As with all formatting advice, the idea is to clearly express your vision without interrupting the flow of the screenplay. One easy way to show one character interrupting another is to use double-dashes or an ellipsis to indicate the first character’s dialogue is being interrupted. SETH How about -- ERIN No. Both doble-dashes and ellipses […]
What is the proper way to use parentheticals?
Parentheticals (also called “wrylies” or “actor’s direction”) are used to clear up confusion about a line that could be read multiple ways: COACH FOX(sarcastically) Nice throw, Kyle. They can also be used to indicate who a speaker is addressing: COACH FOX(to Tebow) Get in there already! You will sometimes see them used to indicate action. […]
What is standard screenplay format?
While there can be slight variations for different types of scripts (ie multicam sitcom teleplays), screenplays follow strict formatting rules. Fortunately, software like Highland, will do the heavy lifting for you. Here are the basics: 12-point Courier font 1.5 inch left margin 1 inch right margin (between .5 inches and 1.25 inches), ragged 1 inch […]
What is a premise pilot?
A premise pilot, as its name suggests, is a TV pilot that establishes the premise of a show. In the Lost pilot, for example, the plane crashes on the island, and the passengers are lost. A non-premise pilot is one that feels like any other episode of the show. South Park’s pilot is about Cartman […]
How should fight scenes or action scenes be written?
There is no universal way of writing action scenes. As with all formatting advice, the goal is to clearly express your vision without taking the reader out of the screenplay. However that is best accomplished for your scene is the right way to write it. In a 2011 blog post, John August offers this headline: […]
Are there any ergonomic tips for screenwriters?
In a 2011 blog post, John August offers this advice: You need to check your setup. Feet on the floor, arms at a comfortable 90-or-so degrees. I strongly believe in arm rests, but different things work for different people. Your typing surface probably needs to be a lot lower than you think. My desk lowers […]