version 0.6 Last Revised September 2000
Compiled by Christopher Owen; updated by Rich Wilson
This document © Christopher Owen 1997-2000. This file is not public domain.
It may be used and shared freely, but should not be published either
physically or electronically, posted on the WWW, or distributed via
gopher or any other public means.
Any suggestions for changes or revisions to this document should be
addressed to Chris Owen at icebird@ibm.net
Acknowledgements go to the numerous regular contributors to
misc.writing.screenplays. This document reflects only a fraction of
their accumulated wisdom, without which this document would not be
possible. Thanks also go to the webmasters who have spent time and
money archiving information useful to the screenwriting community.
Revision History
0.6 Again updated web links and changed text accordingly.
0.5 Updated web links as sources moved or changed URLs.
0.4 Removed question 2.9. Updated links. Added copyright notice.
0.3 Added new location for FAQ files.
0.2 Revised page lengths for television episodes.
Added definitions (Q 2.5).
Contents
1.1 What is the purpose of this document?
1.2 What is misc.writing.screenplays?
1.3 Where can I find out more information?
1.4 Are there real writers in misc.writing.screenplays?
2.1 What font should I use?
2.2 Should I put anything on the cover?
2.3 How long should my script be?
2.4 How many brads should I use?
2.5 What is a: pitch? spec script? treatment?
2.6 What is the best/cheapest software?
2.7 What does "$x versus $y" mean in script sales.
2.8 I'm a producer/agent looking for scripts. Can I post here?
1.0 General Questions
1.1 What is the purpose of this document?
This document is a temporary extension of the existing Frequently
Asked Questions file. It provides an introduction to the
misc.writing.screenplays newsgroup, briefly answers some repreatedly
asked questions not covered in the main FAQ, and provides links to
some sources of additional information.
1.2 What is misc.writing.screenplays?
Misc.writing.screenplays (typically abbreviated m.w.s) is an
unmoderated Usenet discussion group about screenwriting, for both film
and television, and related industries. Topics frequently discussed
include the creative process, the mechanics of writing (best software,
how to protect your work), marketing your writing (how to get an
agent, most useful competitions to enter) and discussion of movies in
general (but usually from a writer's perspective).
1.3 Where can I find out more information?
More information is available at the Screenwriters and Playwrights
page, compiled by Charles Deemer.
http://www.teleport.com/~cdeemer/scrwriter.html
This site contains specific screenwriting information, and links to
other useful sites.
The Frequently Asked Questions file can be found at the following
site. A link is also provided to the FAQ of the SCRNWRIT mailing list.
http://www.online-communicator.com/faqs.html
Remember to also check out Deja.com (formerly called DejaNews).
Your question may have been asked before. Use the "power search"
feature to fine-tune your quest.
http://www.deja.com/usenet
1.4 Are there real writers in misc.writing.screenplays?
A wide variety of people post to misc.writing.screenplays, from
aspiring wannabees halfway through the first script, to people with
extensive writing backgrounds in other fields, to writers working in
the feature film and television industries. Lurk for a while and
you'll learn who the voices of experience are.
2.0 Specific Screenwriting Questions
2.1 What font should I use?
Use a 12 point, 10 character per inch, monospaced Courier equivalent.
Courier, Courier New, or a substitute resident in your printer are all
acceptable. Proportional spaced fonts such as Times are not.
2.2 What should I put on the cover?
The cover should be blank. It can be heavier card stock, either white
(or very light shade), or black. The title page (first page of your
screenplay) should contain the title, your name, copyright notice and
contact details. No artwork on the cover, repeat, no artwork.
2.3 How long should my script be?
In a correctly formatted screenplay, one page of script is estimated
to be equivalent to one minute of Screentime. Feature film scripts
should therefore be between 90 and 120 pages long. Television
requirements vary depending on format - hour long dramas are typically
between 50 and 60 pages (though requirements for individual shows
vary). Three-camera sitcoms use a different format and are usually
between 45 and 49 pages.
2.4 How many brads should I use - two or three?
This question has got far too much attention. Either is acceptable.
Solid brass brads are best if you can find them. Make sure they're the
right length.
2.5 What is a: pitch? spec script? treatment?
Pitch: a verbal presentation given to producers to convince them to
pay you to write a script.
Spec script: a screenplay written on "speculation", in which you hope
to sell the finished product. Opposite of assignments, where money is
paid in advance.
Treatment: a prose synopsis of your screenplay. Can vary between five
and twenty pages or more in length.
2.6 What is the best/cheapest software?
There are many different software options available to screenwriters,
from add-ons to popular word processing packages to full featured
stand-alone programmes. The sites below contain links and reviews of
available software.
http://www.teleport.com/~cdeemer/Software.html
http://www.online-communicator.com/swsoftin.html
The following site sells commercial screenwriting software. Demos are
available.
http://www.starcomp.net/
Jeff Miholer has a page on how to create your own templates.
http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~miholer/template.html
2.7 What does "$x versus $y" mean in script sales?
The first figure is the amount paid to the writer upfront when the
deal is signed. The second figure represents the total amount the
writer will be paid (before agents fees, tax and so on are subtracted)
if and when the movie goes into production. Receiving the full amount
is usually contingent on credit; if the script is substantially
rewritten by another writer the back end (the money paid later) will
be less.
2.8 I am a producer/agent looking for new material. Can I post here?
Yes, we encourage it. However guidelines have been written in order
for you to receive a script that meets your needs, and to protect
writers on this forum..
http://gladstone.uoregon.edu/~miholer/scripts.html
Please direct questions about the misc.writing.screenplays newsgroup to the group itself. If you need help, contact your Internet provider for more information about subscribing to, and using, Usenet newsgroups.