This is as close as you’ll get to an official screenplay formatting guide. Here’s the link to the text only version of the Screenplay Format Sample. See my other posts on screenplay formatting.
EDIT: Updating the link because they’ve redesigned the website.
A structural overview of Raiders of the Lost Ark (Laurence Kasdan, Story by George Lucas and Philip Kaufman 1981)
Also: You may want to look at some other articles on that site, such as The Inciting Incident or The (Necessary) Evil of Dialogue. Unfortunately, a lot of the content is Premium and requires a subscription.
Free screenwriting software with no noticeable catches. It’s web-based, so all your files will be stored in the “cloud” so you can access it from any computer.
Might help you check out dialogue in other movies, etc.
Many writers view an adaptation as a daunting task. The looming question is: “how do I turn a gazillion page novel into a 120 page script?”
A real-life example of a checklist a script reader may be using to judge screenplays.
Checklist A: Concept & Plot
#1. Imagine the trailer. Is the concept marketable?
#2. Is the premise naturally intriguing — or just average, demanding perfect execution?
#3. Who is the target audience? Would your parents go see it?
#4. Does your story deal with the most important events in the lives of your characters?
#5. If you’re writing about a fantasy-come-true, turn it quickly into a nightmare-that-won’t-end.
#6. Does the screenplay create questions: will he find out the truth? Did she do it? Will they fall in love? Has a strong ‘need to know’ hook been built into the story?
Read the full 60-point list at the link.
Halloween One Week Challenge
Genre and Theme announced: October 10, 2008
Submissions Due: October 17, 2008
Q: What do you look for in a marketable screenplay?
A: Anything I can pitch to a producer and a studio executive easily. If the script has a great hook, that’s gold.
Read more by clicking the title.
