Screenwriting : Formatting woes by John Richard Sullivan

Hey John, what is your page 1 for your Word, the title page? If you still want to use Word I suggest to make the title page separately without number page feature and then save the script as PDF with page 1 as page 1 and then combine the title page PDF with the script with abobe acrobat and you should be fine with that.

I thought about that, but I've never combined two files like that before. I'll give it a try. Thanks man! :-)

Hi, John Richard Sullivan. I'm not sure if there's a workaround in Word, but the number in the top right corner of page two should be 2 followed by a period.

Thanks, Maurice! I'm trying to figure out how to combine two separate PDF files in Adobe Acrobat. Big headache.

You're welcome, John Richard Sullivan. It'd be easier to use a screenwriting software (www.stage32.com/blog/screenwriting-software-to-use-if-you-cant-afford-fi...). I use Final Draft 12, but I have WriterDuet as a backup. WriterDuet is fast, easy to use, and cheap.

Sorry if this is a silly question. But why don't you just use screewriting software? It will save you a ton of formatting issues.

OK, thanks everyone, I think I've got it as close as I can. Using Adobe is a roundabout way of combining the files but at least its free (or a free trial).

John, it's

INT.

EXT.

INT./EXT.

EXT./INT.

Title page - not numbered

Page One - not numbered

Page Two - numbered page "2."

Also do not number your scenes, that's for production scripts only.

Work with standard screenwriting software; it's much, much, much, much more easy to get all the official 'settings' righ!! And 99% of those settings are already pre-programmed to what 99,99 % of people writing a spec (should) use! For instance, your scenes are standardly not numbered (But there's always the option to change this setting when the script goes into production!)

As Maurice says, you could start with the free version of Writer Duet; it lets you work on up to 3 scripts for free.

WriterDuet is cloud based and free... it'll do everything it needs to to automatically. Word is nice but WD is magical for formatting

You're welcome, John Richard Sullivan.

Thanks. I’ll check WriterDuet. The page numbering is driving me insane.

I strongly suggest you bite the bullet and pay for a screenwriting program. I use Final Draft, but there are many others. It takes all the formatting issues off the table and lets you concentrate on your story. It costs about $170.

I’ll add my vote for definitely investing in dedicated screenwriting software. It really is essential. I use Final Draft but I do my initial work in Scrivener which is only US$60. Fade In is pretty well respected and is $80. Those are both cross-platform. If you’re on Mac, Highland 2 and Slugline are both $50. Trelby is totally free (I haven’t used it though so can’t speak to its quality).

Yes, I love Final Draft!

I love that in only a few hours you've received alot of good feedback John Richard Sullivan! I agree with many of the folks here in suggesting that you purchase screenwriting software. Might be a financial hit in the short term, but it will make your work so much easier and more streamlined and it will pay for itself over the long term.

Are you part of Stage 32’s November Write Club, John Richard Sullivan? If not, there's still time to join and be eligible for next week’s final BIG giveaway. Stage 32 is gonna announce 3 winners of Scrivener’s writing software next Friday Nov 29th. You can find out more about NWC in this blog: www.stage32.com/blog/join-us-for-the-10th-annual-november-write-club-3903

I find the formatting formula harder than the actual script.

There used to be a version of Celtx that was free, but otherwise software like Final Draft and Scriviner etc. are a good way to go. A lot of the formatting functions are automatic. Usually the occasional formatting, spelling or grammar error can be looked over, but if they become regular errors they can become a distraction to the reader when you want them focused on the story you're trying to tell.

John Richard Sullivan, In Word, page numbering can be set to start on any page the writer chooses.

INSERT menu, PAGE NUMBERING.

I use the Trelby freeware. Very intuitive. Appears to be able to import and export Final Draft files.

Technically, you don't start numbering on page two, you start numbering from fade in. There may be more front matter than just a title page.

I've gotten it as close as I can get it while still using Word. I'm hesitant to spend money on a software program at this time because I'd like to see some forward movement in my career first (as opposed to what is still an occasionally expensive hobby :-D). If an agent or producer likes the story and my writing style, we can work on getting the more anal-retentive aspects of the formatting right later. Thanks everyone for the suggestions and the advice. :-)

If I ever get my own (nonprofit) production company together, I won't waste time obsessing over other writers' margins, fonts or where their page numbers begin. Formatting does not a great movie or TV show make.

You can write three scripts for free with WriterDuet, John Richard Sullivan (www.writerduet.com/pricing).

Thanks Maurice! I'll check it out. I'm just not a details guy. :-D

You're welcome, John Richard Sullivan.

There's a lot of really good screenwriting software options that are free or under $100. Screenwriting is in no way an expensive hobby. It's probably one of the cheapest.

Definitely look into professional screenwriting software. Fade In, Writer Duet, Highland II, etc. There are plenty of great free options. A lot of readers all over the internet see a script in Microsoft Word doc format and immediately discredit it. A professional format shows you're serious and professional about the craft at the end of the day