Info on script development
 

Anyone know where I can find any good info on script development. I'm trying to write my first one and any help would be good.

Adrian,

For great software that makes formatting your script a breeze, try Final Draft (http://www.finaldraft.com). If you're doing commercials or corporate video scripts, consider Final Draft A/V.

For some good books on scriptwriting, try"

- "Screenwriter's Bible" - David Trottier
- "How to Make a Good Script Great" - Linda Seger
- "Writing Great Screenplays" - AFI
- "Bird by Bird" - Anne Lamott (not really about screenwriting--writing in general)

Web sites with stuff for sale like the ones mentioned above:

The Writer's Store - http://www.writersstore.com
Amazon.com - http://youknow

For video instruction on structuring your scripts:

- "Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop" - Available at the places above. If you get this, you'll also need to get your hands on videos or DVDs of "Shawshank Redemption," "Titanic," and "Thelma and Louise" so you can follow along while he analyzes them.

For loads of free downloadable scripts:

Drew's Script-o-rama - http://www.script-o-rama.com (how this guy doesn't get shut down I'll never know)

And finally, for a good mag:

Scr(i)pt Magazine Online - http://www.scriptmag.com

That help?

You might also check screentalk.org

Screentalk is a monthly magazine that has some great stories of movie scripts; they interview directors, writers, etc. You can also download scripts that have been made into movies, ie. Frequency, etc.

Does anyone have similar links to, suggestions for developing documentaries ?

Thaks for the info, it was helpful. I saw something somewhere about a script writing plugin for MS Word. Is there such an animal?

Yes there is Adrian,

I use Screenplay, URL: http://www.livingspirit.com. I'm using a demo version, which came with a book I got for Christmas.
Title:
How To Make A Great Short Feature Films

Author:
Ian Lewis

ISBN:
0-240-51624-9

It’s a great book, which came with a DVD, and it follows the making of Ghosthunter. It does not really rate DV but it is still a good book that inspired me.

Hope this helps,

Ed Smith

Couple of things that might help are outlined here. I'm happy to send you a copy of one of my scripts to see formatting, etc. One thing is FOR SURE... if you don't follow the accepted format when submitting your scripts (12pt courier, two brass brads, three hole paper,etc) they are immediately tossed. Too many scripts, too little time.

BTW - THE most important thing you can do is WGA register your script, treatment, logline etc. in this area always CYA!

I've used both Final Draft (Mac version) and created my own template for an MS Word document. I prefer the MS Word format. While Final Draft is a very nice product, there's a lot of fluff. Here are some additional thoughts:

Final draft has an "index card" mode which I like, however I personally enjoy plastering my office walls with manilla index cards and rearranging, adding to them, etc at will.

Final Draft has a "name index". I regulary go to the bookstore and look at the authors names, mix them up and even look for something unique. Ex - my current script has two brothers as the primary characters... Uly and March McQuary. Got the McQuary name from my son's school directory.

Sometimes you'll do your best thinking away from the typewritter/computer. Using these other methods keeps my mind on the script with outside stimulus other than a computer screen.
I do my best thinking in the shower. No kidding. I create dialog, act out scenes in my head, even vocalize them so I can hear how characters sound. Does this guy sound like a Texan, a New Yorker, have a stutter, make faces while he talks?

This will do two things...develop a better character and give you a sky high hot water bill. But worth it when your characters sound like real people.

I also suggest you read Syd Field's Four Screenplays. It goes over some very down to earth fundamentals using Thelma and Louise, Terminator 2, Silence of the Lambs and Dances with Wolves. Four very different films with several similarities.

Finally there are thousands of resources online... most of them worthless. A few suggestions... read other screenplays, the used bookstores are fullof 'em. Look for back issues of Creative Screenwriting, Fade In, etc and pour over some of their content. Write and shoot a short film... enter a script contest.

Well, I managed to ramble on... again. Hopefully I've said something that jogs your thought process. Good luck.

Anyone can write an screenplay, many write good ones, only a handful write outstanding ones.

WGardner

John,

I've got a subscription on that mag. It's pretty nice!

One other site which has a lot of interesting articles
to read is www.unmovies.com..... Not been updated
lately though, shame.

<<<-- Originally posted by wgardner : I've used both Final Draft (Mac version) and created my own template for an MS Word document. I prefer the MS Word format. While Final Draft is a very nice product, there's a lot of fluff. Here are some additional thoughts: -->>>

I know this is completely off topic - what set of macros do you use with Word? I've used a number of scriptwriting programs - I currently use Movie Magic's Screenwriter 2000 - but ALL of them have the drawback of not exporting to Word will all formatting in place. I've resorted to sending PDF files that clients can print but can't alter. Just curious.

ScriptWerx
 

Being a Word user since old PC DOS days I really didn't like the specialized script writing programs I found. It just seemed silly to spend hundreds of $ on a one-trick pony that really wasn't very powerful. I was confident that -someone- had developed a Word Visual Basic app and/or templates that could enable the venerable Microsoft Word to perform this relatively trivial task.

I was right.

If you're a Word user (PC or Mac) take a look at http://www.scriptwerx.com/ if you're looking for a screenwriting / script tool.

Of course it won't actually help you with the script itself...just with writing and printing it.

Ken,

I have heard of Script Werx. At $129 it seems like a good deal. The shortcoming of many scriptwriting programs (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that they are limited to, well, scriptwriting. If you need to breakdown scripts, schedule actors, keep track of props and wardrobe, etc. - these stand alone programs just don't do it.

Of course few writers need all this stuff. This is the kind of tool an AD or a script editor needs, and, as in my case, a producer/director. It's very helpful to be able to breakdown a script and schedule a multiple day shoot all from one package.

Nevertheless, when I have $129 to spare, I'll give Script Werx a try. Thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks again all for the info.

Wayne, I'd be interested in reading one of your screen plays.

Ozzie, I found a macro template for MS word at the address below. It says it's for Word 97 but it works fine with my Word 2000. Remember this is the first time I've done this so it may not be what you need, but it's at a good price - free!!!

http://home1.gte.net/racesale/wscript.htm

<<<-- Originally posted by Ozzie Alfonso : Ken,

I have heard of Script Werx. At $129 it seems like a good deal. The shortcoming of many scriptwriting programs (and correct me if I'm wrong) is that they are limited to, well, scriptwriting. If you need to breakdown scripts, schedule actors, keep track of props and wardrobe, etc. - these stand alone programs just don't do it. -->>>

Ozzie,
I came across this product set and thought you might be interested.

http://www.moviemagictechnologies.com/products/

Or you can try Storyview free...

http://www.screenplay.com/products/demoform.asp?productKey=storyview

I think a lot of folks truley believe that these tools will help them write a better script. They couldn't be more wrong. If it were true I'd be a Photoshop Rembrandt.... which I'm not.

I'll stick with my Word template and Excel for budgets and scheduling. I'm working on a template for a storyboarding and so far it's pretty shakey.

Also check out this article on how to grab a reader in the first ten pages. It's dynamite advise.

http://www.nyscreenwriter.com/article19.htm

A key turning point in my writing came after reading Syd Field's "Four Screenplays" It was like taking a step into another room... a decisive realization and new perspective.

Writing with an idea is fun but writing with an idea and a purpose is incredible.

I'd like to add that if what you *really* want to do is write, a writing program can be an impediment and not a help. If what you really want ot do is futz around with software then by all means look into any of these nifty programs.

As I said ealier - what a good writing program allows you to do is breakdown scripts which is *really* the job of a script supervisor or an AD. The only use a writer might derive from any script formatting program is familiarity with the different accepted formats. This is of use if you're thinking of submitting the finished script.

Thanks for all the replys. I found a free macro for Word and it's doing the job. It'd be nice to have a script supervisor to do that for me Ozzie, but it's just me and it's my first one so it's good to see the basic idea.

One of the basic ideas behind script formatting is for uniformity and for timing. Scripts are timed by 6 lines to the inch (or 7) - if formatted correctly each page of script should average out to one minute of screen time. This works best for dialog scenes but in the log run it averages out.

Another important reason for proper formatting is that different production companies and different types of productions expect to receive scripts already in the "proper" form. Anything not in the proper formatting will usually end up in the trashbasket. I had a friend who for a few years was a reader for Warners in LA. She would read a dozen or more scripts per weekend. Most (99%) ended up in her trash can - for formatting and other reasons. It's scary to think most work submitted through "proper channels" ends up being read by a 25 year old if it's going to survive at all. If you don't grab the reader by the first page or two your chances diminish rapidly after that.

Thanks Ozzie, that's really useful info. As it's my first feature length script, i'm going the Robert Rodriguez route and producing it myself, with the help of some friends in the snowboard industry. And i'm shooting it with my XL1 and a GL1.

I downloaded Sophocles from www.cnet.com, it is a light edition of the bigger package, but it is just fine for writing and easy to use. The full package costs $120. And there is even a lot more screenwriting software at CNET, just try them out.

Cheers

Thanks Peter, I'll have a look. I'm going to check up on those lens prices tomorrow to.

Sophocles is a great script program. I like it better than Final Draft, although some of the features in Final Draft are really helpful. Check out:

www.sophocles.net

You can download a demo and try it out.

The main reason I use Sophocles is for the outlining capabilities, that can be displayed within a sidebar and the embedded notes.

I've used Word (with templates) in the past, and frankly I like writing in a dedicated script program more. There is little confusion as to the proper layout, and everything is automatic (i.e. continues). I believe it's well worth the price (Sophocles at $120).

Plus most of the top programs have great tools that allow you to extract character, scene, location and other important data that will have you during shooting. (if you shoot your own material of course)

It is true that readers in all studios will toss scripts that are not in the proper format. Readers just have too many scripts to read and they will find any reason to toss one. Better to be safe than landfill. Better yet, take a screenwriting class, it's much better than reading a book, IMHO, because a good teacher will DRIVE you to write. Of course a bad one may drive you away from writing anything.

Interesting statistic I heard - 350,000 scripts are registered with the WGA WEST every year.

350k scripts registered each year, whoa.

This is another reason why I decided, even after selling my first script, it would only benefit my efforts by getting into DV and shooting low/no budget scripts.

My goal is to continue to write, shoot and enter film competitions, etc. (Between working full-time and raising two kids!)

Why? Because you can sell a bigtime script ans still drift into writer's oblivion. In 1995, my first partner sold a spec script to Caravan/Hollywood pictures for 750k against 1M with Wm Morris's Rob Carlson doing the deal. Oliver Stone was set to produce. Eventually ended up as a TNT MOW rewritten by another scribe.

He hasn't sold another script since then. How frustrating to have your picture on the cover of Variety and never be heard of again.

Anyway, there are unlimited hurdles in getting your script read. The first is conforming to the industry's format. Use whatever method makes you most productive. (Kind of like the Mac vs. PC discussion)

If your a new writer the most valuable tool you can use is the experience of an experienced writer. Partnering with someone who has three or four scripts under their belt and an understanding of the basic components of story structure can be a very valuable aprenticeship.

That's exactly why I started this thread. Many heads are better than one. Arigato sensei.

<<<-- Originally posted by wgardner : Why? Because you can sell a bigtime script ans still drift into writer's oblivion. In 1995, my first partner sold a spec script to Caravan/Hollywood pictures for 750k against 1M with Wm Morris's Rob Carlson doing the deal. Oliver Stone was set to produce. Eventually ended up as a TNT MOW rewritten by another scribe. -->>>

On the flip side-- I have a friend who's a very successful and a very good writer (the two don't necessarily go together). Among other things, he's been writing scripts for one of the sitcoms for about two years and he recently quit. Why? Because when they sent him the "revised" scripts they didn't contain a single word of what he'd written. When he inquired why they were paying him a lot of money for scripts that other writers were re-writing he was told he was "too old" (late 40s) and the two writers were merely "punching up the language" for the younger demographics. My friend is excellent with character development, comic timing and story structure, but the other two writers were savvy with the "now" lingo.

On the other flip side - this same friend came up for an idea for a light comedy drama about two teen sisters. The target audience was young teens. He recommended me to be the director since I'm close to the subject matter, experienced, etc. I was interviewed by a young, very young, person. She was pleasant. I suggested a few changes that would strengthen the series and we shook hands. Months passed. I ran into my friend and asked what had become of his idea and if I was still in the running. Well, they had bought out his idea and hired a young staff to produce the series. It seems the guy who came up with the winning idea was too old for the winning idea and the director the creator thought would be right was also too old.

Bitter? Not really. Just amazed at how the business works. My advice - if you're starting out and you're under 25 - you have a very good chance. If you are over 30 - be prepared for a struggle. If you're over 45 - consider an executive position. Over 52 - consider teaching.

Sorry to hear about those experiences! That is frustrating.

Here's something all writers might want to think about. When you're young you can write hip, "with it" stories, that reach a young demographic.

When you mature, you'll be able to write deeper stories that will reflect your experiences and perhaps reach a wider audience with them.

Okay, I hope that's the case, since I'm heading into that "struggle" phase you mentioned.

Oh, another tidbit that's great about, Sophocles (and Final Draft) is that they actually can automatically complete your header and character names (once you've typed them in before).

This helps speed up the process, unless you like typing:

EXT. USS RONALD REAGAN - FLIGHT DECK -- DUSK

Every time you cut to that location. And I've been cutting to that location A LOT lately...

Can you tell I'm writing as we speak?

I think the solution to those scary things Ozzie told us (I am 27, so I should be in age-trouble soon) is DV. With this technology we can improve the chances of getting a movie out and we are directly forced to shoot them ourselves in (it is a beaten but true phrase) the Rodriguez-way, because the chances of selling a script approaches the odds for winning the lottery.

With a finished video there is still a stiff competition and there are thousands of films released each year worldwide, not to mention the countless TV broadcast productions. 24 hours a day on I don´t know how many channels on this planet.

But a film, when shown in public even at the smallest underground fest, can catch the attention of a full movie theater, which is not too bad when compared to a single 25 year old reader who trashcans wrongly formatted scripts.

So don´t get scared away even if the odds are against us. There are people winning the lottery each week. Why not one of you, too? And to quote Rodriguez: Be scary.

In my opinion there are two kinds of people: The ones who make movies and the ones who don´t.

So get your asses up and push the record button of your camera!

Cheers,

I'm certainly not scared and in fact I'm starting my own "production company" to make better use of my time and flex my film making muscles.

I mention all these things because it helps to know the standards, and what people in the industry look for. Every bit helps. You certainly don't want a reader look at your first page only to pitch it because you don't know how to format your script, properly write a header or use anything other than courier 12.

But I know what you mean.

It's been ten months, and this is a good thread.

Here's a bump to stick it back on top of the heap.

One of the best resources that I have found is a forum called Done Deal. This site has one of the most active screenwriter forums on the net:

http://www.scriptsales.com/

Just a note on ageism...

I had a meeting in LA with two producers interested in one of my screenplays... a romantic comedy.

The producers were 19 and 25 years old.

They remarked, upon meeting me, how well I wrote the "young dialologue". And literally added, "For a man your age", (I was 45).

I smiled and replied...

"I can remember what it was like to be 18, but you have NO IDEA what it's like to be 45..."

I downloaded the MM Screenwriter demo last week and a few days ago downloaded Final Draft demo. Not having MS Word a template/addon for it I don't think would be a good idea. This scriptwriting software isn't expensive and for people looking for one thing (to write scripts) I think it's a good purchase.

That being said, after typing a few pages in each and playing around with different features, I quickly picked up on Screenwriter's workflow. Seems, at least for me, to flow a lot better than FD. Maybe with some additional setup FD would do the same things? But just from an installation and go view, Screenwriter functioned better for my tastes.

But I can definitely see where the hardcore Word users would find FD's and Screenwriter's features a drawback and hinder their workflow. like wgardner said, what you're most productive on is what counts.

Just learning script formats and everything for me, something like Screenwriter is nice. Maybe though in a few years or so I might think why do I need all this? But for now and my purposes it works great.

Great thread too. I found a couple books I overlooked that were mentioned above. Thanks.

matt