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format Screenplay Format? Help!

Tools to Get Started

On Mediafire, I have a few files that may help you.

This is a Word 7 template file:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/xtf1596c18f49jk/Screenplay Format.dotx

You will also hear mention of a free application called CeltX and various screenwriting software programs. They are quite powerful but not essential to getting started. However, professionals will often use these specialized products because they do offer some powerful features. The British Writers Guild also offers a free Word template which is quite sophisticated (Smart Gold). Frankly, like the packages mentioned above, it is overkill for just getting started. However, you don't need Word, just a word processor for which you can set margins.

Two files that provide very useful guidance about applying the screenplay format:
(Courtesy of the British Screenwriting Group)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/nasqampcyay4qzo/Beginning%20Screenwriting[1].pdf
http://www.mediafire.com/file/g06nvvrg36w3bxf/Intermediate%20Screenwriting[1].pdf

And a useful file for writing a solid script:
(I found this on the Internet by John Winston Rainey and it is very sound advice.)
http://www.mediafire.com/file/fi0n29d1x5rt68k/WRITING STYLE THAT SELLS2.ppt

The first will help you format your basic script. The middle two will help you understand the conventions and underlying mechanics of scriptwriting. The last will address many of the common errors that you will often see in scripts.

Please note that most first scripts need extensive revision. Often because you are trying to tell a good story in a limited amount of space. When properly formatted, one page is approximately one minute on screen. So most scripts are between 90-120 pages (1 1/2- 2 hours). Some exceptional scripts will run to 150 pages (2 1/2 hours) but those are increasingly rare.

These cover the basic mechanics and structure of screenwriting. The other component, of course, is the actual crafting or storytelling. If you read through this group, you will gather ideas and pointers.

Best wishes on your project!
 
I'll play the role of the dick here. If you are asking what INT. means you shouldn't even be trying to write a script right now;you should be reading up on how to write a script and when all the reading is done use Celtx it's a free and easy to use script writing program and of course ask questions oh this forum.
 
I'll play the role of the dick here. If you are asking what INT. means you shouldn't even be trying to write a script right now;you should be reading up on how to write a script and when all the reading is done use Celtx it's a free and easy to use script writing program and of course ask questions oh this forum.

I think that's what he asked over here. Every one has to start from somewhere :)
 
I think that's what he asked over here. Every one has to start from somewhere :)

I'm kind of inclined to agree. (Almost) Everyone know's how to 'write', the gap that most people have to overcome is the issue about formatting screenplays.

I know that when I first started writing screenplays (and I still make bags of errors) I had been writing plays for a while and just assumed that the formatting would be a simple transition. But it's actually a really tricky adjustment to make. It doesn't mean you need to go back to the basics and learn how to write, tell a story...etc, it just means that you need to transfer what you know a different medium...
 
Wow, Adobe Story is amazing!
Other than that, I use Scrivener . They have a free trial and after that, it's $50.
To get started and understand any format other than the blank template takes a while though. Once my free trial disappears, I'll probably get rid of it.
I agree with Paul, Adobe Story. (It's making me drool. :] Will it be free forever; estimated cost after?)
 
I'll play the role of the dick here. If you are asking what INT. means you shouldn't even be trying to write a script right now;you should be reading up on how to write a script and when all the reading is done use Celtx it's a free and easy to use script writing program and of course ask questions oh this forum.
I could not disagree with you more. Except for the use of Celix
and asking more questions.

I know that some people do better reading first. But there are
many who gain a LOT by trying without reading up on how to
write a script. With that simple question and simple answer
Crystal Blue Pictures could (and in my opinion should) start
writing a script right away.

I respect your suggestion to not write until after reading up on
how to write a script, I just don't agree. Write, write, write.
 
Although I somewhat agree with what you said directorik, I think some basic formatting rules should be known before writing a screenplay. Anyone can write (maybe the OP is a great story teller), the point is to write by following the basic rules of script formatting.

It's like a writing an essay. The teachers always tell the students how to write an essay (thesis statement, arguments, examples etc) first, then the students are asked to write the essay. It makes much more sense.
 
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I'm with Directorik. The necessity for format in the early instances of writing a screenplay isn't a crucial point, the fear of being "Overwhelmed" by what will appear at the time as a huge task, is very likely to become a hindrance and could affect the progression of the writer.
 
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