In order to write a screenplay that will be read by the people who buy scripts, it is essential, carved in stone, that your screenplay follows the correct format – to the letter. There is no room for creativity or individuality as far as format is concerned. Even the cover has to conform to professional screenplay standards, right down to the color, and the way the pages are held together. Anything less will be rejected out of hand, especially by studio readers.
In free form writing, the author has some freedom with regard to things like margins, spacing and the like, but in writing for the screen, you have none. Any variation from standard screenplay format will expose you as an amateur and likely get your work a one way ticket to the reader’s trash can.
So, how do you ensure that your screenplay follows the correct format? There are a number of ways:
1. You can purchase a sample of a movie script from an online service like Script City or Simply Scripts and copy the format in Microsoft Word. A word of cauthion though, many services will sell you the shooting script, which is a slightly different format from the screenwriter’s original submission. Submit a shooting script on spec, and it will be rejected out of hand. Although it is not recommended that you learn format from a shooting script, you should purchase and read a few screenplays, preferably from movies you’ve seen and loved. That way you can see how the screenwriter’s words gave rise to cinematic poetry. You’ll also see that, while format is uniform, there are many different styles among screenplays.2. You can buy books on screenwriting and tutor yourself. You’ll save money, but remember, there is no room for error.3. Items 1 and 2 are options, but really not good ones for serious writers. The smartest and easiest way to ensure you format your script correctly is to purchase screenwriting software.
A simple Google search under screenwriting software will provide a wealth of options, but a quick and easy review website can save you a lot of time and effort.
The two best sellers (by a wide margin- estimated at 60-75% of all scriptwriting software sold) and also the most popular among established screenwriters are Final Draft and Movie Magic Screenwriter. Scripped Pro is an “in the cloud” offering, which means you can work on your screenplay from any computer anywhere there is an Internet connection, which adds a level of convenience.
Finally, it’s good to have an authoritative reference book on hand to assist you with questions that may come up as you weave your masterpiece. A popular suggestion is David Trottier’s The Screenwriter’s Bible.
Armed with the right software, the right sample scripts and the write reference work, you’re ready to take on the challenge of writing a great movie. It’s a challenge you’ll find is well worth the effort.