I want to learn how to write scripts/screenplays...

Hi James,

Well you're starting off better than I ever did, I started by trying to write one from the memories of school plays with the character lists up front and the dialog to the left. Yeah, I look back and laugh.

Others will be along soon to recommend books to read, I have never read any on writing so I have none to suggest.

I do suggest you read a script, it will really give you a feel for how different they are and the formatting. Next, grab one of the free script writing programs listed in the help thread that's stickied in this forum, start by copying the script you read so you can see how it fits into the program and so you can practice the formatting. Next, I would suggest writing a short, just a little five page, then getting feedback, all the while continue to read and study completed scripts and study the movies that came of them. Here's a link to some good movie scripts, even has codes for what type of scripts they are, find one you really admire the movie for and is in your genre and go for it.

http://sfy.ru/scripts.html

ETA: You're looking for spec scripts, those are pre-shooting.

James81 said:

Thanks, ice.

Yeah, I'm thinking about picking up the Dark Knight script that was released. It'd be one that would not only give me a feel for how they are written, but also one that holds my interest as well.

The hard part for me, I think, is going to be learning not just the "style" of writing, but also I'm assuming it takes a little knowledge on how films are shot and what can and can't be done as well...basic movie/shooting lingo.

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There you go, a goo one to start with.

Style is trial by error, at least for me it is. You'll eventually develop your own style, the formatting isn't too bad, just study some scripts and practice, it becomes nearly invisible once you get going.

As for how movies are shot, I have very little clue myself, I'm sure it would help though. Just remember don't put anything in that cannot be filmed. Thoughts, reasons for reactions, those sort of things. Think visual.

Hi James. Go here http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24087 to find links to places where you can find spec scripts and scripts in various drafts. Also to find screenwriting software. I recently got Celtx which is free and awesome.

As far as books, I only have The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier, but I've heard of a few that are good as well. Syd Fields' book I think, several others that I'm sure others will mention. Good luck.

James81 said:

...but also I'm assuming it takes a little knowledge on how films are shot and what can and can't be done as well...basic movie/shooting lingo.

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You said 'shooting lingo', and just in case you're meaning what I think you're meaning, piece of advice; don't put camera direction in your script. My first script was full of it.

Oh, and don't use "we see" or "we hear"... I had that problem too.

Anyhoooo, welcome to screenwriting! =o]

Some good books to pick up are anything by Syd Field, but his book Screenwriting is especially good; The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier; Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. There are other good ones too, Linda Seger comes to mind, but you don't want to get too bogged down in just reading books. Read scripts, lots of them for your genre. That is a great way to learn. For formatting, I recommend getting some form of screenwriting software. There are free ones out there you can download. I personally like Movie Magic, but that's just me. Others prefer Final Cut. It all comes down to preference.

As a writer, you don't really have to know so much about the shooting lingo and all that. You have to understand that filmmaking is a collaborative process. Your responsibility as the writer is to tell a good, visual story. Let the director and film crew do their part, which is dealing with the shooting lingo and camera angles.

Hope this helps!