How to write a screenplay

[pixdogg]

Can anyone give me any pointers on how to write a good screenplay? I have an idea of what I want the story to be about in my head, but I need to know how to put it down onto paper. Can anyone help?

 

[Arikereba]

There are two books that I really recommend... the first is "Story" by Robert McKee, and the second is "Screenplay" by Syd Field. They go into detail on the basic things that make up a story, and how to get that down as a screenplay... it's too complicated for me to sum up in one post.
If you want to know more about the details of formatting, then there are a few screenplays that have been published as books; you may be able to find them on Amazon. Study them.

 

[pixdogg]

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[dustin-lee]

Goto writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=2220&categories_id=128
Download the demo it will give you a templet and it might have a templet for a specific tv show it has a long list. I download it but unfortunately you have to buy it to print your script off with out a water mark and you can only save up to 15 pages, but I saved up to buy it and in the mean time wrote it in sections. Oh and goto wga.org/mentors/bestmentor3.html#38 It's the Writers Guild of America west - Mentors Program FAQ. It tells you how to go about getting your idea to a producer and other helpful hints like how to get an agent. I know it helped me a lot.

I wrote a MONK script. I am going to send it in and see what they think. I pray they like it. If you want to talk some time PM me. And God Bless you too.

DL

 

[Received]

Perhaps it isn't as difficult as it seems. Read good scripts by good script writers -- such as Charlie Kaufmann, Alan Ball, or whatever blows your hair back. Getting the general style in mind is the hardest part (next to writing the story); but most of it is left to the luck of the draw and who sees it. Most any script to any movie can be found online using google.

 

[dustin-lee]

Here is a scene from the monk screenplay I wrote. (I am submitting it to an agent) Unfortunately the forum will not indent were it is suppose to but here it is any way

INT. - MOVIE THEATER - DAY

In the movie theater: a DOZEN CHILDREN AND PARENTS. MR. MONK NATALIE TEEGER and her daughter.

NATALIE, EMILY and MR. MONK walking toward Theater Six's entrance. When Monk stops.

NATALIE
Come on MR. MONK we’re going to be late to the movie
NATALIE motions toward the theater door.

A mother and her little girl head in to the theater. The little girl coughs and wipes her nose with her finger.
Monk twitches.

MONK
(Stuttering)
I-um-I-I’m going to stay out here.

NATALIE
Come on, it will be alright it’s just a movie theater.

NATALIE gives MONK an annoyed look.

NATALIE (cont’d)
Mr. Monk this can’t be the first time you’ve been to a theater.

MONK
Yeah, well they didn’t allow children in that theater.

A group of kids at a birthday party go in to the theater with two adults.

MONK (cont’d)
Do you know how many germs are on one of those arm rests?

MONK points toward the theater door.

NATALIE
We can wipe it off with one of your wipes. Now come on!

MONK
(Outraged)
There aren’t enough wipes in the world to clean that theater.

NATALIE walks over to MONK, grabs his arm and starts to drag him to the theater.

NATALIE
Come on MR. MONK we are going to the movie...

NATALIE’s cell phone starts to ring.

NATALIE (cont’d)
What now!

NATALIE digs around in her BIG PURSE for her cell phone. She finally finds it and answers it.

NATALIE (cont’d)
Hello! Yeah, OK will be right there.

NATALIE hangs up the phone and starts walking toward the door.

NATALIE (cont’d)
Come on, that was STOTTLEMEYER he has a case for us. He says it’s important.

MONK
(Sarcastically)
Okay, but I really wanted to see that movie.

NATALIE, MR. MONK and EMILY leave the theater.

 

[DailyBlessings]

Adrian isn't sarcastic all that often- I think he'd just make tracks for the office, rather than risk reminding Natalie about the theater.

 

[dustin-lee]

Thank you for your input. Much appreciated.