Decrease the Risk of Getting Nixed- Part 1

Or, Rules of the Road for New/Emerging Screenwriters.

Over the coming weeks, we will be discussing the rules that new/emerging screenwriters are required to follow when formatting their screenplay. Please note that these are not in any particular order of importance!

This guide is a collection of screenwriting style and composition rules, compiled over a long period of time. It is part of the collective collaborations of many different voices. I don't take credit for these rules, instead, offering them as generalized guidelines and reminders. The rules, although universal and finite, are often applied subjectively by experienced writers, and may be demanded or ignored by individual readers. Generally speaking, if you have not sold a screenplay that was subsequently made into a wide-release film, you need to follow these rules. Disregard them at your own peril! As always, if you have comments, corrections, and/or general thoughts, feel free to contact us! Now- OFF TO THE RACES!

  • ONLY USE FADE IN FOR THE VERY BEGINNING, AND FADE OUT FOR THE VERY END
    Don’t mistake "fade in" and "fade out" for scene transitions. They are very different. "FADE" is used solely for the start and end notifications for your screenplay.

 

Posted in Screenwriting Articles, Screenwriting Tips and Ideas Tags: formatting, screenwriting rules
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