How script formatting works

[Taelord]

I'm really confused. I have been using Celtx screenwriting software. ( Not talked about much in my post so I put it here instead of software. ) The thing is, I have no idea what the stuff means. Like action and shot and all these other words. I don't know how screenplay works as apposed to stories. If you could help out it would be much appreciated.

[Plot Device]

Have you been READING the screenplays of others?

The best self-education is to make a list of yoiur fav films and read the scripts for them. Then all that stuff will make sense.

Also, pick up a few screenwriting how-to books. I find The Screenwriters Bible very helpful for learning format nitty gritty.

[odocoileus]

http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html

http://www.screenwriting.info/

http://www.scriptwritingsecrets.com/contents.htm

http://www.storysense.com/format.htm

[Taelord]

Thanks for the help guys. :D

[dpaterso]

If you haven't already, check out the screenwriting tips (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24087) sticky thread, which has links to formatting guides, hints & tips, free-to-read-for-education-purposes screenplays, etc.

-Derek

[icerose]

Looks like these guys have you pretty well covered. Before I discovered this section of the board I tried jumping in and formatting it in Word like the school plays they passed around in school, complete with pre-highlighted characters and everything! It was atrocious but it lends to a really good laugh and reminds me just how far I've come.

I learned by reading and observing, and by these wonderful people and their critiques and advice.

Good luck out there. :)

[odocoileus]

Over on simplyscripts.com, in the TV section, there are a number of pdf scripts from shows like Desperate Housewives, West Wing, The Office, etc.

Download a script - make sure it's a script, not a transcript - and then follow along as you watch the actual episode on DVD or wherever.

You can do the same thing with the script books from Buffy, The Sopranos, and The West Wing.