Screenwriting : Writing my first script. by David N. Thomas

I've used FD exclusively during the past 3 decades. When it comes to script formatting - there are none better (many are worse). As I've moved into Directing and Producing; I still rely on it for its reports & I even have the Tagger (don't know if that's still available). Over years, FD has sort of become the de-facto industry standard. Also, their technical support has been excellent for me.

I recommend Final Draft. You'll produce an industry standard layout for your script, and use a number of useful reports to check on the health of your script / help you write it. I wouldn't be without the cast report for example, which I use to make sure I've called a character by the same name throughout. I'm always making mistakes there, so this report helps me get it right. You can save as a PDF as well as final draft format. I started using word for my first ever script. There is no comparison. It's so much easier with final draft.

Definitely read/compare current screenplays. Certain stylistics change over time (i.e., putting slug lines in bold), but you can experiment as long as you play within the rules.

How's it going, David N. Thomas? I like to use the Speech Control feature in Final Draft 12 when writing dialogue (sometimes when I write action paragraphs). You can hear your dialogue and action paragraphs out loud, which will help you catch problems in your dialogue or action.

I have FD 11 and I will say it does make things a bit easier to remember like character names, locations, and the like, and it auto formats.

it would be nice if it worked with Grammarly which is my fave Editing software as it catches ALL my SPAG errors as well as lets me know the "tone" of what I'm writing which for ME, is vital as some of my characters are meant to come off as pompous. And it helps to ensure I get that "condescending tone" right.

Death, taxes, and Final Draft. I'm going to be switching from DramaQueen to FD very soon. Thank you DQ. You served me well in the early days. Time to move on to new adventures.

Dan - stay with FD 9. I've noticed that FD 12 has a whole lot of little bells & whistles that are of little/no value to strictly writers.

I appreciate all the suggestions and input. I do my writing in my spare time. Maurice Vaughn: I have not seen that feature but will look for it…that really sounds like a great tool! Im about 30 pages into my script and think I am getting the hang of doing shots, ftransitions, and action stuff. The story I wrote that I am trying to adapt is about 300 pages. I realize that about half of it doesn’t need to be in the script version, but am not sure it it would be better as a tv or movie. I guess it doesn’t really matter until it is done.

Sorry, David N. Thomas, when you say "details to include", are you refering to the parts of your novel into the screenplay narrative? If so, I suggest extracting as much of your characters as possible. Many authors tend to think they need to show more action and visual elements for their screenplay to be more effective, but this is not exactly true. Those things can come later. Having interesting characters with depth would be my first focus. Who are they and why should I care? Maybe start by highlighing the areas of your book where the characters come to life and are the most vulnerable in key turning points. This is before writing the script. This is the outline to help you get there. You can create any world around that that offers eye candy and action to the screen. You might end up using only 10% of your book's content and that is still an adaptation.

Goran Zivanovic, I was meaning some of the past histories of the characters when I said that: their thoughts and feelings that can't always be converted to a script. I like making interesting characters, but am trying to figure out how to portray them in the script so it they are understood.

David N. Thomas The power of cinema allows screenwriters to convey thoughts and feelings into screenplays. If you look at devices such as Flashbacks, Montages, Symbolism, Motifs, etc. they are often used to reveal or explain things to the audience. I would use flashbacks sparingly though. Andrei Tarkovsky is a legend with revealing the inner thoughts of his characters without saying too much and using these methods to good use.

I do use flashbacks in the story itself, I guess I just need to portray them in the script when I come to the times they're needed.

Once, on trial cause the producer wanted me to do a re-write in it...good pusher to meet your deadlines :)

Yes, it's preference thicker compared to free SW (my favorite was "omit" I had a lot to throw out), but I don't use it commonly...I mostly use Trelby, free and exportable as FD...

Hi David N. Thomas I've never used it, I use Fade In. I'd love for you to keep us updated as to how the trial goes. If you manage to get hold of a free non-trial version, I'd love to know.

David N. Thomas, I use FD as well but wanted to mention a great printed resource to help you with the basics. I refer to "The Screenwriters Bible" by David Trottier for terminology, style guidelines, examples, etc. A shorter reference for quick samples is "Dr. Format Tells All" by the same author. I mainly take the second on travels in case I've forgotten or haven't learned a technique.

Maurice Vaughan thanks for the tip related to Speech Control. I have version 11 and will check to see if it's included. If not, might be worth the upgrade.

You're welcome, Cara Rogers.

Sorry, I use WriterDuet

@JuanDnDink I do all my initial writing by hand as well. Looking at that cursor just blinking at me makes me a bit wonky.

The best thing about FD is when I write a good script. Also, the voice thingy is cool for reading back your scripts. I started writing scripts in 2012 and used FD early on. The only thing I have to do with my old version is use Grammarly to really catch writing issues.

David, I recently started using Final Draft 12. I was really nervous when it was time to convert it to a PDF, however, it went well. Love that it formats!

I just finished writing the script but think I put way too much detail into it, and it came out right at about 250 pages...lol. I guess I still need to learn the difference between writing the story and the adaptation.

Congrats on finishing the script, David N. Thomas. First drafts are really long sometimes. No worries. You can cut pages during rewrites.

It is easier to subtract than add.

David, I feel your pain. I took over 400 pages and narrowed it to 120 but in rethinking it, I feel I lost some of what I wanted to capture. Trying to decide if a series would work out better. Working on that idea now. Love the challenge! FD is great! Would love to hear how you finish up. Maurice Vaughan I wasn’t aware of the speech control. Will check it out. Thank you.

You're welcome, Connie. It's under the "Tools "tab in Final Draft.

Thanks, Maurice!

You're welcome, Connie Barretta.