The Unwritten Rules of Script Format

Summary

This video outlines eight unwritten rules of script format to enhance readability and engage readers. Key points include limiting action lines to four lines for white space, avoiding multiple character names in one sentence, and reducing complex prepositional phrases. The speaker emphasizes eliminating mundane instruction-like writing, replacing weak verbs with stronger alternatives, and removing unnecessary qualifiers like 'starts to.' Additionally, cutting fluff from dialogue and applying the three-line rule for concise character speech are highlighted. By following these guidelines, writers can create scripts that are easier to read and more compelling, capturing the audience's attention effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand the goal of formatting: Keep readers engaged and make the script easy to read.
• 📏 Limit action lines to four lines max to ensure readability and avoid overwhelming the reader.
• 👥 Avoid including multiple character names in one action line to maintain clarity and focus.
• ✂️ Reduce double or triple prepositions to simplify sentences and enhance visualization.
• 📝 Move away from clerical or instructional writing to create more dramatic and engaging descriptions.
• 🔍 Use a thesaurus to replace basic verbs with more vivid and descriptive alternatives.
• 🚫 Eliminate phrases like 'he starts to' or 'he begins to' for cleaner, more direct sentences.
• 💬 Cut fluff from dialogue, removing weak words to make conversations sharper and more impactful.
• 🔄 Follow the three-line rule to eliminate redundancy in dialogue and keep scenes moving swiftly.
• 🌟 Focus on crafting a script that draws readers into the story without distracting them with format issues.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of fixing problems in a script?

The primary goal is to keep the reader engaged and ensure that the script is easy to read, allowing them to get immersed in the story without being distracted by formatting issues.

Why is white space important in a screenplay?

White space helps create a visually appealing layout, making the script easier to navigate and reducing reader fatigue caused by large blocks of text.

How can action lines with multiple character names be improved?

Action lines with two or more character names should be split into separate sentences, focusing on one character and their specific action at a time to enhance clarity.

What are double or triple prepositions, and why should they be reduced?

Double or triple prepositions clutter sentences and can confuse the reader. Reducing them makes the scene more straightforward and easier to visualize.

What type of writing should be avoided in action descriptions?

Clerical or instruction manual writing should be avoided, as it tends to be dull and lacks dramatic flair. Writing should focus on conveying drama and action.

How can weak verbs be enhanced in a script?

Using a thesaurus can help replace common, weak verbs with more vivid and descriptive alternatives, making the writing more engaging.

Why should phrases like 'he starts to' be eliminated?

These phrases add unnecessary words and dilute the action. It's better to focus on strong nouns and verbs to create more direct and impactful sentences.

What impact does removing fluff from dialogue have?

Eliminating filler words from dialogue makes it cleaner and more effective, enhancing the characters' voices and the overall readability of the script.

What is the 'three-line rule' in dialogue?

The three-line rule advises cutting down repetitive dialogue by keeping only the essential line, which helps maintain the pace of the scene and avoids unnecessary weight.

How can these eight unwritten rules benefit a screenplay?

Applying these rules enhances the script's readability, engages the audience, and helps convey the story more effectively, making it more appealing to readers and potential producers.