How to Write a Montage in a Screenplay (2026 Update)

Montages are one of screenwriting's most powerful tools. They compress time, convey character growth, and create visual momentum—all without a single line of dialogue. Yet many screenwriters struggle with formatting them correctly or knowing when (and how) to use them effectively.

Whether you're writing a training sequence, a romantic getaway, or a character's emotional journey, mastering the montage will elevate your screenplay. In this 2026 update, we'll walk through the formatting rules, structure strategies, and real-world examples that will help you write montages that feel cinematic and necessary to your story.

What Exactly Is a Montage?

A montage is a rapid sequence of short scenes (or beats) edited together to show a passage of time or a series of related events. Instead of showing every moment, you compress the narrative into visual highlights set to music or sound design. Think of it as visual shorthand for character development or plot progression.

The classic examples are everywhere:

• Rocky (1976) — the training montage
• Legally Blonde (2001) — Elle studying for finals
• Ghostbusters II (1989) — getting the equipment ready
• Clueless (1995) — Cher getting ready in the morning

Each of these montages tells a story without exposition or heavy dialogue. They show us something essential about the character or plot through action and imagery.

The key difference between a montage and a regular sequence is intent. A montage is deliberately compressed. It's meant to feel rhythmic and fast-paced. It answers the question: "How does the character get from Point A to Point B?" without showing every step.

The Basic Formatting Rules for Montages

In screenplay formatting, there are two main ways to format a montage. Both are correct; you choose based on clarity and pacing preferences.

Method 1: MONTAGE Header (Most Common)

This is the most widely used approach. You mark the sequence with a special heading:

Example:

MONTAGE - SARAH TRAINS FOR THE MARATHON

A1. EXT. CITY PARK - MORNING

Sarah jogs past early-morning joggers. Her pace is slow, labored.

A2. INT. SARAH'S APARTMENT - BATHROOM - NIGHT

Sarah stretches on the floor, grimacing. Ice packs line the counter.

A3. EXT. RIVER PATH - EARLY MORNING

Sarah runs past mile marker 8. Sweat drips down her face. Better form. Stronger stride.

A4. INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

Sarah and her running buddy MARCUS review a training chart, laughing.

END MONTAGE

Notice the structure:

• Begin with MONTAGE - [DESCRIPTION]
• Sequence the shots as A1, A2, A3, etc. (or just use regular scene headings)
• End with END MONTAGE
• Keep each beat brief—one or two lines of action is typical

Method 2: Scene Headings Without "MONTAGE"

Some screenwriters use regular scene headings without the MONTAGE label, relying on the rapid succession to signal the compressed timeframe:

INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Jordan stands before a mirror. The instructor claps. Jordan attempts a pirouette. Stumbles.

INT. DANCE STUDIO - NIGHT

Jordan practices alone. Sweat on the floor. Finally—a perfect rotation. Relief washes over her face.

EXT. PARK TRAIL - MORNING

Jordan jogs, headphones on. Confidence in her stride.

INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Full-length mirror. Jordan executes the choreography flawlessly. A smile.

Both methods work, but the MONTAGE header is clearer for readers and production teams. It explicitly signals that time has compressed and these scenes are meant to flow together visually.

Structuring a Montage That Actually Works

Formatting is half the battle. The other half is making your montage earn its place in the story. A weak montage feels like filler. A strong one is essential to your screenplay's emotional arc.

Have a Clear Purpose

Before you write a single beat, ask yourself: Why does this montage exist?

• To show character growth (training, learning, transformation)
• To compress time (passing weeks or months)
• To establish atmosphere or tone (the texture of a place or relationship)
• To show repetition or routine (daily struggle, obsession, habit)

If your montage doesn't serve one of these purposes, cut it. Readers notice bloat.

Show Progress or Change

The strongest montages show a before-and-after journey. Each beat should subtly shift the character's status or emotional state.

Weak example:

INT. GYM - DAY / INT. GYM - DAY / INT. GYM - DAY / INT. GYM - DAY

Marcus lifts weights. Marcus lifts weights. Marcus lifts weights. Marcus lifts more weights.

Repetitive with no visible change.

Strong example:

MONTAGE - MARCUS GETS RIPPED

• Marcus struggles to lift the barbell. His trainer corrects his form.
• One week later: Marcus lifts with more control, but still breathing hard.
• One month later: Marcus moves with ease. His physique has changed. Pride in his eyes.
• Marcus catches his reflection in the mirror. A smile. He nods at himself.

Clear progression. Visual transformation. Emotional payoff.

Keep It Tight

Montages work because they're compressed. A montage of five beats typically runs 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes on screen. If you're writing eight or more beats, consider whether they're all necessary or if some could be cut.

Each beat should be one or two lines of action—occasionally three if something important happens. Dialogue in montages should be rare and brief (a line of instruction, a laugh, a one-liner).

Use Music and Sound Design Thoughtfully

In your screenplay, you can suggest music in the action line:

Example:

MONTAGE - CAROLINE PREPARES FOR THE TRIAL

Upbeat orchestral score underscores the action.

A1. INT. LIBRARY - DAY

Caroline pulls law books from shelves. Stacks them on her desk.

A2. INT. CAROLINE'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

She reviews documents. Takes notes. Sips cold coffee.

A3. INT. COURTHOUSE HALLWAY - DAY

Caroline practices her opening statement to herself. Whispers the words.

END MONTAGE

The music choice (or sound design) should reinforce the emotional tone of the montage. A training montage needs energy. A grief montage needs quiet stillness. A romance montage needs warmth.

Common Montage Types and How to Format Them

The Training/Transformation Montage

Character goes from novice to skilled. Show the journey with visible improvement in each beat.

MONTAGE - ALEX LEARNS TO DANCE

A1. INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY

Alex moves awkwardly. The instructor shakes her head gently.

A2. INT. DANCE STUDIO - DAY (LATER)

Alex's footwork is sharper. Still self-conscious, but improving.

A3. INT. DANCE STUDIO - NIGHT

Alex performs the routine flawlessly. Joy on her face.

END MONTAGE

The Relationship/Romance Montage

Show intimacy building or falling apart. Use contrasting locations and emotional beats.

MONTAGE - DAVID AND LILY FALL IN LOVE

A1. INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

They laugh across a table, eyes locked.

A2. EXT. PARK - SUNSET

They walk hand-in-hand. She rests her head on his shoulder.

A3. INT. DAVID'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

They slow-dance in the kitchen. No music. Just them.

A4. EXT. BEACH - MORNING

They sit in comfortable silence, watching the waves.

END MONTAGE

The Passage of Time Montage

Show daily life, seasons changing, routine, or the wearing down of a character. These work beautifully for showing obsession or dedication.

MONTAGE - THOMAS BECOMES OBSESSED

A1. INT. STUDY - DAY

Thomas pins photos to a corkboard. Writes notes in red marker.

A2. INT. STUDY - NIGHT

Coffee cups pile up. Thomas, unshaven, connects strings between photos.

A3. INT. STUDY - NIGHT (LATER)

Thomas sleeps at his desk, papers scattered beneath his head.

A4. INT. STUDY - DAY

The entire wall is covered. Photographs. Maps. Symbols. Thomas stands back, eyes wild.

END MONTAGE

The Failure/Struggle Montage

Show repeated attempts that don't work. Build tension toward a breakthrough (or continued failure).

MONTAGE - MAYA TRIES TO MAKE THE SHOT

A1. INT. BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

Maya shoots from the three-point line. Misses. Bounces the ball in frustration.

A2. INT. BASKETBALL COURT - LATE AFTERNOON

She shoots again. Air ball. She slams her hand on the floor.

A3. INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NIGHT

She shoots. This time it swishes through. She doesn't celebrate. She shoots again.

A4. INT. BASKETBALL COURT - NIGHT (LATER)

Five shots in a row. All swish. Finally—a smile.

END MONTAGE

Writing Montages in Different Mediums

Montages aren't just for feature films. They work in TV, short films, and web series too—though formatting varies slightly by medium.

TV Montages

In episodic television, montages tend to be shorter (20-45 seconds) because airtime is precious. Use them to establish tone quickly or show a character's day. If you're writing a TV pilot or series episode, keep montages brief and purposeful.

Short Film Montages

Short films often rely on montages more heavily since you have limited time to tell a complete story. A short film montage might comprise 30-50% of the piece, compressing a full emotional arc into minutes.

Web Series and TikTok-Era Content

With shorter attention spans, web montages are snappier. Use quick cuts, dynamic music, and high contrast. Four to six beats, 15-30 seconds total. Think visual energy over narrative depth.

Montage Pitfalls to Avoid

Don't Use Montages as Lazy Exposition

A montage should show, not tell. If you're relying on voiceover to explain what's happening in your montage, you've lost the thread. Let the images do the work.

Don't Forget the Story

A montage isn't a music video. Every beat should connect to your character's journey or plot. If a scene doesn't advance either, cut it.

Don't Make It Too Long

If your montage is longer than a full page of dialogue, it's probably too long. Montages lose impact when they overstay their welcome.

Don't Forget Sound Design

Music or sound is essential to a montage's emotional rhythm. Even if you don't specify a song, indicate the tone of the soundtrack in your action lines (upbeat, mournful, energetic, etc.).

Tools to Help You Write Faster

Once you've written your montage, formatting it correctly is crucial. Use a screenplay formatter to ensure your montage follows industry standards—the MONTAGE header, the A1/A2/A3 sequence numbering, and the END MONTAGE tag all need to be properly spaced and formatted.

If you're unsure how many scenes your script needs overall, a scene estimator can help you plan before you start writing. And when you're done, check your page count to ensure your screenplay hits the right length.

MyWriters.life offers all of these tools for free, plus 100+ features including 42 AI voices for character auditions and visual storyboarding. If you're working with collaborators, the real-time collaboration feature lets multiple writers work on your script simultaneously—perfect for workshopping montage sequences with your team.

Real-World Example: Putting It All Together

Let's look at a complete, production-ready montage:

MONTAGE - JESSICA REBUILDS HER LIFE

Soft, hopeful instrumental music. We watch Jessica reclaim herself.

A1. INT. SMALL APARTMENT - BEDROOM - MORNING

Jessica opens the curtains. Sunlight floods in. She takes a breath