Re: Action scenes I studied at the UCLA Film school. In my first screenplay I tried exposition like: "The assassin team chases the (protagonist's car) through congested crosstown traffic." and "The characters fight in a violent symphony of chaos." The professor said I could do this if I wanted the director to make a mess of it. Instead he suggested a modernized form of Tarentino's approach called "vertical writing" in which -- without using impermissable camera shots (that deprive the director the oppy' to write the "shooting script" -- you put each action item on a separate line (forcing the director to address it somehow). Like Tarantino, this can get long. I break it up by character. If A strikes B to the ground, I'll put in a blank line before, "B staggers to his feet, struggling for situational awareness." Also, I was taught that, whenever possible, exposition should not exceed 4 lines. Again, break it up by character: WILLIAM, (descibe), slouches in the backseat of a battered cab. The cab RATTLES as it races through (describe the city). The (describe) cabbie lights a cheap cigar and through a haze of dirty smoke: CABBIE (wrylie and dialogue) Bottom line: script analysts like lots of white space and minimal risk of confusion. (I'm writing this fast and could have been clearer that city is streaming past the window. But who's looking? William? Cab driver (looking where to turn or stop)? I try to make it clear. For whatever it's worth. Regards, EJ
Bud, that’s the first time I actually understood how to do a Montage and when to use/not use one. Thank you so very much from an old guy who just enjoys writing screenplays.
Just follow your passion. There will always be people telling you: "That can't be done". Keep working hard, study, and get ready. Who knows, maybe, you will take the world by storm. I am writing a script myself based on my experiences. Take care!
Surprisingly one of the best Indy Mogul topics in a while :) Great Job. I covered scripts last trimester at film school, and after 14 weeks there's stuff that you covered which I actually was never told about.
I know this is old but I am just now going through all your videos and THANK YOU for the Tarantino script reference, esp Kill Bill! Though there were some editing mistakes (as in all his films) I feel it was one of the best movies ever made. I try to learn from those who I feel make the best and so far they just happen to be the direction I'd most like to take in filmmaking.
I know! I'm gonna be writing/directing/editing my own web series and currently writing it on Celtx as I post this. Anyway, I was surprised to see the Django script and notice that in the beginning that Dr. Shultz's dialogue and actions were a bit off, but the director did indeed write this and made sense of the scene while directing it. This is the scene: THE RIDER (to the Slavers) Good cold evening gentlemen. (to the shivering Slaves) Good evening-I'm looking for a pair of slave traders that go by the'name of The Speck Brothers. Might that be you? I was a little confused at first and noticed that this scene was Dr. Shultz still talking to the slavers and just simply looking to the slaves. Not hard to understand, but I guess Tarantino is gonna be directing his own movie and I guess the script is written in a way he can understand what to do with it. Or if he just wrote the script and handed it to the director he would get confused too. But I might take a similar direction just like this because I know what the action means and when I read it again? I'll know how to shoot it.
I've noticed some make their own little unique little changes to script writing rules when they'll be directing/producing it. I also use Celtx. Great stuff! Good luck on your project!
Maybe not Hollywood, but check out studios.amazon.com to submit to Amazon, if they pass they can help option, give feedback, etc. Just be sure to read the agreement and make sure its something you are comfortable with. Good Luck!
+WMICx I assume you could put the first bit of internal monologue as Voice Over and the second bit, which is external conversation as you normally would Example: KEVIN (V. O) I wonder if Arianna likes Jake KEVIN Hey Ari, I, um, wanna ask you something That's just how I format it, it may not be correct, but I hope this helps.
I noticed in the “sub-headings” part at 4:33 that you used the action description; Griffin walked into the kitchen Griffin then walked into the hallway. My question is, wouldn’t you use present tense (Griffin walks into..)? Thanks
Thanks for these tips; they're really helpful! My friend had suggested that I try screenwriting instead of creative writing despite knowing -- well, nothing really, about the format and all. She thought my style of writing was more suited for screenwriting than creative writing.
I know it's kind of esoteric, but what about if you want your script to be spoken in a different language and have subtitles be on screen? How would you format in the English translation?
Cynical Man-Child You could just translate the English to the foreign language (or vise versa) then during post-production or something you could put in the closed captions/ subtitles of the English translation (or vise versa, again.)
I have found a lot of errors in my spec scripts thanks to this. Thanks for pointing those out, though my actors are usually just glad that I have scripts.
i just got Celtx, copied the script i wrote so far in google docs, pasted it into Celtx,...but i can't edit or add to the Celtx script...is there something i'm doing wrong or should do something to make the text editable?
There was no mention of anonymous dialogue. However I think I have a suggestion for it. Which has three steps. 1.)- Write the word anonymous 2.)- Underline the word anonymous 3.)- Elaborate the presented dialogue (V.O.), (O.S.), (O.C.)
Thanks, this was really great ! I'm just looking to write a script (for myself) to direct and edit, but needed some sort of structure to follow. Thank you !!!
Don't waste your time on writing the perfect screenplay format if you're just trying to make films. I've never wrote a screenplay in the correct format but I've managed to make 8 short films and one feature-length film by the age of 21. Just write it the best way you can read it and use it to bring your story to life.
It never hurts to write it properly and professionally. I have seen a lot of writing in my life, and let me tell you, it confuses you. The idea is that whatever you have in your mind, the audience can perceive it clearly.
Just a quick tip on screen plays guys. Its kind of hard to tell in the video, and I was surprised it was never directly mentioned, but the official font for screen plays is a font called "comic sans". Its an industry standard and you will get laughed down if you write your screen play with anything else.
How to label scenes where, the person is ringing the doorbell and the other person inside is answering the doorbell, should it be an intercut and then again start another one with ext. house door - night and the tom rings the bell.
Hey what if you are cutting between two scenes at the same time, but they are not occurring at the same time? Such as a present comparison switching to a remsebling scene in the past.
I have seen some scripts with ... and -- used in the dialogue. I'm not really sure what the rule is for them. What do they represent and how significant are they? Thanks
what about scene numbers? If for example my character is standing before a building and takes a deep breath before entering it (scene 5) and in the next image he enters a room inside that building - do I format it "5.1" or is it a completely new scene?
You don't use scene numbers in a spec script. If you're writing a shooting script, then each slugline would get a new number, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. After you lock the pages and the script is ready for production, and you decide to go back and add new scenes, it would be 1A, 1B, etc.
Hi, great info. Im just wondering about dialogue parentheticals. I believe they are a bit of a no no, but how would you convey/stress certain emotions etc like sarcasm or anger without them? Thanks
A simple question on duel dialogue how would I wright it i have three characters who haven't even been given names yet meaning there names have yet to B revealed
As a first time screen writer, assuming my script was accepted, would I be responsible for writing the shooting script, even though I don't know anything about directing? Or, do they have specialists that take over and do that?
can anyone tell me that i want to put a voiceover while opening scene synced with outer scenes of killing nature of human and then actual action begin.. how can i sync the voice over with each voice over scenes
I know what you mean. I learned a way of doing this from reading the script for The Edge of Seventeen. You would write it like this: EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY Barb swings on a swing, catching serious air, and jumps... BARB (V.O.) Throughout my life, I thought I'd never make the jump... INT. SCHOOL - DAY Barb kicks a boy, BRIAN, in the balls. BARB (V.O.) ...But that all changed when I met Brian... EXT. BEACH - DAY BARB, now 30, stands next to her groom, a much older BRIAN, at her beach wedding, officiated by her FATHER. She kisses her new husband as the CROWD gives applause. BARB (V.O.) Now, I can't imagine life any other way. Etc.
Read the script for 500 Days of Summer. Just google 500 Days of Summer screenplay pdf. There are 3 drafts online. It has, basically, every type of formatting thing possible.
Re: Action scenes
I studied at the UCLA Film school. In my first screenplay I tried exposition like: "The assassin team chases the (protagonist's car) through congested crosstown traffic." and "The characters fight in a violent symphony of chaos." The professor said I could do this if I wanted the director to make a mess of it. Instead he suggested a modernized form of Tarentino's approach called "vertical writing" in which -- without using impermissable camera shots (that deprive the director the oppy' to write the "shooting script" -- you put each action item on a separate line (forcing the director to address it somehow). Like Tarantino, this can get long. I break it up by character. If A strikes B to the ground, I'll put in a blank line before, "B staggers to his feet, struggling for situational awareness."
Also, I was taught that, whenever possible, exposition should not exceed 4 lines. Again, break it up by character:
WILLIAM, (descibe), slouches in the backseat of a battered cab.
The cab RATTLES as it races through (describe the city).
The (describe) cabbie lights a cheap cigar and through a haze of dirty smoke:
CABBIE
(wrylie and dialogue)
Bottom line: script analysts like lots of white space and minimal risk of confusion. (I'm writing this fast and could have been clearer that city is streaming past the window. But who's looking? William? Cab driver (looking where to turn or stop)? I try to make it clear.
For whatever it's worth.
Regards,
EJ
This was super helpful! How did you like UCLA? What do you do now, if I may?
Bud, that’s the first time I actually understood how to do a Montage and when to use/not use one. Thank you so very much from an old guy who just enjoys writing screenplays.
I'm just a kid but that really helps. My friends call me crazy for writing scripts cuz they all write books. I just like seing things come to life.
Also how would you have a crowd talking? Kinda like cheering or protesting?
just describe it in action form.
Just follow your passion. There will always be people telling you: "That can't be done". Keep working hard, study, and get ready. Who knows, maybe, you will take the world by storm. I am writing a script myself based on my experiences. Take care!
bro same!!!
I do both but I'm called weird for even writing anything
"they fight... and it looks awesome" lmao xD
Yep! Info is in the description.
Surprisingly one of the best Indy Mogul topics in a while :) Great Job.
I covered scripts last trimester at film school, and after 14 weeks there's stuff that you covered which I actually was never told about.
I know this is old but I am just now going through all your videos and THANK YOU for the Tarantino script reference, esp Kill Bill! Though there were some editing mistakes (as in all his films) I feel it was one of the best movies ever made. I try to learn from those who I feel make the best and so far they just happen to be the direction I'd most like to take in filmmaking.
I know! I'm gonna be writing/directing/editing my own web series and currently writing it on Celtx as I post this.
Anyway, I was surprised to see the Django script and notice that in the beginning that Dr. Shultz's dialogue and actions were a bit off, but the director did indeed write this and made sense of the scene while directing it.
This is the scene:
THE RIDER
(to the Slavers)
Good cold evening gentlemen.
(to the shivering Slaves)
Good evening-I'm looking for a pair of
slave traders that go by the'name of
The Speck Brothers. Might that be you?
I was a little confused at first and noticed that this scene was Dr. Shultz still talking to the slavers and just simply looking to the slaves. Not hard to understand, but I guess Tarantino is gonna be directing his own movie and I guess the script is written in a way he can understand what to do with it. Or if he just wrote the script and handed it to the director he would get confused too.
But I might take a similar direction just like this because I know what the action means and when I read it again? I'll know how to shoot it.
I've noticed some make their own little unique little changes to script writing rules when they'll be directing/producing it. I also use Celtx. Great stuff!
Good luck on your project!
One of the best movies ever made ? lol It was a fun movie but it was really dumb.
1:48 I'm glad you covered this because all this time I was thinking you had to add a slugline every single time.
THANK YOU for highlighting the difference between SPEC AND SHOOTING. Shooting scripts are a different beast, INDEED! 🤯
Did you guys ever end up making a segment on Shooting Scripts?
I worte an entire script after watching this. Like immediately. Hhahahaha
How do you get your script to Hollywood?
Maybe not Hollywood, but check out studios.amazon.com to submit to Amazon, if they pass they can help option, give feedback, etc. Just be sure to read the agreement and make sure its something you are comfortable with. Good Luck!
Jessie Miller why don't u send it 2 Bollywood 😂
studios.amazon.com it appears has closed their acceptance of scripts as of Apr 13 or 18---Now where??
typical ip issue. they were stealing minds and got caught
Great info! This is everything I'm dealing with in my new script! Thanks for sharing!
Interior or Exterior
What's the format for a character who speaks out loud but right after internally says something like in scrubs for example
+WMICx I assume you could put the first bit of internal monologue as Voice Over and the second bit, which is external conversation as you normally would
Example: KEVIN (V. O)
I wonder if Arianna likes Jake
KEVIN
Hey Ari, I, um, wanna ask you something
That's just how I format it, it may not be correct, but I hope this helps.
I noticed in the “sub-headings” part at 4:33 that you used the action description; Griffin walked into the kitchen
Griffin then walked into the hallway.
My question is, wouldn’t you use present tense (Griffin walks into..)?
Thanks
I just feel you should know your videos might help me get into college. I am grateful to you for making them!
This week's episode was shot with the 28-135mm Canon kit lens.
6 years later I'm here yepp okayy this is really helpful for me (beginner) really inspired me and I'm into directing and writing even more now
Thanks for these tips; they're really helpful! My friend had suggested that I try screenwriting instead of creative writing despite knowing -- well, nothing really, about the format and all. She thought my style of writing was more suited for screenwriting than creative writing.
This video has helped me hugely with my script!!! Google didnt make any sense when i researched it. Thanks for these vids :)
Check out my book for everything you need to know about screenplay formatting: ruclips.net/video/LQQUGO6BTPM/видео.html
Thank you! :)
I agree, this is one we need to see! specifically Russell's childhood flashback.
Fantastic tips. I've just started writing short film scripts and have thought about these questions a lot. Thanks for the tips.
I have learnt so much from here. Happy to be here....its my first time visit.
I know it's kind of esoteric, but what about if you want your script to be spoken in a different language and have subtitles be on screen? How would you format in the English translation?
Cynical Man-Child You could just translate the English to the foreign language (or vise versa) then during post-production or something you could put in the closed captions/ subtitles of the English translation (or vise versa, again.)
You came across really well. Didn't notice the sickness at all!
This video is GREAT... and the details in your description box... are amazing...
"Thank YOU" so much for sharing your Tutorial/Video...
You are the shit dude, so concise. I took classes in uni and just needed a refresh and you absolutely provided.
I just wanted to say thank you for your video, as a screenwriter this has really helped me!! :)
Great format tips, help make your screenplay look professional.
Thank you so much, these tips are extremely helpful. I was always wondering about how to do the action parts and I couldn't find any help until now!
I have found a lot of errors in my spec scripts thanks to this. Thanks for pointing those out, though my actors are usually just glad that I have scripts.
i just got Celtx, copied the script i wrote so far in google docs, pasted it into Celtx,...but i can't edit or add to the Celtx script...is there something i'm doing wrong or should do something to make the text editable?
Excellent tips and simple to follow. I've written a scene so far!
Are acts included in a spec screenplay, if so how long? Could you do a video of the lengths and the climax points?
Really helpful Russell! I'll probably start reading scripts from my favorite movies now.
We're still hammering out contract details but I think they may stall...
Thanks for the insight I have a script first draft published on Kindle Amazon, I think I need to re-upload the new draft after this.
There was no mention of anonymous dialogue. However I think I have a suggestion for it. Which has three steps.
1.)- Write the word anonymous
2.)- Underline the word anonymous
3.)- Elaborate the presented dialogue (V.O.), (O.S.), (O.C.)
That "INDY MOGUL" at the beginning reminds me of Turtles in Time. Ah, the memories xD
Thanks, this was really great ! I'm just looking to write a script (for myself) to direct and edit, but needed some sort of structure to follow. Thank you !!!
Yay!
Need help with my flimin movie
Add me on ig actor
superb tutorial, best I have seen on this subject
Just to note, in the section where you talk about mini slugs, you use past tense actions.
You guys should totally produce this script now.
YOWN THIS IS 9 YEARS AGO? THE QUALITY IS HIGHHH
Another great episode Russell!
If you have a specific song for the scene of your screenplay would you write it down? And if so how. Thanks.
after you coughed what was the blaring sound effect before the outro
Hey,I have trouble on understanding what a short is and how to format it, kindly help.Thanks
Thank you, Russ.
Don't waste your time on writing the perfect screenplay format if you're just trying to make films. I've never wrote a screenplay in the correct format but I've managed to make 8 short films and one feature-length film by the age of 21. Just write it the best way you can read it and use it to bring your story to life.
How many awards did u recieve?
@@priyankaornella1897 why does that matter....respectfully asking
DISREGARD - get professional habits early
Wow, impressive.
It never hurts to write it properly and professionally. I have seen a lot of writing in my life, and let me tell you, it confuses you. The idea is that whatever you have in your mind, the audience can perceive it clearly.
I did! That's... a good thing, right?
Just a quick tip on screen plays guys. Its kind of hard to tell in the video, and I was surprised it was never directly mentioned, but the official font for screen plays is a font called "comic sans". Its an industry standard and you will get laughed down if you write your screen play with anything else.
Hi
Let’s say the very first scene starts with dream unfocused sequence , how can I describe this on the slug line?
How to label scenes where, the person is ringing the doorbell and the other person inside is answering the doorbell, should it be an intercut and then again start another one with ext. house door - night and the tom rings the bell.
Plz tell how the flashback scenes should be written...what is the format.
Hey what if you are cutting between two scenes at the same time, but they are not occurring at the same time? Such as a present comparison switching to a remsebling scene in the past.
I have seen some scripts with ... and -- used in the dialogue. I'm not really sure what the rule is for them. What do they represent and how significant are they? Thanks
Thank you for making this video. It has helped me a lot.
How would you go about writing a scene with internal lines. For example in Sherlock Holmes (Movie) When Robert Downy Jr is in the fist fight area?
nice job Russel this is really helpful!
what about scene numbers? If for example my character is standing before a building and takes a deep breath before entering it (scene 5) and in the next image he enters a room inside that building - do I format it "5.1" or is it a completely new scene?
You don't use scene numbers in a spec script. If you're writing a shooting script, then each slugline would get a new number, 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. After you lock the pages and the script is ready for production, and you decide to go back and add new scenes, it would be 1A, 1B, etc.
Will have window 7 . Can I use word recognition in conjunction with a comparable screen write?
Great tips!
thats the best script I've ever seen, when is the Griffin hates Russell movie coming out?
Hi, great info. Im just wondering about dialogue parentheticals. I believe they are a bit of a no no, but how would you convey/stress certain emotions etc like sarcasm or anger without them? Thanks
So close to 1M subs!
I likehow you mentioned my favorite writer Quentin Tarantino. this was very helpful.
i been working on my script for a while and its in pretty decent shape but how do i type it in script format anybody
+kevkpatt watch the first video. He said there are programs to use, personally, I use CeltX. (just because its free)
ItsPronouncedNeeg cetlx good to know because i just been centering it on word and trying to get it it to look like this
What lens are you using on your t3i?
What scenario allows you to use "I/E" in the slugline?
Hey indymogul, can you start with writing a shooting script and send that script to a studio or is it necessary to start with a spec script?
The coughs at the end aged well lol
How should I write to show if there will be some animation post editing in the video?
Wait... are people not using Final Draft to do this stuff now?
Thanks! :)
Answered questions I didn't know I had!
How do I change settings like they were in the kitchen now in the bedroom
A simple question on duel dialogue how would I wright it i have three characters who haven't even been given names yet meaning there names have yet to B revealed
I know this is kinda late but could you guys explain what exactly a Series of Shots are? Thanks
thank you Indy
I'm planning on doing something specific with my opening credits how do I format them
Very informative!! Thanks so much
WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?? I didn't notice in editing at all. I'll have to do some frame-by-frame analysis and see if I can figure it out.
Great info! Thanks!
Thank you for the info. You rock!!!
How do you rate FADE IN as a screenwriting AP?
that writing software u mentioned...it's Celtx?
As a first time screen writer, assuming my script was accepted, would I be responsible for writing the shooting script, even though I don't know anything about directing? Or, do they have specialists that take over and do that?
Usually the director writes this, I believe.
Great content, thanks!
can anyone tell me that i want to put a voiceover while opening scene synced with outer scenes of killing nature of human and then actual action begin.. how can i sync the voice over with each voice over scenes
I know what you mean. I learned a way of doing this from reading the script for The Edge of Seventeen. You would write it like this:
EXT. PLAYGROUND - DAY
Barb swings on a swing, catching serious air, and jumps...
BARB (V.O.)
Throughout my life, I thought I'd never make the jump...
INT. SCHOOL - DAY
Barb kicks a boy, BRIAN, in the balls.
BARB (V.O.)
...But that all changed when I met Brian...
EXT. BEACH - DAY
BARB, now 30, stands next to her groom, a much older BRIAN, at her beach wedding, officiated by her FATHER.
She kisses her new husband as the CROWD gives applause.
BARB (V.O.)
Now, I can't imagine life any other way.
Etc.
What happened to Friday101? Why isn’t he in the newer videos? He’s only been in these video from 2012 to 2013.
when making the time in the slug line dose it have to be morning or day or could i put the specific time like 9:30
andrew morrison : you can put time if it is required.
Great video
What about split-screen? Would you write each action line side by side like with simultaneous dialogue?
Read the script for 500 Days of Summer. Just google 500 Days of Summer screenplay pdf. There are 3 drafts online. It has, basically, every type of formatting thing possible.
Did you go to school for screenwriting; if not when and how did you get started
Hey 👍
How should I write rewinding scenes
Thanks. This was helpful!