Is it better to read an original script untouched by anyone, or the shooting script or both? I'm getting confused on what to add in scripts like capitalizing sounds etc, b/c I read the shooting script (I think).
Which script is better to read?
- Thread starter MonaLeigh
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Shooting scripts are good to read in order to get a feel for what the pros write, their story flow, timing etc., but not good to use as examples of spec scripts.
Spec scripts don't have scene direction, CUT TOs, "we see", etc. I would find a good spec script how to and then write from it, if you don't already have one.
Edited to add:
You might want to go to a good peer review website and check out the really experienced amatuers. They have done all the research on what to put in and what to leave out.
Spec scripts don't have scene direction, CUT TOs, "we see", etc. I would find a good spec script how to and then write from it, if you don't already have one.
Edited to add:
You might want to go to a good peer review website and check out the really experienced amatuers. They have done all the research on what to put in and what to leave out.
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Tough question to answer. A shooting script tends to have numbered scenes and camera directions (as you know), e.g. Sam Raimi's Army of Darkness -- in theory, if you take way the scene numbers and camera directions then you should have a spec screenplay. Tho' of course the script might have gone through numerous revisions to make it more filmable than the original spec.
Instead of comparing, consider taking a look at a "sample" screenplay which shows you how a spec script should be written, there are a couple of links in the screenwriting tips thread under "Screenplay format guides" e.g.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/screenplay.pdf
-Derek
Instead of comparing, consider taking a look at a "sample" screenplay which shows you how a spec script should be written, there are a couple of links in the screenwriting tips thread under "Screenplay format guides" e.g.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/screenplay.pdf
-Derek
If all you can find is shooting scripts, then it's better to read scripts than not. And if you are looking for character or structure or something then shooting scripts are fine.
But if you are writing spec scripts and want to know more about formatting and things specifically, then you'll want to try to get your hands on some spec scripts. A lot of the script websites online have scripts in various drafts and stages of development. You should be able to find some.
I'm sure most of us would still recommend reading classic and older scripts just to see how the scenes and dialogue work, but similarly, they are no help at all when it comes to how scripts are formatted these days.
But if you are writing spec scripts and want to know more about formatting and things specifically, then you'll want to try to get your hands on some spec scripts. A lot of the script websites online have scripts in various drafts and stages of development. You should be able to find some.
I'm sure most of us would still recommend reading classic and older scripts just to see how the scenes and dialogue work, but similarly, they are no help at all when it comes to how scripts are formatted these days.
These are all good points. Another problem with shooting scripts is that there may be multiple writers on each so you are not sure who did what. Can be tricky if you are tryng to learn from someone and they were overwritten.
Andrew Zinnes
www.thescriptwhisperer.com
Andrew Zinnes
www.thescriptwhisperer.com
If you want to read a good spec, and then contrast it with the shooting script, try John August's Go. He posted both on his blog, which is a great resource in its own right. You'll find the scripts, along with others as well, here.
One other point about scripts that I have noticed. If the film was written and directed by the same person (James Cameron or M. Night, for example), you have to take what you read with a grain of salt. Oh, it will be well written, and you may get a lot from breaking it down, but they have a little more freedom than unestablished screenwriters do.
One other point about scripts that I have noticed. If the film was written and directed by the same person (James Cameron or M. Night, for example), you have to take what you read with a grain of salt. Oh, it will be well written, and you may get a lot from breaking it down, but they have a little more freedom than unestablished screenwriters do.
Some do, or at least some non-shooting drafts do. However these seem to be more outdated.
When I read scripts I also check the date and if the writer is also the producer/director.
You can find a ton of non-shooting drafts at drew's script-o-rama.
My vote goes to recent spec scripts that have sold. Even better if you can get your hands on the ones by first time writers.