keep each beat to a line or two.

How to Write a Series of Shots (And When to Use It Instead of a Montage)

Series of shots vs. montage: what the difference really is, how to format a series of shots in a screenplay, and which one your sequence actually needs.

"Series of shots" and "montage" get used interchangeably, and on the page they look nearly the same. But choosing the right label tells the reader something real about what kind of sequence they're reading. Here's the distinction and the format.

Series of shots vs. montage

Montage — compresses time to show change or a process. A romance blossoming over months, a fighter training, a house falling into ruin. Often spans many locations and a long span of time. See how to write a montage.
Series of shots — a run of connected images in a tighter thread: a burglar working through a house room by room, a detective assembling clues in one afternoon. Less about compressing months, more about showing linked action beats.

In practice the formatting is almost identical. The label is a signal of intent — don't agonize over it, but pick the one that matches what the sequence is doing.

How to format it

SERIES OF SHOTS - THE HEIST PREP

     A) Nomi lays tools across the bed in precise rows.
     B) She studies the building blueprints, tracing a route.
     C) A burner phone powers on. She memorizes a number, then kills it.
     D) She pulls on black gloves and checks the mirror.

BACK TO SCENE

Each beat is short — a line or two. Letters keep it scannable. Return to normal format with BACK TO SCENE or the next scene heading.

When to use which

Use a montage when…	Use a series of shots when…
Time passes (weeks, seasons)	Action is close together in time
You're showing change or growth	You're showing linked steps
Locations vary widely	The thread is tighter

Keep beats economical

The whole value of these sequences is economy — a lot of story in a little space. Resist writing full paragraphs per beat. One vivid line each, and remember these play faster than they read against the one-page-one-minute rule.

Format it without the fuss

A series of shots means a heading, lettered beats, and a clean return — elements a good tool applies for you so the sequence stays tidy through rewrites. Scriptease handles series-of-shots and montage formatting alike.