Screenwriting : Breaking Rules by Mark Deuce

I learned a lot about script formatting over the years, Mark Deuce. Now when I write scripts, I try different things with the formatting so I can tell better stories and make my scripts more entertaining for people to read.

Learn and master the rules so you can break them, Mark Deuce

Same here Maurice Vaughan and why I love to write Spec Scripts where you can bend, but no break the rules.

I really love that Richard "RB" Botto and have a great weekend!

SPOT-ON Dan Guardino

Couldn't agree more Richard "RB" Botto

Dan Guardino is spot on. Also wish to point out that Nolan is at the level where he can write how he wishes. Until we get to his level let's stick to the basics because they work surprisingly well.

Let's see Chris & Jonathan Nolan's formatting for Memento.

Brian Duffield has a track record before NWSY, and both CN & BD direct their own material.

Beck & Woods attached pictures & weird fonts for a 45 page spec, A Quiet Place. But I believe they sold the idea before actual writing pages.

Appreciated, Ewan Dunbar

I don't know, alot of times I kind of welcome some sort of structural/layout idiosyncrasy. It helps the script stand out more. Make sure the basic overall structure adheres to the guidelines of course, we don't want something that looks unappealing and/or unprofessional; and don't do something different just for the sake of a gimmick, that will be transparent to a savvy reader. But if theres is something that's organic to your story and to you as a writer, then yeah go ahead and try it. As mentioned, having been a buyer for many years now, it might just help the script stick out a bit more!

I think I kinda have to agree with everybody on this one. I think both sides have genuine relevance.

Agree @John It’s a matter of balance. The holy trinity is key (or king.) Character, concept, structure. Having said that @Dan I also agree. Commissioned scripts already guarantee a certain attention whereas spec scripts nobody has “particularly” asked for other than genre. The readers sift pile for producers/execs remit. One thousand specs & reader picks up one with shit format can be instant pessimism. I’ve got myself in readers rooms to study the whole course more. The story is not king, king is does story meet budget? Unfortunately it’s show (business.) Have a great weekend @All.

I agree with Richard "RB" Botto - it's OK to break the rules once you have mastered them because in the end even the most avant-garde films are complete cinematic experiences. Most every working professional writer I know mastered the structure before daring to break it when they were inspired to do so.

Me too Richard "RB" Botto

I think their has to be a balance, especially if your a newbie trying to break into the industry Nick Phillips

Totally agree too John Snell and I think if your a newcomer you have to play by the rules until you build a name for yourself.

I totally agree too Sam Sokolow that you have to play by the rules till you breakthrough.

Thanks for sharing Dan Guardino

Have a great rest of the week Dan Guardino

I believe we have to stick to the guidelines as long as it's a Spec script, not an OWA. Christopher nolan already has a Carte Blanche I believe

Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome Mrk and you are spot on here.

Thank you Catherine Mercer

I always tell writers I work with: Embrace standardization and the basic formatting conventions. They are your friends.

That is so true Sergio Cardenas

Nice Dan Guardino

That is sooooo True Pat Alexander