I was recently, briefly, in a screenwriters' group in DC. We were given an assignment to write a 15-20 page script, and mine got seriously dinged by the group leader and another member for major technique errors. So I gave up on the template I was using, downloaded and read some script chapters from two of my favorite TV shows, realized those two have some major technical differences themselves, started using Celtx (recommended), paused on a few occasions while writing to double-check various technical points, and am now seeing articles saying that SPEC scripts should absolutely NOT have all the formatting (technical instructions) that SHOOTING scripts have. HUH? So which is it? I will be dinged as a rube for NOT putting it all in, or dinged for having the audacity as a novice to submit a script with camera instructions?
BELIEVE ME, I would rather NOT put in camera instructions or "Jane's POV" if I don't have to, but I sure don't want to be dinged if I don't! And from what I've read (on this site and elsewhere), it's extremely difficult to find actual spec scripts online. So what's a girl to do? I even read one post saying don't even number the scenes....Well, Celtx is automatically numbering the scenes. I read another post saying don't put in "CUT TO" after each scene! Really?
Help, please?
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Ardua - you will never find a spec script on line - they will all be shooting scripts. Movie scripts and TV scripts are different from each other. I urge you to get a copy of Dave Trottier's book; The Screenwriter's Bible, Dave is known as 'Dr. Format'. Go to my profile page and download my Gramma Ott short script - it's about as clean as a spec script can be,
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SCREENWRITERS' BIBLE
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Hey Ardua, I edit scripts. If you want to post yours to your logline page I'll be happy to give you a few pointers, or if you like, you can connect with me and send me the script and I'll edit a few pages for you.
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Thank you for all the input! Doug, I could not find your website on your profile page. Laura, your example is so funny because I wrote a scene in my horror blog where somebody in a panic buries a pistol in a ficus plant pot! Pierre, I will probably take you up on the latter offer after a re-read tomorrow.
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No problems Ardua, and of course I'd also send you a report of all the changes made.
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It is confusing, Ardua. You see so much contradictory information. I've decided to just write my spec script to tell the story. Always keen to read suggestions and advice, though. Good post!
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Format, storytelling, structure, and writer's voice. Readers wanna know about you from spec writing. It's an audition. There are a bunch of specs online from annual Bloodlist and Blacklist. Read what working Industry folks are currently reading.
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Thanks, Dan: you're referring to blcklst.com? They require a log-in! Honest to God, if I have to sign up with one more website, I'm gonna lose it. I found (elsewhere) a spec script for "Agents of Shield" which I think is correct: mostly narrative and dialogue, no scene numbering, and no camera instructions. Would people say this is correct format for a spec TV script? Thanks so much! http://www.simplyscripts.com/scripts/agentsofshield4.pdf
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To Doug and Shawn: I did read a couple other books on screenwriting several years ago, but they did not have the nitty gritty about spec formatting.
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Hi Ardua. Shawn's right, Screenwriter's Bible is the place to go. David Trottier also provides a weekly email, as well as a facebook page, where he might answer specific questions if you're lucky. First of all: those jokers 'tore you up' most likely because they were jealous and your material rocked. Second, a spec script is VERY different from a shooting script (again, just read Screenwriter's Bible, it's all you need). Third, Laura is also right, only add specifics about shot angles and POV if it's important to the story. Third, you should read all the scripts you can. Fourth, don't put in scene titles. Just INT. PLACE - DAY. If you're software is making a little bank on the side, fine - it won't be in your printed Pdf. Read scripts here, on Zoetrope, on GoodInARoom (she'll email you like 20 I think), and, of course, IMSDB.com (these are final Spec scripts...shooting scripts are messy multi-coloured director's versions of every shot and every angle and you don't want it or need it).
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Thanks so much, Sarah!