vineri, 6 martie 2020

Screenplay Format – The complete and easy guide to formatting your script

Screenplay Format – The complete and easy guide to formatting your script

Screenplay formatting made easy

There is lot of stress and online chatter about how to format a screenplay. What’s right and mostly what’s not.
I want to assure you that when you finish reading this post you’ll know how to format your script.
And more importantly you’ll know there is nothing to fear, and that it is not that important to begin with.

Industry standard open doors

You can have someone fix your formatting on fiverr or other services for 15$. This means you need to focus on your script – Plot, charaters, dialogue. Industry-standart formatting is great, but anyone can do it. In fact EVERY SCREENWRITING SOFTWARE does that automatically.
You need to write the best script you can.
My goal here is to get you familiar with formatting so that you don’t stress over it and free your self to actually write.
Don’t obsess over formatting, learn the basics so you write in industry-standard but please don’t waste time or stress over it.

Proper formatting is important for two reasons:

  • Your script will read better.The reader will easily understand your vision and will enjoy the story more.
  • Production companies and agents get a lot of materials. If your script doesn’t look professional, they might not read it.
Make sure you submit a script that follows industry-standard.
But –

Remember
If you can solve it with $15 –
it’s not a problem!

Industry-Standard Formatting. Got it!
But wait, which industry?

This guide is referring to the American/English-speaking industry standard.
If you are not an American screenwriter:
  1. That’s excellent news for you – read here why.
  2. You can still use this guide. (From my experience Americans seems to take formatting more seriously than anywhere else).
script format

How to format a screenplay and not lose your mind

We’ll go step by step over all the main formatting elements.
All the example’s are from the pilot episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
Fonts
Font: Courier.
Font Size: 12 points.
This way the rule of thumb of 1 page=1 minute on screen, is kept. Mostly.

Scene Heading (AKA Slug Line)

 

Every scene starts with a scene heading or a slug line
(same thing, different name).
A scene heading or a slug line is a short description that indicates
where and when the scene takes place.
The scene heading offers crucial information for all the production
departments, as well as the reader.
Every scene heading has 3 elements:
1. Interior or Exterior
Int = Interior.
Ext = Exterior.
Int/Ext = Both.
2. Location
3. Time of day
scene heading
  • Slug lines are in All CAPS.
  • Use the  FORWARD SLASH If the scene takes place in 2 or more locations. If the character is on the move, a phone call. Etc.
Remember, the whole point is to be understood. As long as your choice is elegant and clear you’ll be fine.
slug line

Action

 

This part describes what will be seen and heard on screen.
Lets see how the great Shonda Rhimes did it:
action script format

Character

 

1. The first time a character appears in the script.
The character’s name in CAPS or BOLD or both.
Age – in parenthetical.
Mention age for main and repeating characters only unless there is a specific need to know the age.
(This is important for casting)
Add a short description of the character.

2. Character’s name in the action line
Just write the name. Nothing to it.
screenplay format character
3. Character’s name in dialogue.
CAPS , CENTERED and ABOVE the dialogue. Easy.
SCREENPLAY FORMATTING DIALOGUE

Dialogue

 

What the character says is written below the character’s name, in the center of the page.
SCREENPLAY FORMATTING DIALOGUE
VOICE OVER
When the character talks, but the other characters can’t hear. Usually, it is used as the character’s inner voice, narration etc.

Parenthetical

 

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to using parenthetical in a script.
Using parenthetical correctly can make your script better. Just as using too much of it or misusing it can make reading your screenplay a tiring experience.
parenthetical format script

Lets put every thing together

 

This is the first page, of the first episode of the first season of Grey’s Anatomy.
See all the formatting elements look on the page. 
how to format a screenplay

When in doubt

 

If you are not sure you wrote your script in the right format, do one or more of these:
  1. Read screenplays of show and films that were produced and broadcast, preferably ones you liked to watch (it’s just more fun that way). See how the pros did it. You can find free screenplays to read here and here.
  2. Use a screenwriting software. There are great free options out there, like this one and this one.
  3. Email me or ask in the FB group.

That’s it!

Now you are free to concentrate on what REALLY matters. Your script.
If you are just starting out working on a script, I suggest starting with a script treatment.
You can learn how to write a script treatment here.
For more tips, inspiration and support join our Facebook group.

Grab your free screenwriting terms printable here

 

 

https://writebetterscripts.com/screenplay-format/

 

What is a logline?


What is a logline?

You need a killer log line


I think you will agree with me that you can’t sell a script without a killer log line. 
In this guide I will show you WHY you need a gripping log line, HOW to write a log line that will open doors for you, PLUS EXAMPLES from the best log lines of the best series and films out there.
This is a guide you can’t miss.
Let’s start!

WHY DO NEED AN OUTSTANDING LOG LINE

You can have a great screenplay or a TV series bible, but if the log line isn’t good – no one will ever read it.
It took me years to understand the importance of a strong log line. Once I realized it is an essential part of the craft, I researched for the best way to write it. Reading and analyzing log lines, I found guidelines you can follow in order to write a professional, effective and compelling log line quickly and easily.

What is a Log Line in screenwriting?

A good log line is a 1- to – 3 sentence summary of your film/series, that hooks the reader instantly.
ou can think of a log line as an ultra-condensed version of your story. In every story, there is someone that wants something but is having trouble getting it. This is the essence of drama.

In other words, the log line should state WHO will face OBSTACLES and CONFLICTS, WHERE he or she is, and what they need to do to get WHAT they want.

Let’s look at an example:


The Handmaid's Tale Log Line

Set in a dystopian future, a woman is forced to live as a concubine, under a fundamentalist dictatorship
WHO – a woman.
WHAT – forced to live as a concubine.
OBSTACLES/CONFLICTS – under a fundamentalist  dictatorship 
WHERE – a dystopian future.

Log Line examples:




This is important!

A log line forces us to identify the core elements of our script (that is why it can be so excruciating to write.) It requires us to truly understand what the script is all about. 
As hard as it is, it is also a gift to us as screenwriters. It is not just for marketing or a part of a sales pitch. It is a screenwriting tool, and the sooner we apply it to our script, the better.

WRITE

Now that you know what a good log line is, what key elements are needed to write a one, and why you need it, It is time to write your own.
Take your time. Write and rewrite it as much as you need.

Remember: Who, What, Obstacle, Where. 

Final Tip

If you try and try and it doesn’t seem to work, it might mean there is a lack of focus in the script or concept. 
In that case, go back to your treatment and try to identify if the main character’s goal is clear

Your Log Line

If you feel you need some feedback or advise, feel free to send me your log line to michal@writebetterscripts.com .