Script Frenzy is coming up! It is run by the same folks that do NaNoWriMo, and beginning April 1st the goal is to write a 100 page script in 30 days. I thought the next few posts I make I?d focus on some basics of script writing for those of you who think, ?Yeah, I?d like to write one?but I don?t know where to start!? If you already know these fundamentals, add some more tips and tricks in the comments that could be helpful. I have the memory of a 286 year old, so I?m always bound to forget something!
I?ve gone back and forth on whether to write a post like this, because let?s face it it?s? B-O-R-I-N-G. But I want to get everyone ready for Script Frenzy who may be interested in trying their hand at a script, and the best place to start is how to format the darn thing. So, let?s just get into it, quick like ripping off a bandaid.
The fundamentals of every script are the sluglines (the scene headings), your character?s dialogue, and the action.
SLUGLINES
Every new scene in your script will start with a new slugline. It?s very important that the slugline contains three things, in this exact order:
- Whether the scene is interior (INT.) ?or the exterior (EXT.)
- Where it takes place.
- When it takes place.
A completed slugline would look something like this:
INT. ?SARAH?S BEDROOM ? AFTERNOON
You could also do it like this:
INT.? ROBINSON HOUSE ? SARAH?S BEDROOM ? AFTERNOON
Or even:
EXT. ? HOSPITAL PARKING LOT ? 3:34 PM
DIALOGUE
The dialogue will always be in the center of the script. It will start with the character?s name, in all caps, and then under the name you will have the character?s dialogue.
VALERIE
Why won?t you play? Please?
With your dialogue, you can use a?parenthetical to help show things like simultaneous action as the character speaks, or even the character?s tone. They will be in parenthesis directly under the character?s name.
SARAH
(waving Valerie away)
For the hundredth time,
stay out of my room!
ACTION
Like I previously talked about, all the action in the script will be in present tense.
An example of this:
Sarah slams the door shut behind her. She frantically fumbles with the lock, but the door flies open knocking her back.
An important part of the action is saying which character?s are present in the scene. If it is the first time a character is introduced in the script, their name needs to be in CAPITAL letters, and in parenthesis next to their name you?ll need to include their age. The actual format for age is different for different folks, some will say a hyphen instead of parenthesis, like ALEX ? 27. Some will say a line, such as Alex, a man in his late 20?s?But I was always taught parenthesis so that is what I go with.
So now that we?ve talked about the bits and pieces, here is an example of a scene put together (inspired by my 100 word challenge entry).
FADE IN:
INT. SARAH?S BEDROOM ? AFTERNOON
SARAH (12) runs into her room and slams the door behind her. She frantically fumbles with the lock, but the door flies open knocking her back. ?VALERIE (13) rushes into the room, frowning.
VALERIE
Why won?t you play? Please?
SARAH
For the hundredth time,
stay out of my room!
Sarah glances at her desk in the corner and then nonchalantly walks toward it. She begins to pile papers on top of one book.
VALERIE
Whatcha been readin??
SARAH
Homework, now go away!
Valerie seamlessly glides to Sarah?s desk and knocks the papers off the book, revealing the cover.
VALERIE
Into the Light: A Beginners Guide to Ghost
Removal? You?re trying to get rid of me?
SARAH
(stammering)
No? I ? uh?
Wind rushes through Sarah?s room swirling paper and debris around the two girls. Valerie scowls as she rushes toward Sarah, and disappears in a mist inside of Sarah, becoming one with her.
Sarah falls to the ground with her eyes closed. She suddenly opens her eyes and has a devilish grin on her face.
SARAH
(in Valerie?s voice)
Now we will always be able to play together.
A single tear rolls out of Sarah?s eye.
FADE OUT.
Formatting is very particular with the scripts. I suggest using a screenwriting software such as the free Celtx, or the not free Final Draft. ?Final Draft was ?required? for all my college courses, but every single professor started each new screenwriting class out by telling us to forget Final Draft and use Celtx instead, if that says anything. I?ve never used Final Draft, but so far Celtx hasn?t let me down. At any rate, screenwriting software will format the script for you, but no matter what, any script absolutely without a doubt has to be formatted to these specifics:
Courier font type
12 point font size
Printed on 8.5 by 11 inches paper
Page Margins will be:
Left: 1.5 inches
Right: 1 inch
Top: 1 inch
Bottom: 1 inches
There are no exceptions to those rules. If it?s not in 12 point Courier you will be banished to a land where people speak in 3rd person for the rest of your life! Laura is sure that you don?t want that. (I?m not entirely sure of that last claim, but I thought it would be good for my rapport if I threatened you a little?mwuahahaha)
OK there you have it, the basics to how your script should look. Now pick your head up off your keyboard, stop drooling, and go sign up for Script Frenzy already?if you dare! (See if I dare you maybe then you?ll do it. How about a triple poodle double whammy sideways upside-down dog dare? Then will you do it?) Stay tuned for more screenwriting tips and tricks as we get ready for Script Frenzy.
Has anyone tried Script Frenzy before? Is there anything about the formatting that I?ve left you wide-eyed and confused on? Feel free to ask in the comments or the forum!
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Source: http://limebirduk.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/countdown-to-script-frenzy-part-1-how-to-format/
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