How to Write a Screenplay in 3 Days - Screenplay Format

[patlecat]

Use Finaldraft man, Word is a pain for scripting!

[MikeAppleMac]

I worked at the old burbank studios, and warner after. I do write, though not for the studios, as my proffession is priv..but i have seen hundreds of scripts, notes, tv and the big screen, from everyones desks, producers, directors, even independant cast directors and from the writers tables and the actors copies...ok: 1st u must get someone to read, however u do this, ok, 2nd, if they like it they wont let bold font ruin a chance for profit...geeeesh, some of these comments are just ego based.

[Ahav05]

Having sold scripts and unfortunately, having had some thrown in the trash--I suggest that you make sure your tutorial is accurate...and HELPFUL, before you advise ambitious screenwriters.

[richardellipsis]

Dude - go and buy Celtx, which will cost you NOTHING!!

[IAmJamieMurray]

@richardellipsis its quit annoying

[WryterMike]

As a former studio exec and member of the WGA, this screenplay is a trainwreck on numerous levels. Feel free to write a script in 3 days; however, don't expect to sell it. NEVER write "Continued" out fully next to names, it's (CONT'D.). Also on your cover page "screenplay by" ALWAYS stands on it's own line, as does your name. I don't have enough space to tell you everything else that makes this "tutorial" purely amateur stuff. Yikes.

[darealdjnutz]

@WryterMike You're full of shit.

[TheModernBeatnik]

This video is rife with all sorts of errors in screenwriting format. It isn't a good idea to use Microsoft Word in the first place. Bite the bullet and buy a quality screenwriting program. At first glance, this screenplay looks amateur. Never bold anything in a screenplay. His parentheticals start with capital letters, another no-no. And any screenplay written in 3 days is guaranteed to be shit. Trust me, if you are taking advice from this guy, you are NOT the next Quentin Tarantino.

[Suchet9]

@TheModernBeatnik ROCKY was written in 3 days - by a little known Sylvester Stallone at the time - the movie went onto win oscars and Stallone became an icon of cinema -

The speed of writing has nothing to do with the quality of the script - nothing wrong with capitals either - and you mention Tarantino, he's been known to hand-write his screenplays in the past - he is one of a kind - proof that the presentation isn't that important if the writing comes across as great.

The video is helpful.

[gaBehcuoDsuoitneterP]

I read somewhere (I believe Viki King's "How to Write a Movie in 21 Days") that stage direction (ie: "close up of boy's face") is generally not acceptable for screen writers as it oversteps the bounds of the writer and does the job of the director. This rule however seems to inhibit the creative process for a screen writer. Is this rule hard and fast or is it flexible? Will it hurt the chances of my screenplay? Thanks.

[garrettmyreel]

@gaBehcuoDsuoitneterP

You should stick to it. Although it does overstep the bounds, more importantly, it takes the reader out of the story and in to "ZOOM THROUGH A WALL" land. Unless you're the director, avoid it as much as possible. You may have a bunch a million dollar ideas that price you out of your half a million dollar deal.

[HallowedHoly]

Thanks for posting this! Very appreciated!!

[wohs145]

Just get celtx

[dabidosan]

@ readamvoie-

Hey Jack, Have you ever, ever seen a screenplay with included visuals? Like maybe a pre-designed movie poster or just some kind of illustration? I know if it did happen it wouldn't be the norm- but has it ever happnened?

Thanks- Dave

[NYPDface]

does any one know what to put on the screenplay if their is a flashback or a montage????????????????

[dabidosan]

That's a really good question- PLEASE let me know if you get an answer. Although I have a funny feeling it's probably something simple.

[NYPDface]

@dabidosan so i found out pretty much what u put is either the word MONTAGE at the top as the title......same with flash back but i think they use a different word for it :)

[koldkase77]

What is the insert deal. I wanted to put at the beginning of my movie "In the distant Future" so would I need to put insert in there? I was thinking of supersede or something, is it called insert?

[readamovie]

Sorry, I used "Insert" it should be "Super:" for Superimpose over the frame. - Jack

[85nitsuj]

You hand written it or used a computer program??

[TalkingOcean1]

@85nitsuj you can go to (w w w) . celtx (dot) com and download celtx version 2.7 for free. I also like it better than Final Draft; and it's free is even better.

[austinshaddtv]

@koldkase77 You could also just simply say "TITLE: In the distant future..."

[Screenwriteofpassage]

You do a good job of this, especially showing how to lay it in MS Word.

FAULTS: action is too many lines (never more than four, space it up), do not set music or camera angle, big no-no, never use bold type, parantheticals shouldn't be capped and one must ever question using them nowadays instead of inserting into the action line.

[theohtherworld]

thanks,

I wrote my screenplay, just needed to make sure the format was right,

gosh I love youtube p:

[SuperDuperManMark3]

This film really helped me out because i am writing a screenplay too and i wanted to know the format

[85nitsuj]

You hand written it or used a computer program??