Resources
Other Areas of focus:
Where can I find a step by step account of formatting a screenplay?
A good place is within the web site of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The guidelines around The Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting provide an effective template. The writing itself is dumb but the formatting is on target. http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html
Where can I find some examples of produced screenplays that are true to form?
Simply Scripts reproduces many forms of dramatic writing: not only screenplays, but television scripts, stage plays and musicals. http://www.simplyscripts.com/
Should I use a screenwriting program?
Perhaps. There are a number of good ones available. You can currently download a version of Sophocles for free. http://www.sophocles.net/download.asp But while it ideally will make it easier to move elements around on the page, just know that it isn’t necessarily going to make your writing any better.
How can I protect my work?
The best way is by registering your script (or even concept or idea) through The Writers Guild of America. www.wgawregistry.org This service is provided to members and non-members alike. It’s not a great investment and it may contribute greatly to your peace of mind.
Where can I find a good selection of Resources for Screenwriters?
Go to http://www.writerswrite.com/screenwriting/scrnlink.htm
There, you’ll find:
Articles and Interviews
Books for Screenwriters
Film Databases and Resources
Film Festivals
Film Releases
General Screenwriting Resources
Movie Clips and Soundbytes
Newsletters and Mailing Lists
Organizations for Screenwriters
Producers
Screenwriting Chat/Discussion
Screenwriting Publications
General Writing Resources
Research Resources for Writers
Classifieds: Contests and Services
Is William Goldman the greatest screenwriter who ever lived?
Probably not, but he’s arguably the most successful. I certainly have a warm spot for him in my writing heart. Here is an interview with him, conducted by Charlie Rose.
http://www.charlierose.com/shows/1997/01/07/2/an-interview-with-william-goldman |
