Scriptwriting 101

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.

Course Contents

1. What Exactly Is a Script? What Makes Good Story?
2. Script Styles, Submission Scripts, and Shooting Scripts
3. Spec Screenplay Page Properties and Script Length
4. Script Elements and Scene Heading
5. Action
6. Character Name
7. Dialogue
8. Parenthetical
9. Extension
10. Transition
11. Shots
12. Page Breaking, Finer Points, Dual Dialogue, and Adlibs
13. Abbreviations and Montages
14. A Series of Shots and Short Lines/Poetry/Lyrics
15. Intercuts
16. Titles or Opening Credits, and Superimpose or Title
17. Title Page
18. Production Drafts, Top Continued and Bottom Continued
19. Locking Your Script Pages and Locking Your Scenes
20. Header, Do's and Don'ts
21. Other Script Formats
22. Title Page of TV Movies