| Chromanator Tutorials: Filmmaking Writing a script Click here to download the sample script. Scriptwriting requires two things. First, you need the raw talent in order to find the words and, second, you need to know how to lay out the script ‘properly'. The first you either have or you don't; the second you can learn. Of course, the many intricacies of scriptwriting go far beyond the scope of this article, which will only scratch lightly at the surface. If you want to really get to grips with the technique, it's worth getting hold of a decent scriptwriting book, such as the rather obviously-titled The Complete Book of Scriptwriting by J. Michael Straczynski, which I personally recommend wholeheartedly. Here I'll only go into a few basics to get you started. Why is script layout important?
This is the main question people ask – why go to so much trouble to format the script, especially given how tricky it can be when using standard word processors? There are two main reasons for formatting your script correctly. The first is that a properly laid-out screenplay equates roughly to a minute of screen-time-per-page, which can be useful for gauging a rough running time of each scene and the film in total. The second reason is more important – if you ever want your script to be read by industry professionals, it absolutely must be formatted correctly. If it isn't, it will go straight in the bin, without even a cursory glance. Think about it: agents and producers and directors and actors receive hundreds of script a week and they have to somehow decide which ones to read and which to ignore. The first scripts to be discarded will be those that haven't even been formatted properly. When someone is used to reading a particular style of script, they are not going to want to have to learn how to interpret an arbitrary new layout. If you are not intending to sell the script or show it to professionals, you may think that writing a ‘proper' script is not necessary. It is still worth considering, as the commonly-accepted screenplay layout has been honed over the hundred years-or-so of film production to offer the clearest and most logical method of writing and reading a script. Dialogue is clear, enabling actors to quickly find their lines, and scenes are broken down sensibly so that the shoot can be planned and the overall structure kept in mind – there is a method in the madness. General tips
Be sure to download the example script to see specific layout advice. There are a few things to keep in mind whilst writing: - Keep detail to a minimum. You will usually have a cast and crew who each have expertise in their specific areas: don't try and tell them how to do their jobs. Only describe that which is vital to the story and narrative. Of course, if you are planning on making the film yourself this may not apply.
- Use the right font and spacing. Keeping to the accepted layout will give you a far greater chance at having your script read by a potential producer, director or actor. It will also make reading the script much easier for your own cast and crew, if you are directing your own work.
- Whilst a screenplay is primarily a technical blueprint for a film, it also needs to be an entertaining read, otherwise people will lose interest. Don't hide a great film behind dull, uninspired writing.
Making it easier
Creating such a specific layout for a document can be a difficult job. There are several tools available that make the process easier, or even automate it entirely. Specialised programs such as Final Draft are designed to automatically format your script as you type and are highly effective. Most popular word processors also have script tools that can be applied, although their usefulness varies. Click here to download the sample script. | 