formatting

formatting assignment template

• retype the script in script software using your own name

script format cheat sheet

common grammar/punctuation/spelling problems

John August "writing better scene description" video

screenplay formatting YouTube playlist

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short scripts

​Questions to consider:

• What’s the story about?

• Who’s the protagonist?

• What’s at stake? Are the stakes “life or death” for the protagonist?

• So what? Why does your audience care?

• Why this moment? Does this story focus on a particular moment?

• What’s the change in the character? Is it reasonable for a short script?

• Is there something universal about this story? What is it?

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Checkpoint calendar grid & instructions

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Script 1 Parameters:

• TWO (2) CHARACTERS MAX

  • Only two speaking parts

  • Doesn‘t have to include dialogue but can

• ONE (1) LOCATION

  • One room OR one building (INT./EXT.)

• 10 PAGES MAX

  • Not including Title Page

• NO MIN PAGES

  • MUST still tell a complete story with beg-middle-end

• Optional: Aim for only about 10 lines of dialogue for each character

  • Can use more lines if needed but be selective​

• Optional: Try to avoid screens: phone, computer, etc.

  • Watching screens doesn't make for compelling storytelling​

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Script 2 Parameters:

• NO CHARACTER LIMIT​

  • Doesn‘t have to include dialogue but can

• NO LOCATION LIMIT

  • (INT./EXT.)

• 15 PAGES MAX

  • Not including Title Page

• NO MIN PAGES

  • MUST still tell a complete story with beg-middle-end

• Optional: Aim for only about 10 lines of dialogue for each character

  • Can use more lines if needed but be selective​

• Optional: Try to avoid screens: phone, computer, etc.

  • Watching screens doesn't make for compelling storytelling​

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Grading rubrics:

Script 1

Script 1 Revision - Midterm

Script 2

Script 2 Revision - Final

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script coverage

Script options:

$3,000

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Serendipity

Spanglish

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How to write coverage

Industry example

Grading rubric

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film analysis essay

The Godfather:

Godfather Question & Essay Checklist

Godfather script

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Little Miss Sunshine

Little Miss Sunshine Question & Essay Checklist

Little Miss Sunshine script

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Ordinary People:

Ordinary People Question & Essay Checklist

Ordinary People script

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participation

Grading rubric