| When we talk about the process of writing a | | | | undermine screenwriting format rules. So, the |
| screenplay, you could say the process is broken | | | | main point here is to avoid trying to craft a |
| into two halves: the creative component and the | | | | screenplay with a standard word processing |
| mechanical component. Most people interested in | | | | program. It will not work! Stick with professional |
| movie screenwriting are a bit more interested in | | | | level programs and enjoy the better screenplay |
| the creative aspect. Their concerns are with the | | | | format results. |
| ability to put together a unique, original, and | | | | It is also necessary to properly familiarize yourself |
| creative script. This is, of course, a good thing | | | | with the common rules of screenplay format. |
| since such elements are definitely helpful to those | | | | Most people will purchase one of the many |
| searching for the seemingly elusive answer of | | | | excellent books on the subject. This is fine. |
| how to sell a screenplay. However, it is of | | | | However, there are many great free resources |
| paramount important that those seeking to be | | | | on the internet that can provide excellent tips and |
| successful with screenwriting to understand the | | | | insight into the subject. They are well worth |
| necessity of proper mechanics. Simply put, when | | | | looking at and bookmarking. |
| your screenplay format is lacking it can drag | | | | Can you ever get away with an errant screenplay |
| down the entire script. This means you won't be | | | | format error? Look at it this way, if you have a |
| selling the script any time soon! | | | | 120 page screenplay and an error pops up now |
| Probably the best way to cut down on formatting | | | | and then, it is doubtful a reader will dismiss an |
| errors is to use a professional screenwriting | | | | excellent screenplay. So, you might be able to get |
| software program. These programs are designed | | | | away with a flub here and there. However, if |
| in a manner much like a traditional word | | | | there are tons of these errors and they start to |
| processing system. The main difference is that | | | | appear with alarming frequency on the screenplay, |
| that come with scores of functions that allow the | | | | the odds are strong that your screenplay will be |
| writing to fall in line with accepted and | | | | complete sunk in the reader's eyes. The |
| standardized screenplay format rules. Can these | | | | impression you make will to too poor and the |
| rules be tough to follow? If you are new to the | | | | quality of the screenplay will suffer as a result of |
| game, they can be a bit confusing. (Even | | | | all the errors. Why deal with such a scenario? |
| seasoned pros will make common formatting | | | | Learn and develop the proper rules of screenplay |
| mistakes and errors) When you use a | | | | format and prevent yourself from being ejected |
| professional screenwriting software program, you | | | | from the game. |
| will cut down on the common errors that | | | | |