Scriptwriting

 There are many formatting basics when it comes to script writing, for example all scripts are written in with the same layouts using the same size font. From this rule it makes it easy to estimate how long the final film will be, it is a vague rule that each page will equal one page of action.

This is not a strict rule as for example the Avatar script is around 150 pages long but is longer than 150mins.

Other basic key rules about script formatting:

• Character cues in the middle of page in capital letters
• Info in brackets gives more personal direction to characters
• Column dialogue when more than one character speaks at once
• If listing a series of visual shots, number then describe
• Font= Courier 12pt
• DON'T number scenes
• Title scenes: INT/EXT, Location, Time of Day

Scripts for Hollywood flicks can be found on websites such as SimplyScripts.com

Again we can use the ever useful Celtx for editing screenplays and scripts. Here is an example of the work you can do with a few clicks of the TAB button:

From this:

To this:

Instantly the script becomes far easier to read and easy to distinguish between action, dialogue, screen directions etc.

The guide we looked at about scriptwriting written for BBC website can be previewed/downloaded here.