SCREENWRITING : Introduction

SCREENWRITING : Introduction

If you are new to screenwriting, planning to write a screenplay or script of any kind, the good news is that writing in screenplay format is easier and more intuitive today than at any time since first Lanier Word Processing Machine. Advances in screenwriting software now save the hours you would previously have spent learning how to write a screenplay in professional Hollywood format can now be allocated to polishing your plot, honing your dialogue, or learning screenplay structure. Some think screenplay writing is eclipsing the pursuit of the Great American Novel but it certainly isn't any easier. At any rate the making of movies is a collaborative process which demands that those in screenwriting produce a document in particular format, notation, and length called a 'script.'

This overview will begin acquaint you with the screenplay format writing rules and screenwriting etiquette you'll need to know about, and as you browse the following material you may notice the words 'don't', 'avoid' and '...' unless you are directing the movie.' Take that advice to heart. As you become more familiar with the world of screenwriting you'll understand why but for now the scope of this document prohibits a deeper explanation.

Learning how to write a screenplay involves many facets but I hope this basic information will give you a head start on your endeavors, including practical information to help you get your scripts read. And hopefully turned into movies.

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 1.   What Exactly Is a Script? What Makes Good Story?

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 2.   Script Styles, Submission Scripts, and Shooting Scripts

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 3.   Spec Screenplay Page Properties and Script Length

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 4.   Script Elements and Scene Heading

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 5.   Action

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 6.   Character Name

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 7.   Dialogue

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 8.   Parenthetical

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 9.   Extension

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 10.Transition

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 11.Shots

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 12.Page Breaking, Finer Points, Dual Dialogue, and Adlibs

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 13.Abbreviations and Montages

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 14.A Series of Shots and Short Lines/Poetry/Lyrics

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 15.Intercuts

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 16.Titles or Opening Credits, and Superimpose or Title

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 17.Title Page

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 18.Production Drafts, Top Continued and Bottom Continued

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 19.Locking Your Script Pages and Locking Your Scenes

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 20.Header, Do's and Don'ts

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 21.Other Script Formats

SCREENWRITING Chapter - 22.Title Page of TV Movies