13:03:47 [Mitch] I'll skip the long introduction but I'm really looking forward to this discussion on writing scripts and screen plays
13:04:05 [Mitch] with that I'll turn the mic over to goober
13:04:07 [goober99] Are you ready for me to get started?
13:04:12 [goober99] Okay.
13:05:09 [goober99] Actual screenplays are much different than the scripts we usually see for high school plays and church programs.
13:05:19 [Mitch] yes, go ahead
13:05:33 [goober99] Those scripts usually look similar to the chat transcripts that Mitch posts after a chat:
13:05:48 [goober99] Character Name: Dialogue
13:06:06 [goober99] An actual screenplay consists of elements.
13:06:22 [goober99] There are elements for action, character name, dialogue, etc.
13:06:53 [goober99] We will talk about each element of a screenplay, but first we will have the necessary discussion of what software can be used to write screenplays.
13:07:16 [goober99] The truth is: You can use any word processor to write your screenplays, but some software will make it a lot easier.
13:07:29 [goober99] What do you usually use as a word processor?
13:07:48 [Mitch] MS Word
13:08:06 [goober99] Me too. What about everyone else?
13:08:18 [psturgill] MS Word....
13:08:48 [goober99] Welcome, dude. We've just started the discussion about screenplays.
13:08:56 [goober99] I was just asking what word processor everyone uses.
13:08:56 [dude] Wordpad
13:09:41 [dude] even Notepad sometimes
13:10:23 [goober99] Each element of a screenplay has different formatting standards.
13:10:39 [goober99] These standards include different left and right indentions for each element.
13:10:50 [goober99] This can be achieved in MS Word and Wordpad.
13:11:02 [goober99] Notepad only edits text and could not be used.
13:11:35 [Mitch] What's the reason for the different formatting standards?
13:11:46 [dude] yes of course
13:12:20 [goober99] They have developed over years of Hollywood using screenplays. There are three reasons the current standard is used:
13:12:41 [goober99] 1. You are supposed to be able to judge length as one minute per page using the standards
13:13:01 [goober99] 2. It is supposed to be instantly recognizable and easily readable by anyone in the industry
13:13:20 [goober99] 3. It's the standard and once something is the standard it is hard to get it changed
13:13:33 [goober99] There is a tool that help with the formatting in MS Word.
13:13:34 [Mitch] ok
13:14:22 [goober99] http://www.movietools.com/software.htm#screenplay
13:14:36 [goober99] I had to take time to pull up the link. I should have had it ready before hand.
13:15:11 [goober99] MovieTools Screenplay adds a tool bar to MS Word with a button for each screenplay element.
13:15:19 [Mitch] no problem
13:15:25 [goober99] You push the button and the formatting is automatically applied.
13:16:19 [goober99] It works with MS Word 97 and higher, but I have recently upgraded to 2003 and it does not work with that version.
13:16:47 [goober99] If you are using a version before 2003 I would recommend downloading MovieTools. It is a free download. It simplifies the process a lot.
13:17:11 [goober99] If you are using 2003, you can download the screenplay template from Microsoft.
13:17:29 [goober99] http://office.microsoft.com/templates/preview.aspx?AssetID=TC010186361033&CTT=1&Origin=EC790000701033&QueryID=VYk5t4QE0&Query=movies&Scope=TC
13:17:55 [goober99] Now for those of you not using MS Word, there is a free word processor called RoughDraft that simplifies the process.
13:18:25 [goober99] Give me a moment. I've got to pull up the link again.
13:18:38 [goober99] After I give the link we will proceed to the next part of the discussion.
13:18:56 [goober99] I will refer to MS Word and RoughDraft in the script discussion.
13:18:59 [Mitch] ok
13:19:34 [goober99] http://www.rsalsbury.co.uk/rd.htm
13:20:07 [goober99] Before I move on to the elements of a screenplay, are there any questions about software?
13:20:40 [Mitch] no, i didn't know they even existed before, good info
13:20:54 [goober99] Okay, moving on...
13:21:20 [goober99] When you write a screenplay, the Hollywood standard is to use Courier New 12 pt.
13:21:48 [goober99] Most of you are probably interested in screenplay writing for your own personal videos, but
13:22:10 [goober99] if you ever want a screenplay you write to be taken seriously by professionals it must be COURIER NEW 12 pt.
13:22:41 [goober99] You begin your screenplay with a special element that is only used at the beginning.
13:23:03 [goober99] Every screenplay begins with FADE IN:
13:24:02 [goober99] If you are using MS Word with MovieTools or the MS template, FADE IN: is already written for you.
13:24:26 [goober99] If you are using RoughDraft, switch to Screenplay mode. Then type FADE IN: in all caps flush against the left margin.
13:24:55 [goober99] Below this we get to start writing our screenplay.
13:25:20 [goober99] You need to leave a blank line after FADE IN:
13:25:28 [goober99] The next element you will use is the Scene Heading.
13:25:45 [goober99] The Scene Heading tells where all the action and dialogue are going to be taking place.
13:25:59 [goober99] Every time you change location, you must put another scene heading into your script.
13:26:37 [goober99] You are always supposed to have two blank lines above a scene heading.
13:26:56 [goober99] A scene heading is flush against the left margin.
13:27:03 [goober99] It is all caps.
13:27:19 [goober99] The first part of the scene heading tells whether you are inside or outside.
13:27:30 [goober99] There are two abbreviations to do this: INT. and EXT.
13:27:54 [goober99] There is also a special abbreviation INT./EXT. (you can also use EXT./INT.)
13:28:10 [goober99] These are used to denote that the scene moves from inside to outside or vice versa.
13:28:26 [goober99] You could just use a new scene heading. Using the slash between the two just saves time.
13:28:50 [goober99] Some standards are flexible in Hollywood.
13:29:06 [goober99] After you place the period for the abbreviation you can place one space or two spaces.
13:29:17 [goober99] I like putting two spaces to separate it further visually.
13:29:34 [goober99] Now you type the general location.
13:30:15 [goober99] A general location could be BOB'S HOUSE or SAN FRANCISCO.
13:30:34 [goober99] After the general location you put a specific location.
13:30:51 [goober99] A specific location for the first general location I gave could be KITCHEN.
13:31:06 [goober99] You separate the general and specific location with a comma.
13:31:19 [goober99] Like this: BOB'S HOUSE, KITCHEN
13:31:36 [goober99] The scene heading accomplishes more for us than just telling us where we are.
13:31:41 [goober99] It also tells the time.
13:32:02 [goober99] After the location, you put a space a dash and a space. Then you type the time.
13:32:32 [goober99] Try to keep the time simple. Just DAY or EVENING are usually sufficient.
13:33:06 [goober99] The scene heading is important to the Production Manager or Assistant Director in movies.
13:33:16 [goober99] These are usually the people who schedule when and where to shoot.
13:33:38 [goober99] They can skim a screenplay quickly and the scene headings will stand out because they are all caps.
13:33:52 [goober99] It is important that you are uniform in your scene headings.
13:34:05 [goober99] If you use BOB'S HOUSE, KITCHEN one time in your script,
13:34:09 [Mitch] makes a lot of sense
13:34:25 [goober99] you don't want to use BOB SMITH'S HOUSE, KITCHEN later.
13:34:29 [datadogie] Is it not better to put hour for continuity?
13:35:28 [goober99] When a producer skims a script, they don't want to know the exact time a scene is supposed to be happening. They just want to know if it is daylight or if they need to pull out lightning equipment to do a night shot.
13:35:46 [goober99] I'll describe where you could put exact times when I describe the next element.
13:36:00 [datadogie] ok
13:36:05 [goober99] Before moving on to the next element, here is what a scene heading should look like:
13:36:23 [goober99] INT. BOB'S HOUSE, KITCHEN - EVENING
13:36:51 [Mitch] ok
13:36:52 [goober99] Let's practice: everybody think of a possible scene heading. Type it in using proper formatting and press send.
13:37:45 [Mitch] EXT. GRAND CANYON - DAY
13:38:38 [goober99] Good example, Mitch. There are some cases where you will not need a specific location. That is okay. Just make sure you stay uniform when referring to that location.
13:38:42 [Mitch] How do you do specific locations for exterior? NEAR WATERFALL?
13:39:19 [goober99] Yes, NEAR WATERFALL would work.
13:39:33 [goober99] Whatever you do, the scene heading is supposed to all fit on one line.
13:39:46 [datadogie] EXT. HIGH STREET. DONALD'S CAR, - EVENING
13:40:02 [Mitch] cool...I think I might actually understand
13:40:42 [goober99] data, you might have meant to do this, but HIGH STREET should be followed by a comma instead of a period. And you do not need a comma after CAR.
13:41:06 [goober99] The next element is the element you are going to use most.
13:41:17 [goober99] It is the easiest to format also.
13:41:19 [datadogie] oops
13:41:33 [goober99] It is called the Action.
13:42:02 [goober99] It is supposed to have a 1.5" left margin and a 1" right margin.
13:42:21 [goober99] Again, if you are using MovieTools or the MS template with MS Word, this is simple.
13:42:45 [goober99] You select the icon for Action in MovieTools, and you select the style for Action in the template.
13:43:11 [goober99] If you are using RoughDraft, the default margins are for Scene Heading and Action, so you are still good.
13:43:26 [goober99] Just put a blank line between your Scene Heading and the start of your action.
13:43:49 [goober99] The purpose of the Action is to describe everything about a scene and what is going on in that scene.
13:44:18 [goober99] You group Action elements as paragraphs, but you do not indent them.
13:44:36 [goober99] If you need to start a new paragraph of Action, just put a blank line between the two Action paragraphs.
13:45:08 [goober99] Actions are written in regular caps. Meaning you capitalize the first word of sentences and proper nouns.
13:45:39 [goober99] Another weird things about Actions: Unlike most fiction narrative in the English language, Actions are supposed to be written in present tense.
13:46:03 [goober99] Instead of: Bob opened up his refrigerator door to see what he had to eat. You would write:
13:46:15 [goober99] Bob opens his refrigerator door to see what he has to eat.
13:46:28 [Mitch] that makes perfect sense
13:47:26 [goober99] While to want to describe what the scene looks like, you do not want to write a two page essay about every detail of the scene in the Action.
13:47:46 [goober99] It is important that you keep your Actions as brief as possible.
13:48:06 [goober99] A good rule to remember is, "Show it, don't tell it."
13:48:36 [Mitch] I like that rule
13:49:19 [goober99] We want are characters to talk and not just act.
13:49:32 [goober99] We will discuss the next two screenplay elements together.
13:49:38 [goober99] Character Name and Dialogue.
13:50:01 [goober99] This is where some of the formatting rules will be different from scripts you are used to.
13:50:15 [goober99] This formatting is supposed to make the script easier to follow.
13:50:47 [goober99] The Character Name must always be all caps (just like the scene heading).
13:51:04 [goober99] MATTHEW MILLER not Matthew Miller
13:51:20 [goober99] It is supposed to begin 3.5" from the left margin and fit on one line.
13:51:36 [goober99] The character name will always be proceeded by one blank line.
13:51:54 [goober99] Underneath the Character Name, you write the dialogue.
13:52:23 [goober99] The dialogue must be 2.5" from the left and 2.5" from the right.
13:52:40 [goober99] There is no blank line between the Character Name and Dialogue.
13:53:12 [goober99] As you have probably guessed: The dialogue is supposed to be what that Character says at that point in the screenplay.
13:54:03 [goober99] Using either Microsoft Word tool I've mentioned, all you need to do is choose the button/style for Character Name and Dialogue respectively.
13:54:35 [goober99] From now on when I introduce a screenplay element, understand that the MS Word tools have an option for that element.
13:54:51 [goober99] In RoughDraft, you would press tab once.
13:55:00 [goober99] Now you are ready to type the Character Name in all caps.
13:55:31 [goober99] When you press enter after typing a Character Name, RoughDraft automatically adjusts the margins for Dialogue.
13:56:10 [goober99] Because of the formatting, it is hard to show an example of what the dialogue would look like.
13:56:17 [goober99] It would be something like this:
13:56:21 [goober99] BOB
13:56:28 [goober99] (to himself)
13:56:44 [goober99] Where did I put the pizza?
13:56:57 [goober99] I added another element in the example: the Parenthetical.
13:57:27 [goober99] The Parenthetical comes between the Character Name and the Dialogue and is on a line by itself.
13:57:34 [goober99] It is okay if it takes up more than one line.
13:57:53 [goober99] It is supposed to be 3" from the left and 3.25" from the right.
13:58:32 [goober99] In RoughDraft, press enter after typing the Character Name.
13:58:43 [goober99] You will be in the Dialogue formatting position.
13:58:59 [goober99] Press tab once and you will be moved to the Parenthetical position.
13:59:38 [goober99] The Parenthetical is surround by parenthesis obviously. It is all lowercase.
14:00:05 [goober99] Some popular words to use in a Parenthetical are "continuing" and "beat".
14:00:46 [goober99] You use "continuing" when a character is speaking and what action going on during his speech.
14:00:57 [goober99] You put part of his dialogue.
14:01:01 [goober99] Then you put an action.
14:01:17 [goober99] Then when you resume his dialogue add the parenthetical continuing.
14:01:29 [goober99] You use "beat" when you want the speaker to pause.
14:02:02 [goober99] You will put some dialogue. Skip to the next line and add a parenthetical that says "beat." Then you will skip to the next line and continue with the dialogue.
14:02:07 [Mitch] makes sense
14:02:45 [goober99] The elements we have discussed: Scene Heading, Action, Character Name, and Dialogue are the basic building blocks of a screenplay.
14:03:01 [goober99] With these elements you could build a Hollywood standard screenplay.
14:03:18 [goober99] Using one of the software products we talked about will make the formatting easier.
14:03:28 [goober99] Then all you have to remember is when to use which element.
14:03:50 [goober99] There are other elements like Transitions and Shots.
14:03:58 [Mitch]
pretty easy as long as you've got a great idea
14:04:00 [goober99] This elements begin getting more technical.
14:04:12 [goober99] I've already used up my hour for today.
14:04:22 [goober99] Would you like me to save the other elements for Friday.
14:04:42 [goober99] They shouldn't take the whole hour to discuss. We could also get into some story telling techniques.
14:04:49 [Mitch] do you have more you want to cover? ....Thursday, not Friday
14:05:08 [FM] man, I'm sorry I missed the discussion
14:05:08 [goober99] Sorry. Yes, Thursday.
14:05:14 [Mitch] I would love to hear the story telling stuff
14:05:47 [Mitch] let's continue on Thursday since it sounds like you've got a lot of great material
14:05:55 [goober99] Okay.