Screenwriting : Spec script format by Doug Nelson

There are some spec scripts that were picked up for production available online... I'm a fan of TV and horror, so I'm posting the original spec script for the 'Penny Dreadful' pilot episode, written by John Logan:

http://www.zen134237.zen.co.uk/Penny_Dreadful/Penny_Dreadful_1x01_-_Pilot.pdf

For me, it's been a great example to work off of.

Those who are fans of the series will hopefully enjoy the juxtaposition of this original script and what actually made the final cut of the aired pilot.

Dan M I've tried to find those scripts to no avail. You got any links?

Kelly, your link didn't work.

Dan, New/Beginning writers are most likely unaware of the Blacklist nor are they willing to pay the money for the subscription rate.

Jody, I couldn't find them either.

My intent with this discussion is to simplify what at first seems like a very daunting process to new screenwriters without sending them off down some spooky dark alley all by themselves.

I agree with Dan, the Black List scripts are theoretically the best scripts from last year, they are usually spec scripts so don't suffer from production mark-ups as Doug calls out.

But reading these scripts, or Doug's, will reveal that the idea of a using a script as an example of 'correct format' has inherent problems.

For example, the use of Fade In, the first element (after title page) of a script, two words, should be easy to get this 'correct', right?

Well I've just opened a bunch of scripts (and Doug's), here's what I found.

1) Some scripts omit it entirely.

2) Some BOLD it.

3) Some have it as FADE IN, some as FADE IN: , some ass FADE IN, (with comma)

4) I've seen it on both the left and right of the page.

My understanding is that 'normal' is

FADE IN:

On the left of the page, only BOLD if you intend to bold the rest of your scene headings.

BUT, would any of the other formats I listed stop a reader from looking at your script? I don't think so.

So read a bunch of scripts, adopt the formatting that you feel most comfortable with and use something like Trottier's Screenwriting Bible for formatting questions, his advice is always sensible and is as close to 'correct' as I personally think you'll get.

Most importantly... concentrate on writing a good story!

2014 Blacklist scripts - https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=761552750606214&id=138575689570593

2015 Blacklist scripts - https://www.reddit.com/r/Screenwriting/comments/3wupv0/black_list_2015_s...

@ Doug, hmmmmm... Not sure what the problem is... I just tried to edit the link to the main index, which includes the pilot and a few other episodes, but that didn't work either. I notice that I have to type out web links... I cannot copy and paste them. Perhaps that's part of the problem?

Well, the BL Annual Industry Survey is not a list of "the best" unproduced spec scripts for a given year, but rather "the most liked." ;) And the Annual Survey has nothing to do with the BL monthly-fee, script-listing website database; same brand, two services. The Annual Survey lists are posted for free. Any writer, new or otherwise, can find the list or lists from various years and read loglines. ...Now the scripts themselves are a little trickier to get a hold of, usually through connections. ;)

And I completely agree with Anthony... because there is NO one way to write a screenplay. Everything is subjective. New writers just have to roll up their sleeves, dive in, and learn from various sources and resources. There's a lot to absorb. No doubt! :)

Me, I find and read all kinds of specs from different writers from different countries from different levels—amateur to professional—just through general searches online, here on S32, on SimplyScripts.com. There's ScriptRevolution.com too. Plus scripts are passed around. :)

Write. Write. Write. 4 hours today!

So far, I guess it's not to be. I don't know why, but I'm guessing; New/beginning screenwriters may be too shy to ask the simple questions or feel intimidated -so sad. I see the same ole' advice over and over - go download a script and figure it out kid. It ain't gonna happen. Simple questions like why Courier 12 point, (what is 12 point), should I put description in scene headings - why not, why the three elements in a scene heading...?

I can only conclude that Stage 32 is not geared toward education (other than selling its stuff). So sad; I'll stop by occasionally but my willingness to help new/beginning screenwriters has worn a little thin.

Doug - I'm confused, your advice was in essence 'go download my script' it's good for a learning aid, other people chipped in and said, yep read scripts as learning aids, and here's some to more read.

Haven't we all kind of agreed with each other that reading well formatted scripts is a good way to learn and improve your own script?

The lack of questions here from newbies, well, you can lead a horse to water but...

I don't think there are too many active users here who don't already know how to format a script.

Ok If you're looking for some good examples of screenplays from people trying to break in that have been recognized as doing it well, the WGA has some good examples of such in their "Writer Access" program. There are two links with screenplays: TV and Feature:

TV Scripts

and

Feature Scripts

On the TV link you will need to go to the bottom of the page and click on the links for the different years (as 2017 is in process I don't think you can read the screenplays yet for this years but you can for 2016, 2015, etc.). Then under each person's name will be the link to their screenplay.

On the Feature Link you can click on the persons name on that page to get the 2016 screenplays and then at the bottom you have a link to 2015, 2014, etc.

All the screenplays there are good examples IMHO of what you want your screenplay to look like as a finished product.

Doug, always appreciate your contributions, your time, and your good intentions. But excuse me? Lol! We, the S32 community, people from a wide variety of experience and knowledge, answer all kinds of questions all the time. We offer to read each other's work. Share opinions and offer different points of view. Help where we can. Refer each other to additional information, resources, materials, books, contacts, websites, etc. Make recommendations. There were just recent posted questions about O.S., how to use INTERCUT, how to write a logline... This site is geared toward networking, relationship building, sharing ideas, and education. New writers are of all ages, not just "kids." What causes me pause is this notion that if you are a new writer, or an aspiring/intermediate writer, then you don't know anything or are completely incapable or inept. That's simply not true. Blanket statements aren't helpful. Give individual people the benefit of the doubt. Many are quite serious and come to the table with other professional and life experience. Sure, some may not be familiar with some aspects and elements of screenwriting, but they're learning and discovering as they go. Plus there is far more to screenwriting than basic formatting. How 'bout craft? ;)

Well said Beth Fox Heisinger. "Yes, as I am as serious as can, sir." May we all be a well of knowledge for each other. Any tips on pitching, resources and other stuff.

Ditto!

I kinda expected it to go like that, but it's disappointing to an old fossil that I have out lived my usefulness. It saddens me to realize that my experience and knowledge is of no value to the new/beginning screenwriters so I'll do what worthless old retired people do; go out in the garden and intimidate a few weeds. I apologize for wasting your all's time.

No, no! As I said, always appreciate your contributions, Doug. Your experience IS valuable—of course!!! We're all just trying to add to your thread, share additional perspectives, and point out that that's what the community is all about: sharing experience and knowledge. It's great to see you around the Lounge commenting on posts. I hope you continue to do so. ;)

Beth is right. Your experience IS valuable, Doug! I always read your posts. Lots of times you make me laugh out loud with the way you jokingly phrase things that I can relate to. And I actually do have a question that came up last night while reading a script in regard to format. In the scene heading, for example: INT. CABIN -- DAY. The question is about the dashes. Some scripts have them. Some do not. How important is it? And which is the industry preferred way?

You going through a little funk, Doug? This is quite a mood swing. Everyone here has said they appreciate what you bring to Stage32. You know you are not waiting anyones time so why the passive/aggressive apology? I suspect in a few hours (or maybe a day or two) you'll be bank to your old self and posting again.

lol I didn't realize that I had to hit the tab button on Final draft for that to come up. I usually just typed it in myself. I first began writing screenplays with Movie Magic Screenwriter and I believe it automatically gave the option of DAY or NIGHT with the dashes while I was typing the scene heading.

But, last night I was reading "Your Screenplay Sucks" (which is a helpful book---though harsh at times on how unforgiving a first reader can be) but there were no dashes on the examples that the author gave. (so far) So, I wasn't sure if it had changed since Movie Magic came out. Thanks. :-)

Awesome! It's good to be harsh on yourself when writing and move forward or you will never get anything done. Look for credible Story Analysts to read your draft and give feedback. Finish the first draft, then rewrite it again. Leave it for a week. Go cry. Go for a walk, get some friction in your life with some love making, go to the museum, a movie and then come back and tackle it again. Then send it to someone that knows more than you. Then repeat the writing, rewriting and then send it. Also, having your script read can have awesome benefits. As I was part of a group in NYC with a guy named Hy Bender (look him up). He wss like Hitler for screenwriting. This groups feedback was great! He would have actors, people off broadway come in and read your script Act 1 or 2. One act per sessions. Heaps of food, sexy actors/actresses and awesome people to confer with and make the script better. I actually got to take a leak next Christopher Walkin and had an interesting conversation about Purple urine. You can't make this up. Anyway, keep up the great work! Love you all.

Dan, LOL!

DOUG SITING: My sources tell me that a van loaded with filmmaking equipment and with a driver whose physical description fits Doug's has crossed the San Ysidro border and is headed into Mexico. Viva la director de cinema independiente!

Damn Border Patrol, can't keep nothin' secret no more.