You can always tell how good someones ability to make a screenplay is based on their ability to make a how to video.And the fact that this guy explained 5 things in six minutes makes him worthy an academy award.
Thank you, I’m writing my first screenplay in hopes this is what can get me out there. I know it’s a big dream but I genuinely believe my story is like no other heard before, and i believe if and when I finish writing it in a screenplay format, it will do really well in todays society as a successful film.
I’ve written since I was 16, I’ve made tons of dumb little passion projects and I hope to direct and write my own films maybe to be picked up by A24 or Netflix or studios that really cater towards the stories and the characters rather than the action or profitability of it. I’m 19 now and in the USMC which doesn’t grant me much time to write but there’s this idea that’s been in my head for YEARS and I vow to put it on paper… and eventually hopefully into peoples minds. Let’s hope it happens boys
@@sahir5817 I have, I wrote ideas down over 4 years ago now. I’ve just been adding on since but I haven’t forgotten about it, I don’t think I ever will. Seeing Chris Stuckmans kickstarter succeed has inspired me a ton tbh
hours of writing, frustration, anxiety, rejection, and disappointment? LETS DO THIS!!!!!!! YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES "If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful." -Eric Thomas
4 года назад+10
What I learned is if you want something done is you have to do it yourself
Finally! Thanks Indy Mogul. After watching all the others attempting to give this same information, you are the only one I will watch from now on. Time for me to start writing.
I just finished a screenwriting course in college, got a distinction for my script. My tutor got into such detail on how to keep the story rolling, it's insane how difficult it is to keep your audience engaged and how suspense and tension keeps it flowing and keeps you interested.
During the live show, what I had written had me worried the episode would just be too short, like 2-3 minutes, lol, that's why I was seeming unsure of it. But I fleshed it out and was happy with the final length! Glad you enjoyed it, and good luck writing!
Omg this is amazing. Love it. I just learned so much in under 7 mins. I just wrote my first script and now I can go back and change some stuff to the right way after seeing this. So proud of myself because I didnt a lot that you mentioned. Thank you so much. Can't wait to start fliming soon and put everything on here.
my gosh, it's hard to find a good enough video to teach me these things, let alone an entire channel dedicated to screen play and more. you are great, thank you.
Not a formatting question, but if you do one on content, what level of detail do you put in and what level do you leave for the director? And from the other point of view, what level do director usually want?
That's a good question. I took a couple of classes in screenwriting at tertiary level. A lot of my favourite films are by writer-directors. I was intuitively inclined to add shooting details during my own attempts at writing a screenplay at that time. I'm trying to see if I can remember what advice I received in relation to this same question, at that time. Disclaimer: no professional work in this role, strictly 101. From memory, for the purposes of those classes, the advice was essentially not to include such detail and leave such matters to the director. The suggestion I'd make, though, is to read as many scripts as you can, simultaneously familiarising yourself with the completed cut of each film. The final cut in comparison to the original script creates a combined working reference point. It shows what was scripted, and what was not on paper. It may also reveal diversions from the screenplay, meaning departure from scripted content, distinct from the visual addition alone through the shooting of the production. One reason to suggest this is because some screenplays I read did include shooting detail, even when the writer was not a director, although this apparently contradicted the received advice. Meanwhile, I also read screenplays without such detail. As a result, my guess is that as an expectation or even an option for a writer to include detail that might otherwise fall to a director, it could depend greatly, contingent on factors like a writer's experience, relationship with the director, attachment to a project, and project timing, among other things. In terms of readily accessing scripts, unfortunately when I was studying, a lot of the scripts available for loan at the uni library were overall outdated. There must be better options online that provide access to a database of a sizeable range of newer scripts, although i haven't searched recently. (Note: any passing recommendations for decent databases of this kind are welcome!) The more scripts you look at, the more you might notice - the style of a particular writer in conjunction with a particular director and whether they can use a sort of artistic shorthand is one example. The same screenwriter might write very differently when working with a different director. You can supplant this comparison with interview material, because processes on set can vary greatly. For example, some films allow for and depend upon significant improvisation by an actor, eg in the role of protagonist, to arrive at final dialogue. This practice may not be obvious to the spectator, and is only revealed in interviews with cast and crew. In fact some directors prefer to work with improvisation. This process might not include the writer at all! :( Storyboarding and editing are other variable processes for consideration. If you are creatively interested in contemplating shooting details, it is practicable to learn and understand about relevant technical processes first- from acronyms for framing shots in screenplays, to mechanical and digital processes of cinematography and sound - than relying on writerly visual imagination alone. An argument could be made against that, that it's better for a writer's imagination to be left unfettered by such technicalities. The script is the structure on which the film as a visual medium depends. Perhaps it's best if all available resources for the script focus on nailing that, rather than becoming diverted by visual and/or technical considerations, especially where these may be liable to change throughout the production. Personally, due to the difference between the advice and some scripts, I reckon it likely depends on variables in the context, with less likelihood this is either a requirement or opportunity for an amateur, unless making one's own production and you have interests in visual elements of cinematography, or directing. Another approach is to consider that a fair amount of film screenplays are based on adaptations of novels. These formats are so unalike because of convention, of which length is a significant factor, as well as the nature of exposition. There will almost certainly be far more visual descriptors in books than in screenplays, and a lot of that will be cut during adaptation, along with a majority of content. In the process, and this may have as much to do with screenwriting as any directorial decision, there might be artistic decisions to gather together, condense and amplify visual and atmospheric motifs originally repeated throughout a work. The duration of observation of such elements overall throughout a novel might be reduced by producing instead a single moment of sweeping cinematic effect that is a combination of a number of elements. The writer can't control certain aspects of this, including sound, performance, editing - even rewrites by third parties. But even if not dictating technical elements of shots, I think in adapted works we would most likely see visual motifs in a broader text boiled down to their quintessence, including a signature visual style of sorts to stand in for the detail that is cut. This can be included with or without directorial technicalities. Another potential variable is generic conventions, including whether any audience expectations for the genre will be subverted, and if so, what methods will achieve this, and whether this is essential to include in the script. Also, it helps to be generally conscious of costs and to be prepared for the fact that especially when starting out, ambitious scenarios based on an interesting story may not fly since depending on opportunity, budget may trump originality. That was one of the main themes hammered home in this class. Certain sets, scenes, shooting requirements, props and cast, may simply cost too much to organise and shoot. Relatedly, certain scenes may prove too expensive to shoot as described during production. Meaning that if such content is included in a screenplay, even if picked up for production, these elements may not see it through to the screen. From all of this, you can hazard some rules of thumb. For example, if you're an unpublished writer, it might be best to assume a style which is compatible with small low-budget productions. That includes consciousness of, and an aim to minimise, overall expenses involved in production. If you were hired on a project, you might find expectations could depend on to whom you would be pitching the work, and whether you had any existing working relationship, or existing work. The following element is not strictly on point but worth mentioning as it was hammered home in this class. If you have no budget to speak of, it might be wise not to, say, gravitate towards writing scripts that include scenes that would likely be expensive to produce. Might not be the best example, but say, where a car smashes into a crowded shopping centre and explodes. Even if an explosion is warranted in the story, as a writer. you might think less about the spectacular visual element of the crash and perhaps more about how to adapt it so the same impact can be experienced onscreen without the production necessarily having to spend a lot of money on expensive visual effects, especially if CGI is not desirable or not an option. Generally, screenwriting advice can seem somewhat negative, in that it is full of "don'ts". It's worth noting that occasionally people get away with ignoring certain conventions and some are even hailed as brilliant because of just that. Arguably though, it's best to be conscious of departing from convention when doing so, and to have an idea why the conventions exist, as well as economics. So in this sense, it's worth finding out a lot more anecdotal information about how certain directors deal with scripts, as well as stumbling blocks in production, and what happens legally when you sell the rights to a script, and so on. I reckon one reason the work of writer-directors is often relatively powerful is because in managing to wear both hats, the creator has more power to protect the integrity, intentions, visual world and atmosphere of their scripted story. (Editing on phone which lost content here, so trying to remember what disappeared.) This results in what seems to usually be unique low-budget independent films that are excellent, albeit unprofitable. Sometimes from there, the writer-director's talent and idiosyncratic vision itself gains a cult following that lands them opportunities on profitable Hollywood productions. Peter Jackson, Taika Waititi and Edgar Wright spring to mind as examples. Also, although i might be mistaken, my impression is that directors are given far more artistic control during production relative to writers. Indeed writers may have very little control (legally, contractually, artistically) after submitting work, as indicated here in this interview. Finally, another random idea is to write two versions of your story. One includes all the evocative visual details you imagine, and the other is a quintessential script. Putting it another way, adapt your own story after writing it. In this way, you might find it easier to produce a script, through a process of surgical editing and other conversion and transformation. In that way, if content is excised, it may be felt to be not wholly lost, if that makes sense, as those parts will remain alive in a different form, some of which may come to life visually even if never entering the script itself. tl;dr - this convention may depend on context, so the best advice I have personally is to: a) read a wide range of screenplays, including up to date work, and compare these to the final cinematic productions to elucidate what was and wasn't included in the script; and b) gain consciousness of a range of influencing variables that can help guide you in making such decisions, and how to best execute inclusion or exclusion to gain the best chances of your vision making production
@@RimstarOrg Hey, haha, thanks for the response - glad you saw this! I have just been trying to edit it on my phone which has sucked quite brutally .. I hope it's a bit clearer! Let me know if you end up stumbling across any good databases for screenplays :)
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
im not good at the screen writing and that type of thing but i have smth about a true life story i would like you to write, if you have the time or if you just want to ear a part of it just let me know, its very interesting.
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
Ty for this I have been working on one but before I was using Fade-In I was doing it in open office now I have switched to Fade-In makes it easy but I didn't know how to use Parentheticals in my screen play this helped a lot.
Thank you this will help me when I start writing my movie/short film son thx and you also gave me a tip to write at any time when im free such as lunch in school or recess or guidence or math or health, just thank you good sir bless your soul!!!
But bro when i was in clg if i would start writing all people staring at me and that moment i think i was doing any Crime in front of him so i stop writing.
Thanks for the tips. I've been using a similar style or writing (using celtx) but my main difference is that I would put a character's name (in a character name section) for an action. For some reason it never occurred to me to just put the name of the person doing the action, in the action section... oh well, that's the entire reason to watch the video I guess. (learning)
This is great, lots of people think they can just sit down and bang out a full feature screenplay in a short while.... This will make it a lot easier on them/us, hardest thing about screen writing is getting the Spec on a screen play right... If a script weighs to much most the studios through them away... So even with this great tutorial and tools writing scripts is hard and taken very seriously if not to Spec. So if you can do it, I'm impressed and would love to know if any of you can/have.
The character names that indicate who's speaking each section of dialogue, those are capitalized every time. The "you only fully capitalize their name the first time" applies to the action description sections. It's a way of introducing the character to the reader as someone important. If you'll notice in his script, WILLIAM and CABBIE are fully capitalized in the first action description, but not in any of the ones after that. (1:16)
@@layers3458 They might be talking about that popup that jumps in your face when hitting back button on the site. It took me weeks to find the button to close that thing.
This is really helpful! I want to be a screenwriter when I'm out of school, and I decided that high school would be a great time to start practicing, so I found this video, and it really explains a ton of things! Thanks!
+justisperez I know it's been two months since you've asked this question but just in case you haven't looked into it. It's essential that you don't put Camera shots in the script. You are a screenplay writer not a director. There may be a certain time when it may be allowed but a good rule is to avoid them as much as possible.
as a expert writer you should write the shot description also, we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
From what I know, only do that if you've been making screenplays for a long time and are the director, but still, I'm pretty sure it's advised to not do that. But, it's up to you
Thanks man, for the refresher course , I've always relied on the software to do it for me but it better to know the basics! And I've been using celtx for 2 yrs now.
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
I´m not Russell but I think I can help you. There´re two kind of Screenplay; 1.- For Actors/Talent/. Just the Action and Dialog. 2.- For Crew/Director/sound/FX. Action and dialog plus camera movements, takes, sound and more information for the creators. The answer for your question is, Yes, you can do that. As you are the writer and the director you can add your camera movements to help you. But if you want to sell the script you need to work just with action and dialog. Hope this helps :)
Been working on a story for 2 years and realized I wanted to make it into a screenplay since i want to be a director when I grow up. Great video man, thank you.
So For the SLUG LINE. would I for example. write Ext. suburbs - night action stuff dialog stuff. INT. house - continuous the keep writing continuous every time I need to indicate it's the same time as the first slug line?
J Mo wherever you wish to put intercut write the dilouge or action and write the inter cut at the point of transition we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
So, I have an Idea for a short film that has no dialogue, all emotion is pushed through the types of shots and what is seen on screen and I have no idea how to format that. any advice?
+Weezy_Corpse Write down what kind of expressions you want them to express or be present for the duration of filming and possibly show the actors how you want them to do it if what you written wasn't what you wanted? I'd do that.
Though a little late, I recommend using that keflux or something effect, in which it's the scene that talks when a important element (like when the characters have masks or in your case, no voices) is missing. Like, when a character is staring at a bowl of soup with a hand on his stomach, you'd assume he's hungry, or when a character is crying, (no voice though) and you see someone in a hospital bed, you'd assume he's dying/ in a fatal position and the person in the bed is close to the crying character. Hoped this help friend.
+arjay2002ph -- They are generally the same thing. To be more precise, the term "script" is a general one that covers all the written plays, such as, "screenplays" (written for motion pictures that you see at the movie theaters), "teleplays" (written for television shows, comedies, dramas, etc.), "radio plays" (written for radio shows, like the old-time radio dramas, or pod-cast dramas) and "stage plays" (written for the stage, like Broadway or even a local play venue and school plays). The basic formats for all of them are similar, but there are additional, sub formats that are indicative to each type. For instance, in a screenplay and teleplay there are numbered headings that will include direction for the camera, since these type of scripts are intended to recorded on film or video, where a stage play has no need for camera notations, since it will be acted out entirely on stage. Radio plays were only to be listened to, so they were written with headings and descriptions that stated sound effects. One more type of script is that written for comic books. Rather than headings for the camera, they state the words "Panel 1", "Panel 2" and so on for however many panels will be on each page that the artist must draw for. Some video show scripts have a two column format, one column for the video (camera direction and action description) and the other for the Audio (dialogue).
Thank you for this, I did not know how format a script when ridden properly. I recently did a short film for school and we used a very rough script and I suggested we have a properly formatted script which I did not know how to do. I will still do it and submit it to my professor if I can, but we'll do this to practice anyways. Years later this video is still relevant!
This video is brilliant thankyou. I do this as a hobby and in my media class atm and it's the bestest thing we've done so far! Thankyou for explaining and creating an amazing video
Thank you so much! Im trying to write a script for a small movie im making and i thought i could just skip to recording but my thoughts are all over the place.
You forgot to tell people that if you are a beginning screenwriter, you do a "spec script" - not a shooting script, so that means no camera angles, no excessively long dialogue, and no excessive use of adverbs, even in parenthenticals. Especially if you are submitting to a screenplay contest - any of these that appear in that script means disqualification and the screenplay will not be read, and will be screaming "unprofessional writer!". And you won't get very far!
Agreed. In my country we actually study two forms of script. The literal one which encapsulates the story, actions, dialogue in a simple and easy to read layout. After the script gets approved, you have to write the technical script; with all the camera angles and shots. You also have to make a storyboard afterwards, which can be a set of artistic drawings of every shot, or a technical drawing depicting everything from above...
I actually had a lot of trouble finalizing the script because I have such specific visuals in mind, and I kept letting dialogue get away from me (I'm very wordy when I don't watch myself) to where it just wouldn't work anymore. I decided to write it out by hand first, and used the margins as a sort of scratchpad to do VERY rough storyboards of what I wanted it to look like, which ended up being a great method. I'll do real storyboards soon, and probably have an episode on that in a few weeks!
UltimatexStealth Well, the more I realized what I can't do myself, the more I decided to learn. Lots of google research and minor experience and basic education is what I have so far. I have a Certificate in "Multimedia/Video Production" and a in home video production setup, and thank you!
DeSean Atwood. You're welcome; and I think you'll be going places. You certainly have the potential for success. Oh and do you enjoy reading screenplays?
I use Celtex I think its an awesome piece of software, I used the FREE one for a while, i then read about the full paid version and decided to take my chance and give it a go, it was well worth it. Its professional and so easy to use, tons of pictures to use when putting together storyboards. I highly recommend this product! :D
Good info, but I am little annoyed by your narration because it feels like you are speaking without Period or commas. Your voice also feels like you have a cold and you are speaking from your nose. Slow down a little mate.
Kanda Rabi Hey, at least the person who commented here told it nicely. Unlike you who showed no respect. At least he pointed out his own criticism in a respectful manner unlike you.
thank you this greatly helped me as a hs senior preparing for my final project (first time writing a 10 min screenplay) in my dramatic wring class. Thanks:)
Love the video. So easy. I am a 7th grade English teacher we just got done reading a screenplay and I am, for the first time this year, going to have them try writing one. Your video is so easy to follow that I am gonig to show it in class. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work! Not going to lie, I'm a little jealous since I was trying to make good vidoes like this for other types of writing but it doesn't come off quite as fun. =]
Also, I had no idea this video was 11 years old until read the dates of some of the commenters....wow, feels totally fresh and relevant to me, probably cause new at this.
Wow, that was really helpful. Thank you. I am currently writing a new screen play for a short film and this was simple and easy to understand so I can do likewise.
What does (CONT'D) next to the character's name mean? Also, what does a capital letter alongside a number at the beggining of the action mean? For example: A1, B8, etc. Great video! Thanks!
![Digital Circus Episode 4 [TRAILER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/abZtsmMUbJo/mqdefault.jpg)
1 - Slug Line - 2:05 2 - Action - 2:46
3 - Name - 3:57 4 - Dialogue - 4:29
5 - parentheticals - 4:47
You cool.
May stone - Thanks, May.
🙏 🙏🙏thank uuu
your a cool guy
Holy fuck, thank u. My teacher is killing me
Such a simple thing, but I have always wanted to know how to properly format a screenplay like a pro. Thank you.
100 likes
@@goosebumpsemiliano9104 now 200
I'm actually pretty good at the dialog part but the action and locale descriptions slow me down.
hello
@@shannoncurry2037 Same. I can't for the live of me explain the details properly
You can always tell how good someones ability to make a screenplay is based on their ability to make a how to video.And the fact that this guy explained 5 things in six minutes makes him worthy an academy award.
Thank you, I’m writing my first screenplay in hopes this is what can get me out there. I know it’s a big dream but I genuinely believe my story is like no other heard before, and i believe if and when I finish writing it in a screenplay format, it will do really well in todays society as a successful film.
What do you do if they complete an action at the end of speaking?
I’ve written since I was 16, I’ve made tons of dumb little passion projects and I hope to direct and write my own films maybe to be picked up by A24 or Netflix or studios that really cater towards the stories and the characters rather than the action or profitability of it. I’m 19 now and in the USMC which doesn’t grant me much time to write but there’s this idea that’s been in my head for YEARS and I vow to put it on paper… and eventually hopefully into peoples minds. Let’s hope it happens boys
Let's hope you're writing it down. I'd hate for it to be forgotten.
Let’s goooo do ittttt
YOU GOT THIS!!!!!!!!! I'M ROOTING FOR YOU!!! MAKE US AND YOURSESLF PROUD
tell me about it now?? did you write it?
@@sahir5817 I have, I wrote ideas down over 4 years ago now. I’ve just been adding on since but I haven’t forgotten about it, I don’t think I ever will. Seeing Chris Stuckmans kickstarter succeed has inspired me a ton tbh
hours of writing, frustration, anxiety, rejection, and disappointment? LETS DO THIS!!!!!!! YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES
"If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you'll be successful."
-Eric Thomas
What I learned is if you want something done is you have to do it yourself
A quote from a guy who hasn't really succeed (Éric Thomas)
@@Alceeeee Edited and yet still fails to structure a grammatically sound comment. You'll go far in screenwriting.
@@Mitch-nx2ic
@@Mitch-nx2ic i'm french bitch, and I'm here by curiosity. Try to learn french, we'll see if you do better😊
@@Alceeeee ignore em your writing is great for someone who's native language is not english
"If you're watching this in the future."
*laughs in 7 years later*
HAHAHA
*laughs in 7 years and 9 months later
Laughs in 7 years and 10 months.
HAHAHAHAHA
Laughs in Eight years and Eight months later
*correction mb 7 years and 11 months later
HAHAHA
*laughs in 11 years later*
I am trying to write a script for a student running production and this has helped me SO MUCH! You just earned another subscriber!
Finally! Thanks Indy Mogul. After watching all the others attempting to give this same information, you are the only one I will watch from now on. Time for me to start writing.
Awesome!
I just finished a screenwriting course in college, got a distinction for my script.
My tutor got into such detail on how to keep the story rolling, it's insane how difficult it is to keep your audience engaged and how suspense and tension keeps it flowing and keeps you interested.
During the live show, what I had written had me worried the episode would just be too short, like 2-3 minutes, lol, that's why I was seeming unsure of it. But I fleshed it out and was happy with the final length! Glad you enjoyed it, and good luck writing!
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
Omg this is amazing. Love it. I just learned so much in under 7 mins. I just wrote my first script and now I can go back and change some stuff to the right way after seeing this. So proud of myself because I didnt a lot that you mentioned. Thank you so much. Can't wait to start fliming soon and put everything on here.
my gosh, it's hard to find a good enough video to teach me these things, let alone an entire channel dedicated to screen play and more. you are great, thank you.
Not a formatting question, but if you do one on content, what level of detail do you put in and what level do you leave for the director? And from the other point of view, what level do director usually want?
That's a good question. I took a couple of classes in screenwriting at tertiary level. A lot of my favourite films are by writer-directors. I was intuitively inclined to add shooting details during my own attempts at writing a screenplay at that time. I'm trying to see if I can remember what advice I received in relation to this same question, at that time. Disclaimer: no professional work in this role, strictly 101.
From memory, for the purposes of those classes, the advice was essentially not to include such detail and leave such matters to the director. The suggestion I'd make, though, is to read as many scripts as you can, simultaneously familiarising yourself with the completed cut of each film. The final cut in comparison to the original script creates a combined working reference point. It shows what was scripted, and what was not on paper. It may also reveal diversions from the screenplay, meaning departure from scripted content, distinct from the visual addition alone through the shooting of the production.
One reason to suggest this is because some screenplays I read did include shooting detail, even when the writer was not a director, although this apparently contradicted the received advice. Meanwhile, I also read screenplays without such detail. As a result, my guess is that as an expectation or even an option for a writer to include detail that might otherwise fall to a director, it could depend greatly, contingent on factors like a writer's experience, relationship with the director, attachment to a project, and project timing, among other things.
In terms of readily accessing scripts, unfortunately when I was studying, a lot of the scripts available for loan at the uni library were overall outdated. There must be better options online that provide access to a database of a sizeable range of newer scripts, although i haven't searched recently. (Note: any passing recommendations for decent databases of this kind are welcome!)
The more scripts you look at, the more you might notice - the style of a particular writer in conjunction with a particular director and whether they can use a sort of artistic shorthand is one example. The same screenwriter might write very differently when working with a different director. You can supplant this comparison with interview material, because processes on set can vary greatly.
For example, some films allow for and depend upon significant improvisation by an actor, eg in the role of protagonist, to arrive at final dialogue. This practice may not be obvious to the spectator, and is only revealed in interviews with cast and crew. In fact some directors prefer to work with improvisation. This process might not include the writer at all! :( Storyboarding and editing are other variable processes for consideration. If you are creatively interested in contemplating shooting details, it is practicable to learn and understand about relevant technical processes first- from acronyms for framing shots in screenplays, to mechanical and digital processes of cinematography and sound - than relying on writerly visual imagination alone.
An argument could be made against that, that it's better for a writer's imagination to be left unfettered by such technicalities. The script is the structure on which the film as a visual medium depends. Perhaps it's best if all available resources for the script focus on nailing that, rather than becoming diverted by visual and/or technical considerations, especially where these may be liable to change throughout the production.
Personally, due to the difference between the advice and some scripts, I reckon it likely depends on variables in the context, with less likelihood this is either a requirement or opportunity for an amateur, unless making one's own production and you have interests in visual elements of cinematography, or directing.
Another approach is to consider that a fair amount of film screenplays are based on adaptations of novels. These formats are so unalike because of convention, of which length is a significant factor, as well as the nature of exposition. There will almost certainly be far more visual descriptors in books than in screenplays, and a lot of that will be cut during adaptation, along with a majority of content. In the process, and this may have as much to do with screenwriting as any directorial decision, there might be artistic decisions to gather together, condense and amplify visual and atmospheric motifs originally repeated throughout a work. The duration of observation of such elements overall throughout a novel might be reduced by producing instead a single moment of sweeping cinematic effect that is a combination of a number of elements. The writer can't control certain aspects of this, including sound, performance, editing - even rewrites by third parties. But even if not dictating technical elements of shots, I think in adapted works we would most likely see visual motifs in a broader text boiled down to their quintessence, including a signature visual style of sorts to stand in for the detail that is cut. This can be included with or without directorial technicalities. Another potential variable is generic conventions, including whether any audience expectations for the genre will be subverted, and if so, what methods will achieve this, and whether this is essential to include in the script.
Also, it helps to be generally conscious of costs and to be prepared for the fact that especially when starting out, ambitious scenarios based on an interesting story may not fly since depending on opportunity, budget may trump originality. That was one of the main themes hammered home in this class. Certain sets, scenes, shooting requirements, props and cast, may simply cost too much to organise and shoot. Relatedly, certain scenes may prove too expensive to shoot as described during production. Meaning that if such content is included in a screenplay, even if picked up for production, these elements may not see it through to the screen. From all of this, you can hazard some rules of thumb.
For example, if you're an unpublished writer, it might be best to assume a style which is compatible with small low-budget productions. That includes consciousness of, and an aim to minimise, overall expenses involved in production. If you were hired on a project, you might find expectations could depend on to whom you would be pitching the work, and whether you had any existing working relationship, or existing work. The following element is not strictly on point but worth mentioning as it was hammered home in this class. If you have no budget to speak of, it might be wise not to, say, gravitate towards writing scripts that include scenes that would likely be expensive to produce. Might not be the best example, but say, where a car smashes into a crowded shopping centre and explodes. Even if an explosion is warranted in the story, as a writer. you might think less about the spectacular visual element of the crash and perhaps more about how to adapt it so the same impact can be experienced onscreen without the production necessarily having to spend a lot of money on expensive visual effects, especially if CGI is not desirable or not an option.
Generally, screenwriting advice can seem somewhat negative, in that it is full of "don'ts". It's worth noting that occasionally people get away with ignoring certain conventions and some are even hailed as brilliant because of just that. Arguably though, it's best to be conscious of departing from convention when doing so, and to have an idea why the conventions exist, as well as economics. So in this sense, it's worth finding out a lot more anecdotal information about how certain directors deal with scripts, as well as stumbling blocks in production, and what happens legally when you sell the rights to a script, and so on.
I reckon one reason the work of writer-directors is often relatively powerful is because in managing to wear both hats, the creator has more power to protect the integrity, intentions, visual world and atmosphere of their scripted story. (Editing on phone which lost content here, so trying to remember what disappeared.) This results in what seems to usually be unique low-budget independent films that are excellent, albeit unprofitable. Sometimes from there, the writer-director's talent and idiosyncratic vision itself gains a cult following that lands them opportunities on profitable Hollywood productions. Peter Jackson, Taika Waititi and Edgar Wright spring to mind as examples. Also, although i might be mistaken, my impression is that directors are given far more artistic control during production relative to writers. Indeed writers may have very little control (legally, contractually, artistically) after submitting work, as indicated here in this interview.
Finally, another random idea is to write two versions of your story. One includes all the evocative visual details you imagine, and the other is a quintessential script. Putting it another way, adapt your own story after writing it. In this way, you might find it easier to produce a script, through a process of surgical editing and other conversion and transformation. In that way, if content is excised, it may be felt to be not wholly lost, if that makes sense, as those parts will remain alive in a different form, some of which may come to life visually even if never entering the script itself.
tl;dr - this convention may depend on context, so the best advice I have personally is to:
a) read a wide range of screenplays, including up to date work, and compare these to the final cinematic productions to elucidate what was and wasn't included in the script; and
b) gain consciousness of a range of influencing variables that can help guide you in making such decisions, and how to best execute inclusion or exclusion to gain the best chances of your vision making production
@@mothratemporalradio517 Thanks for the detailed reply! You also made me aware that Indy Mogul is back -- lots of videos to catch up on.
@@RimstarOrg Hey, haha, thanks for the response - glad you saw this! I have just been trying to edit it on my phone which has sucked quite brutally .. I hope it's a bit clearer! Let me know if you end up stumbling across any good databases for screenplays :)
@@mothratemporalradio517 This was so great - Thank you so much.
@@tinyybiceps You're most welcome, thanks heaps for the response! Cheers and all the very best with your ideas! 🍻📝
DIRECT, TO THE POINT. NO NONSENSE. EXCELLENT INFORMATION. GOOD VIDEO.
This guy is useful
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
@@consultantprithviraj890 Hello SIR... Is Still Chances are Remaining for Writers
Thank you for staying on task and keeping the video short and concise. Tired of RUclips videos that are 90% fluff/ads and 10% content.
Omg this was so informative thank u for such a great video
im not good at the screen writing and that type of thing but i have smth about a true life story i would like you to write, if you have the time or if you just want to ear a part of it just let me know, its very interesting.
SAME!
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
There's so many videos about content. THIS is what I've been looking for.
THIS video shows a curious writer WHAT comes NEXT on the page.
Thank you!
I always watch this video before starting my scripts. It's a refresher course for me😎
Ty for this I have been working on one but before I was using Fade-In I was doing it in open office now I have switched to Fade-In makes it easy but I didn't know how to use Parentheticals in my screen play this helped a lot.
My dream is became to screenwriter in hollywood.and I want to achieve Oscar award for Best original screenplay.
Harpreet Singh # I’m only 12 and I’m thinking about going the path that you’re going, but I’m legit doubting myself😅
Hollywood isn't always a good idea. Good luck on your dream though!
same
Same bro. Same.
when you win it, can you give me a shoutout?
Where have you been all of my screenplay writing life? Great video, thanks!
Thank you...............
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
A great video that helps newbies with some basic but needed info. Keep up the great work! 🙏
Quick, concise and informative. Everything I need to get started for my short film. Thanks
The heavy dose of nostalgia i got when i realized this was an indy mogul vid. This channel was my life back in 2009
Thank you this will help me when I start writing my movie/short film son thx and you also gave me a tip to write at any time when im free such as lunch in school or recess or guidence or math or health, just thank you good sir bless your soul!!!
But bro when i was in clg if i would start writing all people staring at me and that moment i think i was doing any Crime in front of him so i stop writing.
5:40 watching this in 2019 and it felt a lil bit weird .
5:40.
5:38
Thanks for the tips.
I've been using a similar style or writing (using celtx) but my main difference is that I would put a character's name (in a character name section) for an action. For some reason it never occurred to me to just put the name of the person doing the action, in the action section... oh well, that's the entire reason to watch the video I guess. (learning)
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
This is literally the most helpful screenplay video I've ever seen. Thank you so much!
Might be a 6 year old video but this was incredibly educational, simplifying things so even I could understand it. Thanks a billion for this!!
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
This is great, lots of people think they can just sit down and bang out a full feature screenplay in a short while.... This will make it a lot easier on them/us, hardest thing about screen writing is getting the Spec on a screen play right... If a script weighs to much most the studios through them away... So even with this great tutorial and tools writing scripts is hard and taken very seriously if not to Spec. So if you can do it, I'm impressed and would love to know if any of you can/have.
Man! this is a gold-mine I've stumbled upon.
The character names that indicate who's speaking each section of dialogue, those are capitalized every time. The "you only fully capitalize their name the first time" applies to the action description sections. It's a way of introducing the character to the reader as someone important. If you'll notice in his script, WILLIAM and CABBIE are fully capitalized in the first action description, but not in any of the ones after that. (1:16)
So I'm from the future, 2020, and celtx isn't free apparently, and the links on the video don't work :/
Try WriterDuet. You get 3 scripts free, not ideal but still more than you'll get elsewhere.
Try KIT Scenarist - free screenwriting software "kitscenarist.ru/en"
Celtx is still free, I use it. It should be fine for you.
Dude use kitscenarist. No one talks about it but it's pure gild and Free!.
Here - kitscenarist.com
@@layers3458 They might be talking about that popup that jumps in your face when hitting back button on the site. It took me weeks to find the button to close that thing.
Straight the point, precise and clear. Amazing video !
This is really helpful! I want to be a screenwriter when I'm out of school, and I decided that high school would be a great time to start practicing, so I found this video, and it really explains a ton of things! Thanks!
Why not start practicing now?
"Checks date"
Oh, ima bit late, aren't I?
The way this guy speak very clear and very fast can make you graduate in 1 year, a 5 year master degree
I have a question when penning a screenplay do you have to write down what kinda of camera shot are you going to use in your script?
thanks
+justisperez
I know it's been two months since you've asked this question but just in case you haven't looked into it. It's essential that you don't put Camera shots in the script. You are a screenplay writer not a director. There may be a certain time when it may be allowed but a good rule is to avoid them as much as possible.
justisperez I think that's for the director to decide, not the screenwriter.
as a expert writer you should write the shot description also,
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
From what I know, only do that if you've been making screenplays for a long time and are the director, but still, I'm pretty sure it's advised to not do that. But, it's up to you
Thanks man, for the refresher course , I've always relied on the software to do it for me but it better to know the basics! And I've been using celtx for 2 yrs now.
1st time making a screenplay with the right format, I will be joining a contest to try my luck. Thank you :D
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
What's the name of the contest?
How was it, brother?
I´m not Russell but I think I can help you. There´re two kind of Screenplay;
1.- For Actors/Talent/. Just the Action and Dialog.
2.- For Crew/Director/sound/FX. Action and dialog plus camera movements, takes, sound and more information for the creators.
The answer for your question is, Yes, you can do that. As you are the writer and the director you can add your camera movements to help you.
But if you want to sell the script you need to work just with action and dialog.
Hope this helps :)
All I have is Microsoft Word...
Davis Denver Use it. Or just download CeltX... they say it in the video.
YouMeScript is a good online thing to use
Celtx is great if you dont wanna spend money. Using word is fine but you gotta format everything manually which is only bad if you lack patience
lol same
im using the free version of WriterDuet, it's great.
Very informative for beginners. I myself didn't know whereven to start....but this gave me a starting line.
I have to design a script for my drama project In school ur a lifesaver.
Best description ever , straight to the point
I'm taking a screenwriting course. Thank you so much for this!
Three years later, how did it go?
@@matiasklecha1060 5 years later and I’m still curious
5 years later how was the course cloe
This was so helpful and explained at the exact speed my brain goes!
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
Oh my goodness, I'm actually watching this in the future.
Russell, thank you for posting this and explaining in details. You are awesome. Thank you.
Been working on a story for 2 years and realized I wanted to make it into a screenplay since i want to be a director when I grow up. Great video man, thank you.
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
Good luck, same here I want to be too many things lol luckily they're all in the film industry.
Thank you, I'm 16, I already write many screenplays, but I like the way you describe everything in a simple way, it helps us noobs out
Wasn’t sure how I felt about this guy. Then he said “in the futaaaa” and I was sold 👌
this is do good! i am writting my first screen play!! thank you for this
So For the SLUG LINE. would I for example. write
Ext. suburbs - night
action stuff
dialog stuff.
INT. house - continuous
the keep writing continuous every time I need to indicate it's the same time as the first slug line?
Yes. You can also use the intercut method if the scenes keep bouncing back and forth.
J Mo wherever you wish to put intercut write the dilouge or action and write the inter cut at the point of transition
we promote new script writer through our tv program, to join us please send your writing sample in the form of one liner or and scene or and screenplay to us. all the best
Hey Russ,
I like how you are a lot more confident in front of the camera. I'd also like to say thank you for posting this because I needed it :D
Can't believe i watch this to produce movies in my head
Then when you realize all your favorite writing staffs and writers, use their own hybrid formats.
I think script are same but style are different
That was fast and accurate. No time wasting. I liked it.
So, I have an Idea for a short film that has no dialogue, all emotion is pushed through the types of shots and what is seen on screen and I have no idea how to format that. any advice?
+Weezy_Corpse Write down what kind of expressions you want them to express or be present for the duration of filming and possibly show the actors how you want them to do it if what you written wasn't what you wanted? I'd do that.
Though a little late, I recommend using that keflux or something effect, in which it's the scene that talks when a important element (like when the characters have masks or in your case, no voices) is missing. Like, when a character is staring at a bowl of soup with a hand on his stomach, you'd assume he's hungry, or when a character is crying, (no voice though) and you see someone in a hospital bed, you'd assume he's dying/ in a fatal position and the person in the bed is close to the crying character. Hoped this help friend.
+DashingNative how can you tell how long your script will last?
+TopHatProductions on most formats it's endless
this was 9 years ago and and still useful
2:13 interior crocidile alligator
we had the same thought 3 years apart. time flies XDDD
I'm currently in the middle of writing a script for a short film and this is helping a lot
When you learn more in six minutes that your entire semester of classes
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
This really helps. Now that you say this, it makes a lot more sense to me. Thanks Russ!
Have u made this short film by now...if yes...where can we watch it
it is on his heykillerfilms channel
can you give the link please!
link please
agreed, link please?
found it! ruclips.net/video/uMtxDIqG1Ks/видео.html
Just started writing !
First video ive seen, you sir just earned yourself your 822,401 subscriber! :)
what is the difference between a screenplay and script?
arjay2002ph Pretty much the same thing, just different names.
arjay2002ph A spec screenplay you sell and the shooting screenplay you shoot it on your own.
arjay2002ph A screenplay is for film, a script for stage.
+arjay2002ph -- They are generally the same thing. To be more precise, the term "script" is a general one that covers all the written plays, such as, "screenplays" (written for motion pictures that you see at the movie theaters), "teleplays" (written for television shows, comedies, dramas, etc.), "radio plays" (written for radio shows, like the old-time radio dramas, or pod-cast dramas) and "stage plays" (written for the stage, like Broadway or even a local play venue and school plays). The basic formats for all of them are similar, but there are additional, sub formats that are indicative to each type. For instance, in a screenplay and teleplay there are numbered headings that will include direction for the camera, since these type of scripts are intended to recorded on film or video, where a stage play has no need for camera notations, since it will be acted out entirely on stage. Radio plays were only to be listened to, so they were written with headings and descriptions that stated sound effects. One more type of script is that written for comic books. Rather than headings for the camera, they state the words "Panel 1", "Panel 2" and so on for however many panels will be on each page that the artist must draw for. Some video show scripts have a two column format, one column for the video (camera direction and action description) and the other for the Audio (dialogue).
RAP is what you do. Hip Hop is what you live. Something like that .
Thank you for this, I did not know how format a script when ridden properly. I recently did a short film for school and we used a very rough script and I suggested we have a properly formatted script which I did not know how to do. I will still do it and submit it to my professor if I can, but we'll do this to practice anyways. Years later this video is still relevant!
I wish I had enough money to afford the official tee - white so I could wear it in places like my house and my car
This video is brilliant thankyou. I do this as a hobby and in my media class atm and it's the bestest thing we've done so far! Thankyou for explaining and creating an amazing video
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
Your voice is so cool. Make a tutorial on how to have a cool voice pls.
wow ok
Hopefully it'll be done sometime this summer! But I'll be showing behind the scenes stuff some weeks when we get to shooting.
Ariel? ¿por que te van los detergentes?
Thank you so much! Im trying to write a script for a small movie im making and i thought i could just skip to recording but my thoughts are all over the place.
how did I get here from minercraft mod videos
ahhh dangint I'm here again??? RUclips is broken
Short, clear and straight to the point.
You forgot to tell people that if you are a beginning screenwriter, you do a "spec script" - not a shooting script, so that means no camera angles, no excessively long dialogue, and no excessive use of adverbs, even in parenthenticals. Especially if you are submitting to a screenplay contest - any of these that appear in that script means disqualification and the screenplay will not be read, and will be screaming "unprofessional writer!". And you won't get very far!
Agreed. In my country we actually study two forms of script. The literal one which encapsulates the story, actions, dialogue in a simple and easy to read layout. After the script gets approved, you have to write the technical script; with all the camera angles and shots. You also have to make a storyboard afterwards, which can be a set of artistic drawings of every shot, or a technical drawing depicting everything from above...
Whaa? I'm worried now, like, if it's my first screenplay, how do I write it?
I actually had a lot of trouble finalizing the script because I have such specific visuals in mind, and I kept letting dialogue get away from me (I'm very wordy when I don't watch myself) to where it just wouldn't work anymore. I decided to write it out by hand first, and used the margins as a sort of scratchpad to do VERY rough storyboards of what I wanted it to look like, which ended up being a great method. I'll do real storyboards soon, and probably have an episode on that in a few weeks!
celtx is free for 15 days now … sucks
Do you like screenplays?
well recently I've been forced to write my own stuff. Im a aspiring director but I end up acting, writing and editing my own projects.
DeSean Atwood. Really? What forced you to do these things, being small time? Oh and I hope you achieve your dream of being a director.
UltimatexStealth Well, the more I realized what I can't do myself, the more I decided to learn. Lots of google research and minor experience and basic education is what I have so far. I have a Certificate in "Multimedia/Video Production" and a in home video production setup, and thank you!
DeSean Atwood. You're welcome; and I think you'll be going places. You certainly have the potential for success. Oh and do you enjoy reading screenplays?
1111 Videos, Friday 101 and 301 views!!! Thank you...This will really help as in college we've moved onto screen writing, scripts and transcripts.
celtex actually isn't free now
yes it is
The Birdhouse in Eddie's Soul ~ try trelby... it's basic but delivers... :)
The Birdhouse in Eddie's Soul no it has a free 14 day trial
***** but i do use trelby now its really good
I didn't know that... sorry... :)
I use Celtex I think its an awesome piece of software, I used the FREE one for a while, i then read about the full paid version and decided to take my chance and give it a go, it was well worth it. Its professional and so easy to use, tons of pictures to use when putting together storyboards. I highly recommend this product! :D
it's okay to write "she is walking to her room" or that I should write "she walks to her room"?
help!
She walks
Always keep your script present
it doesn’t matter
Walking and walks are both present tense, though.
I do "NAME walks into her room. Closes the door behind her then turns towards NAME."
Very very useful. The most straightforward and to the point video.
Good info, but I am little annoyed by your narration because it feels like you are speaking without Period or commas. Your voice also feels like you have a cold and you are speaking from your nose. Slow down a little mate.
+Akash Colvin If the information is useful use it. WTF do You care about whether he sounds like he got cold or malaria? What a stupid cow!
Kanda Rabi
Hey, at least the person who commented here told it nicely. Unlike you who showed no respect. At least he pointed out his own criticism in a respectful manner unlike you.
lol ok
That's kinda rude.
Been using for Celtx for about a year now, always useful and awesome :)
l don't get it
Had to come back to this and thank you I took this and ran with it. Good film on the way. Thanks a million. Gratitude
thank you this greatly helped me as a hs senior preparing for my final project (first time writing a 10 min screenplay) in my dramatic wring class. Thanks:)
Love - it's about a girl who's try everything to make boy believe love is worth. (PDF short script.)
ruclips.net/video/NnWqe_Y96o0/видео.html
This is one of the best vids I've seen on screenwriting.
Ikr
Love the video. So easy. I am a 7th grade English teacher we just got done reading a screenplay and I am, for the first time this year, going to have them try writing one. Your video is so easy to follow that I am gonig to show it in class. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work! Not going to lie, I'm a little jealous since I was trying to make good vidoes like this for other types of writing but it doesn't come off quite as fun. =]
I learned so much in 6mins than those length full videos out there lol
learned more from this video than film school I'm going to.
Also, I had no idea this video was 11 years old until read the dates of some of the commenters....wow, feels totally fresh and relevant to me, probably cause new at this.
i love writing and telling stories, and i wanted try screen writing, but i had no idea how to format writing a screenplay so this was very helpful
Cool, let me know when you can write good I have a story
Wow, that was really helpful. Thank you. I am currently writing a new screen play for a short film and this was simple and easy to understand so I can do likewise.
Short, sweet and to the point!
What does (CONT'D) next to the character's name mean? Also, what does a capital letter alongside a number at the beggining of the action mean? For example: A1, B8, etc.
Great video! Thanks!