Thursday, September 13, 2018

Discovering Writing Assistance With A Screenplay Companion

By Patrick Harris


In order to understand the proper formatting, rules and regulations of script and screenwriting, there are a number of tools. One of which is that of a Screenplay Companion. Whether using an online version or hard copy, writers have reported having great success when using this new tool.

When it comes to film making, there are a number of different genres. As such, it is important to note that formatting is often different among genres. Whereas, there are also elements which are important when it comes to pre and post production work. For example, pre production involves setting up a film real, developing scenes and plot lines. After which, marketing and distribution are necessary elements to the success of a film.

While each genre has a different format, the basic format is often the same. For example, the format for filming a video, public service announcement or student film is often the same. Whereas, many screenplays which are rewritten as shooting scripts often have different rules with regards to formatting. For one thing, in a script, it is important that a director and actor understand the difference between dialogue which is to be heard by the audience versus stage directions which are only directed toward the actors.

Each page of a screenplay often equates to a one minute scene. While this is often the case, there can be variances. As a result, it is often impossible to calculate the running time of a final project based on these calculations. Although, one format that is the same for scripts and screenplays, as well as stage and film acting is that of a font of 12, and a type face of Courier 10.

When it comes to the structure of a film, terminology plays a big part. In addition, it is important to have a clear understanding as to various aspects of a script. For example, it is important that action, direction and screen direction are provided at the right place in a project. As a result, most screen and script writers now place character dialogue in the middle of column of a script.

Unique to scripts versus screenplays are slug lines, or master scene heading. In a script, slug lines refer to three pieces of information. These are whether the scene is set inside or outside, the specific location and time of day. Each slug line refers to the start of a new scene.

As American and European scripts are structured differently when it comes to format and terminology, it is important to search for information on formatting and presentation based on genre. For example, those desiring to search formatting for a comedy or drama would do so with regards as to the country in which the initial screenplay was developed. For, not only will doing so most likely make it easier for those reviewing a screenplay or script, it could also be helpful during cuts and edits in post-production.

Ultimately, the screen and scriptwriters do most of the work in pre-production. For, writing a screenplay or script often takes far longer than when a director, actors and crew are working on a final cut. Whereas, film editing in post-production often takes far less time than when revising an original screenplay or script.




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