How to write and format screenplays like a pro! Script writing tips and tricks

Summary

This video script offers an insightful guide on crafting a professional screenplay, emphasizing its foundational role in filmmaking. It delves into the historical standardization by Hollywood studios and provides practical advice on software selection, such as Writer Duet and Microsoft Word. The tutorial meticulously explains screenplay formatting, including slug lines, action descriptions, character introductions, dialogue formatting, and scene transitions. It also touches on the use of direction for actors and the importance of not including music details, leaving that to composers and directors. The host encourages aspiring filmmakers to utilize lockdown time to practice screenplay writing, suggesting Writer Duet as a free tool to kickstart their filmmaking journey.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The screenplay is crucial as it's the first step in filmmaking, preceding storyboarding, casting, and other processes.
• 📝 Screenplay formatting standardization emerged in the 1930s and 1940s due to Hollywood studio system practices.
• 💻 Various software options exist for writing screenplays, including free versions and those that require premium subscriptions.
• ✏️ Screenplays are formatted with Courier size 12 font, with one page typically equating to one minute of screen time.
• 📑 A slug line begins a scene, indicating if it's an interior or exterior shot, the location, and the time of day.
• 🏞️ Action descriptions in a screenplay are written in the present tense and detail what happens in the scene.
• 🗣️ Dialogue is centered on the page, with character names in capital letters, and can include direction on delivery in brackets.
• 🔄 Transitions between scenes are noted on the right margin, using terms like 'Cut To' or 'Back To'.
• 🎵 Music and sound are typically not detailed in the screenplay, as this is the responsibility of the composer and director.
• 📚 The tutorial encourages aspiring filmmakers to practice screenplay writing using free tools like Writer Duet.

Q & A

Why is the screenplay considered the first step in the filmmaking process?

The screenplay is considered the first step in the filmmaking process because it lays out the story, characters, and dialogue that will be used in the film. It precedes storyboarding, casting, costume design, and other aspects of production, providing a blueprint for the entire film.

What is the significance of standardized screenplay formatting?

Standardized screenplay formatting is significant because it originated from the Hollywood system in the 1930s and 1940s, where big studios like Paramount and MGM streamlined and standardized filmmaking processes. This consistency allows for easier collaboration and understanding across different studios and professionals in the industry.

What software or tools are recommended for writing a screenplay?

The recommended tools for writing a screenplay include Studio Binder, Write a Duet, and even Microsoft Word or Google Docs. These tools offer varying levels of functionality, with some providing free accounts and others requiring more manual formatting.

What is the purpose of a slug line in a screenplay?

A slug line in a screenplay indicates the start of a new scene and provides essential information about the setting, such as whether it's an interior or exterior location, the specific location, and the time of day. It is written in capital letters and helps to clearly delineate scene changes.

How does the font and size in a screenplay affect the perception of its professionalism?

The font and size in a screenplay are crucial for maintaining the industry standard, which is typically Courier size 12. This not only ensures that the screenplay looks professional but also adheres to the convention that one page of a screenplay equates to approximately one minute of screen time.

Why is action description more prevalent than dialogue in a screenplay?

Action description is more prevalent than dialogue in a screenplay because it sets the scene and describes what is happening visually. It provides direction for the actors, the director, and the crew on how to interpret and execute the scenes, which is essential for the filmmaking process.

How should characters be introduced in a screenplay?

Characters should be introduced in a screenplay by writing their names in capital letters the first time they appear in a scene. This draws attention to their introduction and is a standard practice in screenplay formatting.

What is the convention for writing dialogue in a screenplay?

In a screenplay, dialogue is centered on the page, with the character's name written in capital letters. The spoken line is slightly indented towards the margin. If there are specific directions on how a line should be delivered, these can be added in brackets.

How are scene transitions represented in a screenplay?

Scene transitions in a screenplay are represented on the right-hand margin and are typically written as 'CUT TO' or other film terminology like 'FADE TO' or 'DISSOLVE TO'. This indicates a change to a new scene and is a clear way to denote scene changes for the reader.

Why is music and sound rarely described in a screenplay?

Music and sound are rarely described in a screenplay because these elements are typically the responsibility of the composer and director. The screenplay focuses on the visual and narrative aspects, leaving the auditory details to be developed during post-production.

What advice does the speaker give for someone looking to start writing a screenplay?

The speaker advises that the best thing to do when in lockdown or with free time is to start writing a screenplay. They recommend using a free service like Write to G wet to help with the process and suggest that once a screenplay is completed, the next logical step is to learn about storyboarding.