Script advice

Notes from LTUE. Any misinformation is the fault of the note taker.

If you have tried to write a script, you are a scriptwriter
A writer’s first objective is to act with confidence.
Start writing even if you don’t know what you’re doing yet.
George Lucas is not a member of the script guild, he did ok.
You get paid for the script and then you get paid for rewrites and when you submit it needs to be in final draft.
Please use some type of scriptwriting software. The format is essential to agents/ movie houses. If they can tell the script is not on screenwriting software we just pass it. Because in our experience it is a waste of time for us to read because there will be formatting issues.
You use Courier font 12 point. It format to the correct word counts to the industry.
Ways for a script to look good on a page. You want to write pictures.
The description is a bit like an outline. There may be paragraphs if there is world build that moves the plot forward.
The description is blocking and you want to use descriptive words like crashes rather than falling.
Big blocking paragraphs are a killer to your script.
Filmmakers are visual and a bit AED. And have white space and streamline your script.
Every word you write is your enemy.
Read a lot of scripts of movie you admire.
Imsdb: is where you can scripts.
Script pdf by author google it.
In scripts will put in “we see this”
You can take a script class.
Spike the scene with a dialog. Helps long test and gives a reader a pause.
Windows and orphans: so avoid a single word with at the end of a line. No hanging word or no lead world few words. You can combine sentences or remove extra unnecessary words.
Watch text manipulation. There are areas to loosen or tighten but don’t do it too often.
Add a variety of paragraph changes length.
you can write shorts.
If there short scenes. Occasionally do quick one line:
Car rush man
Jumps to the side
Car crashes into the wall
You do not direct the film in the script.
Dialog and action: what does to our eyes. Dialog and action.
Script writing is like poetry because it is compressed.
Underling, italics bold can add a little variety in the text. Maybe like for blast.
Slugline is moving to a new scene Interior/exterior. May put in bold to add variety. Slugline tells the director how to set up the scene.
Screen format is for you but those who work on the move will use the script to do their jobs.
Italics can be used for internal dialog.
Transitions with Hard cuts: move to an entire location. Tells the reader we are going to an entirely new location.
Google: short scripts.
Sub slug: run into the hallway.
Query short films.
WGA: you can register a script. Provide insurance, 35 grand.