What is the proper format for writting a screenplay if you intend to get it at least looked at by someone who could get it made into a movie?

I'm not sure there's such thing as a "real" screenplay format. Whatever the producers what, I suppose.

There is, actually. I can't seem to find a good description of it at the moment, but most screenplays have a very, very specific formating that roughly translates to 1 page per minute of finished video.

There are several programs that automatically put your writing into the correct format, and they can also help with things like remembering who is in a scene and where certain stage directions go. I know of one off hand, but I also know that I'm a new member, and I don't want to appear to be spamming.

Interstingly, I learned a few months ago that if you write comic books, you use the same format for them as well.

There are several programs that automatically put your writing into the correct format, and they can also help with things like remembering who is in a scene and where certain stage directions go.

Really? Interesting... this is a resource I could actually use.

I know of one off hand, but I also know that I'm a new member, and I don't want to appear to be spamming.

You don't come off that way to me at all.

I used to write screenplays quite often, actually. Not so much anymore, I'm more into the short stories now, but yes, there is a specific way that you should write it out. As Spherical Time said, there are programs you can get that format the screenplay for you, but i think you have to pay for them.

I suggest this website (http://www.screenwriting.info/), as it helped me greatly in understanding the layout of the screenplay. It gives examples, and tells you exactly what you need to do.

I suggest this website (http://www.screenwriting.info/), as it helped me greatly in understanding the layout of the screenplay. It gives examples, and tells you exactly what you need to do.

That site looks like a good resource. I'll deffinitely take a more in-depth look later. Thanks.

The one that I thought of off the top of my head is the same one that screenwriting.info suggests, and that's:

Final Draft (http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=2220)

It's the market standard.

Spherical Time,

You are exactly right. Final Draft version 7.0 or higher is the best you'll get in writing software. It covers all areas of writing including screenplays, movie scripts, novels, short stories, etc....

I have posted an example of a script in the scripts area.

Thanks for posting

Crazy Writer,

Here is an example of a screenplay.

http://www.writingforums.org/showpost.php?p=1401&postcount=5

i mentor a lot of aspiring screenwriters, so if you want a format guide, 'tools of the trade' list and tips from the pros on the basics of the craft and/or any help, just drop me an email any time...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

The BBC have a Screenplay format file you can read.

Requires Adobe Acrobat to view them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/screenplay.pdf

if you're not in the uk, email me for a hollywood standard format guide...

maia3maia@hotmail.com

I wrote a couple of screenplays a couple years ago, had an agent look at it for me and I remember she said when it comes to screenplays, to avoid the talking head syndrom. Pages and pages of no action and a lot of dialogue, also it helps if your scripts have a lot of white space. Agents or producers who see a lot of words or descriptions will get turned off. As others here have said, Final Draft is a good software program to use when it comes to screenwriting.

also it helps if your scripts have a lot of white space. Agents or producers who see a lot of words or descriptions will get turned off.

this is in re the 'too much black' taboo... any section of the action/description element or dialog over 4-5 lines is 'too much'...

if you have to write more than that, divide the action/description into sections with a line space, break up the dialog with bits of business, or interject a few words from another character, now and then...

I've never written an actual screenplay. I make my own movies, so I just write down sentences and scenes and ideas...I've got around half a dozen such...things written down.
Gonna start shooting the first one in August when classes start and I can get free actors from the theater school...

if you're going to be using student actors, you'd better learn the proper format and redo your scripts... they'll be used to the real deal and not happy to have to plow through your own version of one, that bears no resemblance to an actual screenplay...

you can email me for a format guide and help, if you want...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com

celtx is a great free program that takes care of formatting for you.