Screenwriting FAQ files

Although FAQ stands for Frequently Asked Questions, the typical "FAQ file" actually contains answers along with the questions. I am the volunteer editor ("maintainer") of the FAQ file for the misc.writing.screenplays newsgroup, a discussion group that is part of Usenet. The original FAQ is still available, while work continues on a much larger and more complex revised version. Parts of the new (2.0) version have been completed and posted here. Other sections will be added as they become available.

You'll also find a "Mini-FAQ" contributed by m.w.s. user Chris Owen, that covers a few topics of interest to film and TV writers and includes useful links to other resources; a growing collection of unique information contributed by users of the m.w.s. group; and a link to the SCRNWRiT listserv FAQ.

Internet etiquette (READ THIS): if you have specific questions about screenwriting, start by looking for answers in these files. If you have read everything in them and have other questions, return to this page and press the left arrow below. It will take you to many more screenplay-related links in my Film Writing pages, each loaded with information. Only after you have put in some effort to inform yourself should you go to a newsgroup like m.w.s. and ask questions. Although people are usually happy to help, you'll find that they are more cordial if you show that you have already done your homework.

misc.writing.screenplays FAQ

Current Revised Version 2.0 (work in progress)

• Sections 1 & 2: How to Use the misc.writing.screenplays Newsgroup and FAQ
• Section 5: The Craft of Screenwriting: Format and Related Issues

Legacy FAQ version 1.0 This file has not changed in some time, and is partially outdated, but still contains some good information. To save time, you can Download it as a plain text zip file (16K) and read it later (recommended!). If you Read It Online, note that it is a 40K file. Either way, please note that this file is not public domain, and that it is not to be posted, published, or distributed without authorization.

• misc.writing.screenplays: Mini-FAQ While work goes on to upgrade the main FAQ file, several additional answers and other updated information are provided by the m.w.s. Mini-FAQ, courtesy of Chris Owen.

• misc.writing.screenplays: The Hollywood Writers Conference Report An outstanding contribution by Lawrence Gray, a writer and frequent participant in the misc.writing.screenplays newsgroup. Topics include agents, pitching, markets, copyright, mythology in story, and much more. To save time (and bandwidth) you can download a compressed zip file(34K) of all those messages in text form. You can also read the online version here, but be forewarned that it is a rather large file (90K).

• misc.writing.screenplays: The Most Common Screenwriting Mistakes A great example of the unique value of a Usenet discussion group like m.w.s. One simple question led to a substantial, detailed discussion by people of varied backgrounds, identifying commonly recurring problems in screenplays -- and how to avoid making them in yours. A concise, edited version of that thread (38K) has been reformatted and preserved here for easy reference.

• SCRNWRiT listserv FAQ Start at the SCRNWRiT home page, and follow the menu options from there. The site will also tell you how to subscribe to the listserv itself.

If you wish to participate in any Usenet newsgroup, ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) about Usenet, and get their help in subscribing to the group. Depending on your installation, with some browsers and some ISPs, you can go directly to the m.w.s. newsgroup from here. (NOTE: there is a pretty high chance of getting an error message with that link. I can't help you if that happens.) Also, more Internet etiquette: Once you join, if you post a public message to a Usenet group, plan to go back soon afterward (within a day or two) to see the replies before they scroll off your news server.