Screenplay Formatting Faux Pas: 10 Mistakes That Will Make Your Script Look Amateur

Choosing the right font is crucial for professional-looking screenplays. While it might seem like a small detail, the wrong font can make your script look amateurish and difficult to read. Here's why Courier New is the industry standard, and why Times New Roman is a big no-no:

• Courier New's Consistency: Courier New is a monospace font, meaning each character takes up the same amount of space. This consistent width makes it easy to read dialogue, action lines, and scene headings. It prevents lines from becoming uneven, especially when dealing with different character names and dialogue lengths.

• Times New Roman's Issues: Times New Roman is a serif font, which means it has small strokes (serifs) at the ends of its characters. These serifs can make it harder to read, especially on a screen. Additionally, the uneven character widths of Times New Roman can lead to messy and cluttered pages. This can make it harder for readers to quickly scan the script and follow the action.

• Industry Standard: The film and television industry has long embraced Courier New as the standard font for screenplays. Using this font makes your script instantly recognizable and professional. It helps ensure that casting directors, producers, and directors can easily navigate your script, which is essential for getting your work read.

Want to see the difference? Take a look at this example on the Script Reader. You'll notice how Courier New's consistent spacing makes the screenplay easier to read and understand.

In short, stick to Courier New. It's the industry standard for a reason, and it will give your screenplay the professional look it deserves.

Spacing Errors: Mastering the Art of the Blank Page (and Avoiding Too Much of It)

Screenplays are all about visual storytelling. And that visual storytelling extends to the white space on the page. Too much or too little spacing can make your script look messy, unprofessional, and even difficult to read.

Here's a breakdown of common spacing errors and how to avoid them:

1. Scene Headings and Dialogue:

• The Problem: Scene headings (INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY) and dialogue are often the culprits of incorrect spacing. A single line break between the two can create a cramped look, while too many lines can make the script feel disjointed.

• The Fix: Follow the standard format: One blank line between the scene heading and the first line of dialogue.

2. Character Names and Dialogue:

• The Problem: Spacing between the character name and dialogue can also trip you up. Leaving too much space makes it look like the character is shouting, while too little space makes the dialogue seem rushed.

• The Fix: There should be one space between the character name and the beginning of their dialogue.

3. Action Lines:

• The Problem: Action lines are often the source of inconsistent spacing. Some writers cram them onto one line, while others break them up into multiple lines with no clear logic.

• The Fix: Keep action lines concise and readable. Use line breaks when necessary to separate distinct actions or for readability, but avoid creating a jarring visual appearance.

4. Parentheticals:

• The Problem: Parentheticals, those little notes in parentheses that describe character actions or emotions, can be tricky to space correctly. Some writers use too much space, creating a visually jarring effect, while others squeeze them in too tightly.

• The Fix: Parentheticals should be placed immediately after the dialogue line and separated by one space. They are meant to be part of the dialogue line itself and should be treated as such.

5. Page Length:

• The Problem: While a screenplay's page length isn't strictly about spacing, it's worth noting that a typical screenplay page should contain about one minute of screen time. Too many pages can indicate unnecessary exposition or overly lengthy scenes, while too few pages might suggest a lack of development.

• The Fix: Focus on streamlining your script. Cut unnecessary scenes, dialogue, and descriptions to ensure each page effectively conveys one minute of screen time. This will help create a balanced and visually appealing screenplay.

Mastering the Art of the Blank Page:

By following these spacing guidelines, your screenplay will be easier to read, understand, and appreciate. Remember, white space is your friend. Use it wisely to guide your reader's eye and enhance the visual impact of your story.

Bonus Tip: If you're unsure about spacing, refer to reputable resources like the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Screenplay Formatting Guide or Celtx's Formatting Guide. These guides provide clear and comprehensive instructions on proper screenplay formatting, ensuring your script looks professional and polished.

Scene Headings: How to Clearly Label Your Action (and Avoid Confusion)

Scene headings are the bread and butter of screenplay formatting. They act as signposts, guiding the reader through the story and providing vital information about the setting, time, and action. But when they're misused, they can create confusion and undermine the impact of your script.

Here's a breakdown of how to write clear and effective scene headings, avoiding common mistakes that will make your script look amateur:

1. The Essential Elements:

• INT./EXT.: Always start with INT. (interior) or EXT. (exterior) to indicate whether the scene takes place inside or outside.

• LOCATION: Follow INT./EXT. with the specific location, such as "INT. APARTMENT - DAY." Be specific! "INT. ROOM" is vague and unhelpful.

• TIME: Indicate the time of day. This could be "DAY," "NIGHT," "MORNING," "EVENING," or even more specific like "NOON" or "TWILIGHT."

2. Avoid These Common Mistakes:

• Capitalization: Scene headings should be in ALL CAPS. No exceptions.

• Punctuation: Scene headings do not use periods. You also shouldn't use colons after the location (e.g., "INT. COFFEE SHOP: DAY" is incorrect).

• Action: Keep scene headings brief and descriptive. They shouldn't include dialogue or character names. Focus on the setting and time.

• Redundancy: Don't repeat information unnecessarily. For example, avoid using "INT. APARTMENT - INSIDE" because "INT." implies inside.

3. Creative Flexibility:

While the basics are important, you can add some creative touches to your scene headings:

• Using the Character Name: You can use a character name as part of the scene heading to highlight a specific character's perspective. For example, "INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT (JOHN'S POV)".

• Visual Elements: You can also incorporate visual elements to give the reader a clear mental image. "INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT (FLASHING RED LIGHTS)" is more evocative than just "INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT."

4. Additional Resources:

• The Screenwriters Guild of America's (WGA) Formatting Guide: This comprehensive guide is the industry standard for screenplay formatting.

• The Script Readers' Guide to Screenwriting: This resource provides a wealth of information on all aspects of screenwriting, including formatting.

By mastering the art of scene headings, you'll create a screenplay that is easy to read, understand, and appreciate. So, follow these guidelines and avoid these common mistakes, and you'll be well on your way to writing a script that truly shines!

Character Names: The Do's and Don'ts of Introducing Your Players

Your characters are the heart and soul of your screenplay, and their names are the first introduction they get to the reader. A well-chosen name can instantly hook your audience, while a poorly chosen name can leave them scratching their heads. Here's how to avoid common pitfalls and give your characters names that shine:

Do:

• Choose names that fit your characters' personalities and backgrounds. A gruff, grizzled detective wouldn't likely be named 'Sunshine' while a whimsical fairy wouldn't be called 'Ironclad.' Consider your characters' age, profession, culture, and even their physical appearance. For example, a character named 'Violet' might have a quiet, thoughtful demeanor, while a character named 'Blaze' might be fiery and impulsive.

• Use names that are easy to pronounce and remember. While creative names can be fun, avoid ones that are too long, convoluted, or sound alike. Remember, your reader needs to be able to keep track of your characters. Try saying your names out loud to see how they sound. Can you pronounce them clearly? Do they roll off the tongue? Are they distinct from the other characters' names?

• Consider the time period and setting. A 1920s gangster might have a name like 'Al Capone,' while a character in a futuristic sci-fi movie might have a name like 'Xander.' The name should feel authentic to the world you've created.

Don't:

• Give your characters names that are too common or too obscure. While a name like 'John Smith' might be easy to remember, it's also incredibly generic and won't leave much of an impression on the reader. On the other hand, a name like 'Xanthippe' might be unique but difficult to pronounce and remember. Aim for a balance between the familiar and the unique.

• Use names that are too similar to other characters' names. This can create confusion for the reader and make it difficult to keep track of who's who. For example, having two characters named 'Tom' and 'Tim' might be tricky to distinguish, even with their last names.

• Overthink it. While it's important to choose names that are meaningful and evocative, don't get too bogged down in the process. Sometimes, the simplest names can be the most memorable. Ultimately, the most important thing is that the name fits your character and helps to bring them to life on the page.

Resources:

• Baby Name Websites: These can be a great source of inspiration for character names. Some popular sites include BabyCenter, Nameberry, and Behind the Name.

• Character Name Generators: These online tools can help you brainstorm a variety of character names. Some popular generators include Random Name Generator and Fantasy Name Generator

• Historical and Cultural References: Do your research on the time period and setting of your screenplay to find names that are authentic to the world you're creating. For example, if your story is set in Victorian England, you can find names from Victorian-era books and records. There are also websites and books dedicated to specific time periods and cultures.

Remember, a well-chosen name can enhance your screenplay and add depth to your characters. Take your time, explore your options, and choose names that will leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Dialogue: Making Your Characters Sound Real (and Not Like Robots)

Your characters are the heart of your story, and their dialogue is how they come to life on the page. But even the most compelling characters can fall flat if their dialogue sounds stilted or unrealistic. In this section, we'll explore some common dialogue pitfalls and how to avoid them, ensuring your characters sound authentic and engaging.

1. Avoid Expository Dialogue:

Expository dialogue is when characters explicitly state information that's already obvious or could be conveyed through other means. This can feel clunky and unnatural. Instead, use subtext and let the audience infer information through actions, reactions, or subtle hints in dialogue.

Example:

Bad: "I'm so scared of spiders," Sarah said, her voice trembling.

Better: Sarah's eyes widened as a spider scuttled across the floor. She jumped back, her hand instinctively reaching for a nearby broom.

2. Give Characters Unique Voices:

Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their personality, background, and motivations. This can be achieved through their word choices, sentence structure, and even their use of slang or colloquialisms. Don't make every character sound the same.

3. Avoid Info Dumps:

Just like expository dialogue, info dumps can break the flow of your dialogue and make it feel heavy-handed. If you need to convey important information, weave it organically into the conversation, or consider using a more subtle approach like a character's internal monologue.

4. Don't Forget About Subtext:

Subtext is the unspoken meaning behind a character's words. It can add layers of complexity and intrigue to your dialogue. A character might say one thing but mean something else entirely, or their words might reveal hidden emotions or desires.

Example:

"I'm fine," she said, but her voice was tight, and her eyes were red-rimmed.

5. Make Dialogue Flow Naturally:

Real-life conversations aren't perfectly structured. People interrupt each other, use filler words, and sometimes even contradict themselves. Incorporating these elements into your dialogue will make it feel more authentic and engaging.

6. Don't Be Afraid of Silence:

Silence can be just as powerful as dialogue. It can create tension, suspense, or even a sense of intimacy between characters. Don't be afraid to use silences strategically in your script.

7. Read Your Dialogue Out Loud:

Once you've written your dialogue, read it aloud to yourself. This will help you catch any awkward phrasing, repetitive language, or inconsistencies in character voices. You can also ask a friend or fellow writer to read it aloud for an objective perspective.

8. Use Dialogue Tags Sparingly:

Dialogue tags (like "said", "asked", "replied") are necessary to indicate who is speaking, but overuse can be clunky and distracting. Vary your tags and use them strategically for emphasis or to convey a character's tone or emotion.

9. Don't Over-Explain:

Trust your audience to understand your characters' motivations and intentions. Don't feel the need to explicitly explain everything through dialogue. Let the audience infer meaning from the characters' actions, expressions, and the context of the scene.

10. Show, Don't Tell:

Instead of simply telling the audience what a character is feeling, show them through their actions, reactions, and dialogue. Use strong verbs and vivid descriptions to bring your characters to life on the page.

Resources:

• The Screenwriter's Bible - A classic guide to screenwriting.
• Save the Cat! Writes a Novel - A practical guide for creating compelling characters and dialogue.
• The Dialogue Doctor - A comprehensive guide to writing effective dialogue for screenwriters.

Remember, writing great dialogue is a skill that takes practice and attention to detail. By avoiding these common pitfalls and focusing on creating characters with unique voices and authentic interactions, you can elevate your screenplay and bring your story to life on the screen.

Parentheticals: Using Them Wisely (and Not Overusing Them)

Parentheticals are those brief descriptions within parentheses that provide insight into a character's actions, emotions, or delivery. They're a powerful tool for writers, but like any tool, they can be misused. Here's how to use them effectively:

What Parentheticals Can Do:

• Clarify Delivery: They tell the reader how a line should be delivered, like (whispering), (sarcastically), or (with a sigh). This is crucial for setting the tone and understanding the character's intentions.
• Reveal Internal State: Parentheticals can showcase a character's emotions, such as (furious), (nervous), or (heartbroken). This adds depth and layers to your characters.
• Stage Directions: They can be used to describe physical actions, like (stands up), (paces), or (throws a book). This helps visualize the scene.

Common Mistakes with Parentheticals:

• Overusing Them: Too many parentheticals clutter your script and can distract from the dialogue. Trust your reader to understand the character's feelings and delivery through dialogue and context. [Example: Don't write: (whispering nervously) I didn't see anything. Instead, use dialogue to convey the character's tone: (whispering) I didn't see anything.
• Redundant Parentheticals: Avoid stating the obvious. For example: (angrily) He screamed, “Get out!” The screaming implies anger.
• Vague Parentheticals: Be specific. (sad) is too general. (tearful), (despondent), or (longing) are more evocative and provide a clearer picture of the character's state.

Tips for Effective Use:

• Keep Them Concise: Use the fewest words possible to convey the necessary information.
• Focus on the Essential: Only use them for information that significantly impacts the scene or character.
• Less is More: A well-placed parenthetical can be much more impactful than a constant stream of them.

Remember: A good screenplay should be visually engaging and easy to follow. Using parentheticals strategically allows the reader to create a vivid mental picture of the scene and connect with your characters on a deeper level.

Action Lines: Describing the Action (Without Overdoing It)

Action lines are the bread and butter of any screenplay. They set the scene, guide the reader through the action, and establish the tone and mood of your story. But how do you strike the right balance between clear, concise description and unnecessary detail?

Here are some tips for writing effective action lines:

• Keep it concise: Action lines should be short and to the point. Avoid long, rambling descriptions. Think of it like a news report. Stick to the facts.
• Focus on the essentials: Only include details that are essential to the scene. Don't bog down the reader with too much information.
• Use active voice: Active voice makes your action lines more dynamic and engaging. For example, instead of writing "The door is opened by John," write "John opens the door."
• Show, don't tell: Use vivid language and imagery to bring the action to life. Instead of writing "John is angry," write "John slams his fist on the table and grits his teeth."
• Avoid adverbs: Adverbs can weaken your writing. Instead of writing "John walks quickly," try "John rushes."

Here are some examples of action lines that are too descriptive and how to improve them:

Too Descriptive:

JOHN walks across the room. He is wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans. He is looking at his watch and appears to be in a hurry.

Improved:

JOHN, in a black leather jacket, crosses the room, glancing at his watch.

Too Descriptive:

SARAH opens the door to her apartment. She is holding a bag of groceries in her hand. She is smiling as she steps inside.

Improved:

SARAH enters her apartment, smiling, groceries in hand.

Remember, the goal of your action lines is to guide the reader through the scene without distracting them from the story. By following these tips, you can write action lines that are both informative and engaging.

Formatting for Production: Understanding the Importance of Readability

Imagine a screenwriter handing a script to a director, only for the director to struggle to decipher the formatting. It's a nightmare scenario! In the film industry, a well-formatted script is not just a matter of aesthetics; it's crucial for readability and understanding.

Think of a screenplay as a blueprint for a film. A clearly formatted script helps everyone involved in the production process, from directors to producers to actors, to visualize the story and understand its flow. Here's why readability is paramount:

• Clarity: Proper formatting guides the reader's eye through the scene, making it easy to distinguish dialogue, action, and character names. A cluttered script will only cause confusion and frustration.
• Efficiency: A well-organized script allows for quick and efficient reading, saving time and resources. Imagine a producer trying to evaluate hundreds of scripts – a cluttered script will likely get tossed aside quickly.
• Professionalism: A professionally formatted script reflects your commitment to your craft. It shows you've taken the time to learn the industry standards and present your work in a polished and professional manner.

Remember, a screenwriter's job is not just to tell a story but to tell it effectively. A well-formatted script is a sign of a screenwriter who understands the importance of communication and collaboration in filmmaking.

Ready to learn more about the intricacies of proper screenplay formatting? Check out these resources:

• The Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Screenplay Format Guide: The industry standard for screenplay formatting.
• Final Draft: A popular screenwriting software that automates formatting and provides useful resources.
• Hollywood Screenwriting: A comprehensive guide to screenplay formatting with detailed explanations and examples.