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Script Writing Tips

Writing scripts movies requires more than telling a good story. Scripts are often judged not only on quality of story, but how the screenplay is presented as well. Screenwriters need to tell a good story within the confines of a screenplay format. Beginning screenwriters often make mistakes in format and presentation that cause their scripts to be set aside immediately. Here are some tips and strategies to help you avoid making mistakes that could mark you as an amateur or a poor writer.
  1. Spec or Shooting Script

    • This is one of the most common mistakes made by beginning screenwriters. A spec script (speculation script) is what a writer uses to sell his screenplay. A shooting script is the version of the script the director uses to shoot the movie. Leave out scene numbering. This is for the director to add to the shooting script. A spec script should focus on telling a good story. That means it should include action and dialogue. Write only what you can see and hear in a spec script.

    Avoid Shot Calling and Acting Directives

    • Beginning writers tend to add things to a spec script that don't need to be there. Shots and camera angles tend to be one of the elements that beginning script writers can't resist. They often spend valuable space directing the director. Avoid using directions such as "Pan to" or "Close on." These are the things a director will ignore anyway. Also, limit parentheticals. Beginning writers like to add a parenthetical to dialogue to instruct the actor how to deliver the line. Don't do it. Actors don't like to be directed by a writer. They listen to directors, at least some of the time, but not to writers. If you tell a good story, the actor will be able to deliver the lines appropriately based on context.

    Use Screenwriting Software

    • Screenwriting software such as Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter are industry standard software programs that automatically format all of the elements of a script. Many screenwriters have written good movies without using scriptwriting software, but it's much easier to leave the strict formatting to one of these programs so you can concentrate on writing a story. The two big-name programs are expensive. If you can't afford them, there are free alternatives (see Resources). Celtx is a full-featured scriptwriting program that's free. Scripped is a free web-based screenwriting option. Both of them allow you to produce industry standard scripts. Another option, reasonably priced, is Movie Outline, which also includes story development tools.

    Avoid Fancy Script Covers

    • This is fairly simple and very important. When you bind your script for submission, do not add fancy colored covers, fancy fonts or any art work. This will make you look like an amateur. It also looks like a cheap attempt to make a script more appealing. If the story is good, it will sell itself. it doesn't need to be introduced with flashy special effects. The title of the script on the cover is enough, and in most cases, that information is left to the inside title page.

Screen Writing

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