Introduction to Screenwriting - Unit 4: Formatting & Software
Welcome
Getting your script into the hands of the right person can be difficult - so you want to give yourself the best chance possible by having a correctly formatted piece of work. If poor formatting makes your script difficult to read and becomes a distraction for the reader…. you could end up in the wrong pile…
Prerequisites
For the best learning experience, complete Units 1, 2 & 3 before taking Unit 4. Internet access is required for Lesson 4 if you wish to use WriterDuet (recommended). Internet access is required for Lessons 1 and 4 learning assessments.
Ensure you have created a CreateForum account to complete the learning assessments in
Lesson 1 and Lesson 4. (https://introtoscreenwriting.createaforum.com/index.php)
What is covered in Unit 4?
Lesson 1. Formatting Basics
Lesson 2. Screenwriting Software
Lesson 3. Introduction to WriterDuet
Lesson 4. Writing with WriterDuet
Learning Assessments are incorporated into each lesson.
What Will You Learn?
On completing this unit, you should be able to: 1. Identify the four main elements of a correctly formatted script 2. Explain key considerations when choosing screenwriting software 3. Recognise and identify the main components of the WriterDuet interface
4. Generate a short script with a title page using WriterDuet
Lesson 1: Formatting Basics
Welcome
Script formatting guidelines evolved from when scripts were written on a typewriter - and they haven’t really changed much since. Formatting can seem tricky at first, but screenwriting software simplifies the process – we will look at screenwriting software in the next Lesson.
What is covered in Lesson 1?
Script Formatting Overview Four Main Formatting Elements
Title Page Formatting
Lesson 1 Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to identify the four main elements of a correctly formatted script.
Script Formatting Overview
What is a script? a 90 - 120 page document specific formatting guidelines & written in Courier 12 point font Why Courier 12 point font? Timing - Courier is a fixed width font - each character takes up the exact same space
One script page = one minute of screen time
This is what a script looks like:
Four Main Formatting Elements
There are a number of elements in a script. This lesson will focus on the four most common: 1. Scene Headings 2. Action 3. Character 4. Dialogue
A quick word on margins: Elements have specific margins that decides their placement on the page. This was important for consistency when scripts were being written manually. Screenwriting software now automatically places elements to the correct margins, so this unit does not specify element margins.
Scene Headings
This is a one-line description of the location and time of day of a scene. Also known as a "slugline". Always in CAPS. It is made up of three elements:
EXT. for exterior (outdoor) scenes INT. for interior (indoor) scenes INT/EXT for a mix of indoor/outdoor
Time of day. Starts with a hyphen specifies DAY, NIGHT, or CONTINUOUS. The location (e.g. KITCHEN or RESTAURANT). Can also be a specific time (e.g. SUNSET).
Action
Action is a narrative description of the events in a scene. Action is always in the present tense. Try to keep to a maximum of 4 lines of text. Put a character name in capitals (e.g. JOHN) the first time they are mentioned in an action line - after that they appear in upper and lower case throughout the script, e.g. John.
Example JOHN, dressed in a school uniform and cap, fidgets as his mother adjusts his tie.
Character
The Character element identifies who is about to speak. Always in CAPS and centered
Character can be one of the following: A name (SARAH) A description (TALL LADY) An occupation (TEACHER)
Dialogue
Dialogue are the lines of speech for a character. DIALOGUE formatting applies: When anyone on screen speaks During a conversation between characters. When a character talks out loud to themselves When a character speaks off-screen, e.g. JOHN (O.S.)
When a character is only a voice over, e.g. JOHN (V.O.)
Four Elements Together
Title Page Formatting
Plain white page and absolutely NO images!
Courier 12pt font
Script Title Centre horizontally Centre vertically All capital lettering Byline Text reads ‘written by’ Centre horizontally Lower case Writers Name Centre horizontally Authors name Include co-writer (if any) Contact Information Left aligned, bottom of page Include Agent information if applicable
Lesson 2: Assessment
Take a look at this script. It has SEVEN formatting errors – see if you can find them all!
Below is how the correctly formatted script should look. Review it and compare it to the previous script.
Lesson Summary
Well done, you have completed Lesson 1! We covered: Script Formatting Overview Four Main Formatting Elements Title Page Formatting
You should now be able to identify the four main elements of a correctly formatted script.
Lesson 2: Screenwriting Software
Welcome To Lesson 2
A writer will generally want to focus on telling a story and not worry too much about the technicalities of how to format and present it. That's why screenwriting software was developed and has become a great time saving tool for writers.
What is covered in Lesson 2?
Why use screenwriting software? What software is available? Criteria to consider when choosing screenwriting software
Lesson 2 Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to explain key considerations when choosing screenwriting software.
Why Use Screenwriting Software?
Why not use a standard word processing software package? Not specialised enough Time consuming
Screenwriting software saves time and headaches!
What Software is Available?
Basic Screenwriting Software
Usually offers sufficient access to create and print a limited number of scripts. Additional software features will require a paid upgrade. Good option for starting out or if screenwriting is just a hobby
Examples: WriterDuet (http://writerduet.com) and Celtx (https://www.celtx.com)
Paid Screenwriting Software
Industry standard is Final Draft.
Consider if starting a screenwriting career or collaborating with industry professionals. High price point, 30 day free trial available.
Examples: Movie Magic (http://www.write-bros.com/movie-magic-screenwriter.html) and Fade
In (https://www.fadeinpro.com/)
Free Screenwriting Software
Good if you do not want to pay for software or constrained by a trial version Need to research well to ensure correct industry standard formatting is used.
Examples: Amazon Storywriter (https://storywriter.amazon.com/) and Trelby
(http://www.trelby.org/)
Criteria to Consider
All screenwriting software should: Follow standard formatting guidelines Easy to learn Well supported with help, user communities, etc.
Other criteria to consider Budget: Do you want free software or is paid software an option? If so, do you have a limit you want to pay? Compatibility: Do you want the software to work on Mac, PC, Linux? Mobility: Do you want to use the software on a mobile phone? Would you like it to have an app to work from? If so, do you use iPhone or Android? Features: What additional features does the software have apart from script formatting? For example, storyboarding, budgeting tools, scheduling, reporting, etc. Collaboration: Will you be working with other writers? Do you want to share your script with collaborators? Do you want other writers to be able to edit your script? Importing: Can you import scripts written in other software? Exporting: Can you export scripts to other formats? Particularly .FDX (Final Draft) as you may be asked to submit a script in this format.
Lesson Summary
Well done, you have completed Lesson 2! We covered: Why use screenwriting software? What software is available? Criteria to consider when choosing screenwriting software
You should now be able to explain key considerations when choosing screenwriting software.
Lesson 2 Assessment
E-tivity: Your Screenwriting Software Criteria Consider the role screenwriting plays in your life. Is it a hobby, something you would like to pursue as an amateur or a potential new career? Guided by what you need screenwriting software for, reflect on the criteria discussed in Lesson 2 and write down a list of items you would need any software you choose to provide (e.g. Mac platform, access on multiple devices, able to export, etc).
Post your list of criteria to the CreateForum.
Lesson 3: Introduction To WriterDuet
Welcome to Lesson 3
WriterDuet is a good option for the beginner screenwriter: Free version allows you to build up to three scripts. Scripts can be exported to many formats, including Final Draft. Upgrading to the full feature PRO software is good value (50% student rate available). WriterDuet is constantly being improved and there is good support available.
What is covered in Lesson 3?
Why WriterDuet?
Creating a WriterDuet Account About WriterDuet The WriterDuet Interface
Lesson 3 Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to recognise and identify the main components of the WriterDuet interface.
Why WriterDuet?
Based on the criteria examined in Lesson 2, WriterDuet does well: Budget: basic version free with upgrade to full feature software Compatibility: available for Windows, Mac or Linux Mobility: Cloud based - can access from any device Collaboration: can invite other writers to view or edit your script Features: Full revision log, dialogue filtering, reporting and more. Importing & Exporting: may formats, including Final Draft, MS Word
Creating a WriterDuet Account
Access WriterDuet at http://writerduet.com. When you create an account, you will have access to the free version of the software. To create an account click on the Continue with email button. Enter your email address and click NEXT. Enter your name, then choose a password and click SAVE.
About WriterDuet
The free version of WriterDuet allows: Creation of up to three scripts. Access scripts while online only (cloud based). Some software features are not available in the free version.
The PRO version allows: Access both online and offline – WD saves locally when offline and synchs when online.
Access to all software features.
WriterDuet Interface
The following slides show the different areas of the WriterDuet interface.
Lesson Summary
Well done, you have completed Lesson 3! We covered: Why WriterDuet? Creating a WriterDuet Account About WriterDuet The WriterDuet Interface
You should now be able to recognise and identify the main components of the WriterDuet interface.
Lesson 4: Writing With WriterDuet
Welcome to Lesson 4
Lesson 4 uses WriterDuet PRO Version 4. To get the most from this lesson, please ensure you have created a free WriterDuet account at writerduet.com .
What is covered in Lesson 4?
Creating a new script & saving it Adding scenes, action, characters & dialogue
Creating a title page Lesson assessment
Lesson 2 Objective: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to generate a short script with a title page using WriterDuet.
Creating a New Script
Once logged in, WriterDuet automatically displays your last script. If this is your first time logging in, a new script is automatically created.
To create a script at any other time, simply go to the FILE menu and choose NEW.
Saving Your Scripts
Adding Elements
WriterDuet makes it easy to add Scene Headings, Action, Character and Dialogue. Each element will be correctly formatted and in the correct position Access the eLearning Introduction to Screenwriting module to view a video on how to add Scene
Headings, Action, Characters and Dialogue in WriterDuet.
Creating A Title Page
A script will remain as ‘Untitled’ in WriterDuet until the title page is edited. To edit the title page, choose Title Page from the File menu or click on Untitled in the top right of the screen.
Lesson Summary
Well done, you have completed Lesson 4! We covered: Creating a new script & saving it Adding scenes, action, characters & dialogue Creating a title page
You should now be able to generate a short script with a title page using WriterDuet.
Lesson 4 Assessment
E-tivity: Creating A Script In WriterDuet The best way to become familiar with WriterDuet is to jump in and get started! Log into WriterDuet now and use the knowledge you have learned in this lesson to create a short script
with a title page. Your script should include two scenes, one outdoor and one indoor. Create dialogue between three characters - Paul, a doctor and on other.
Post your script to the CreateForum.
Unit 4 Summary
Well done, you have completed Unit 4: Formatting & Software! On completing the four lessons in this unit, you should now be able to: Identify the four main elements of a correctly formatted script Explain key considerations when choosing screenwriting software Recognise and identify the main components of the WriterDuet interface Generate a short script with a title page using WriterDuet
Course Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now completed this Introduction to Screenwriting course! If you completed all the assignments and e-tivities in the course, you should now have the building blocks of a screenplay.
Course Summary Having completed all Units in this course, you should now be able to: Write a detailed synopsis of your story idea, taking into account genre, story structure and budgetary constraints. Identify character terms, create character biographies and create a character arc for your film. Write a scene from start to finish taking into account best practices for character and story development. Generate a correctly formatted script using WriterDuet.
Final Course Assessment: Write a Screenplay E-tivity You should now have all the elements you need to write a screenplay. For your final assessment, choose one of the following assignments: Write a 5-30 page short screenplay Write a 30-60 page television screenplay Write a 90-120 page feature screenplay
There is no time scale for this e-tivity. Once completed, submit your work by posting it on the Forum where you will get feedback from peers and instructors.
Having freedom in terms of how long your script will be ensures that you do justice to your idea – the story itself will dictate the length. It also allows you to complete the assignment at your own pace and in line with your abilities.
Overall References Salmon, G. (2004) E-tivities, London: Kogan Page Background screen image and final screen image ”The End” sourced from PhotoMIX Company under a Creative Commons license. All other images used are from Articulate Storyline content library unless otherwise stated.
About this Course Introduction to Screenwriting was developed as part of the TW5222: Content Development and Information Management module (2018), for the Graduate Certificate in Technical Writing course, University of Limerick.
Created by: Cathy Butler (Unit 1: Story) Lisa Edwards (Unit 2: Character) Catherine Bourke (Unit 3: Scenes) Dolores Madden (Unit 4: Formatting & Software)
The course was developed using Articulate Storyline 360®.
The End.