Nothing screams “amateur” or “unprofessional” more than a script that has the wrong font or the wrong format.
There is a standard industry format that all screenplays must follow. Below are some quick tips: 1.) If you’re serious about being a writer, I can’t stress this enough: Invest in FINAL DRAFT software (https://www.finaldraft.com). This software will do most of your formatting for you. It is widely accepted and used in the industry, and you can also export .fdx to .pdf and other industry tools (like budgeting, scheduling and production). The software is a HUGE time-saver and WORTH THE MONEY (yes, even at $250). Your scripts will always look professional, and you’ll be viewed as a more serious writer if you’re submitting in what has become THE industry standard software. This software is almost foolproof. 2.) Here is a fun example and scripted example of standard industry format that also explains some rules of script formatting: https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/scriptsample.pdf. 3.) If you don't have time to read the 12 page script above, or if Final Draft simply isn’t in your budget/you’re not sure you’re ready to invest, here are the absolute basics of industry standard script formatting: Font: Courier Type: 12 Points Margins: Top: 1”, Bottom/Right: from .25-1”, Left: 1.5” (to allow for binding – which for scripts is almost always 3 hole punched and secured by brads). Page Numbers: Except for the title page and first page (where there are no page numbers), all page numbers should be top right with a number followed by a period. Scene/Dialogue/Action: Rather than trying to explain this fairly involved concept of scene headings, etc., take a look at the above script example and this terrific online resource by written by Joe Mefford of Final Draft and Dave Trottier, best-selling author of The Screenwriterʼs Bible and columnist for Script Magazine: https://www.finaldraft.com/mm_media/mm_pdf/How_to_Format_a_Screenplay.pdf. This resource also gives you examples of how professionally produced scripts look. Title Page: Name of your script in Courier, 12 point font in all caps 1/3 of the way down, then a double return, then “By” then a double return then your name with just the first letters of each name capitalized. You can include your contact information (or your reps' contact information) on the lower right corner (although some formatting resources say the lower left corner). Unless you're in production or development and need to keep track of revisions, avoid putting a date on your script. 4.) Act Breaks: The discussion about act breaks falls outside of this post, but you must learn proper act breaks for different types of scripts: feature films are almost always 3 acts (and you never define which act you're in), while TV shows vary by length and (sometimes) by network. The standard for a one-hour drama is 4 acts (but can be as many as 6, and I've even been asked to write in 7 acts), while the standard for a half-hour sitcom is 3 acts (including the opening and tag). Some TV Scripts define where the act breaks are, especially for comedy, others do not. Take a look at this for more information: https://blcklst.com/help/tv_script_standards.pdf and read books and articles about how to structure your script (which is different than formatting). If you Google screenwriting, the top 10 best books come up, plus several online resources... read those. If you don't use Final Draft, please share your screenplay formatting hacks below! Remember, first impressions are everything. If an agent, manager or exec opens your script and finds that it's not properly formatted, chances are excellent that they won't get past the first few pages, no matter how amazing your idea. Take the time to learn this important element of screenwriting professionalism.
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These posts were from the Writers Room in the Legion M Forum. "Screenwriting 101" is written by Nikki Ackerman. Don't know what Legion M is? It's the world's first fan-owned entertainment company. Want to know more? Visit Legion M at legionm.com Archives
January 2021
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