Script
Common Story Problems
Formatting Questions
Copyright Questions
Common Story problems
Here are a few common problems that we come across on a regular basis when reading scripts. Before you submit your script take the time to ask yourself the following questions...
Who is the main character?
Most successful screenplays are built around ONE character that the audience meets at the start of the film and who is clearly the person who already has, or is about to have, a problem that will drive the action of the film.
You can write a film with more than one main character but be aware that this may dilute the emotional intensity of the film. If your film is multi-protagonist then what is giving it the unity it needs to feel like a film and not TV? (e.g. time, place, theme etc)
What is their journey?
In order to satisfy the audience the character has to have a problem that is clear to the audience, to struggle with it through the action of the film and to overcome it (or not) by the end of the film. This problem can be one that exists between them and another character, or something in their world that they have to change, or something inside themselves. A common problem is protagonists that face too few obstacles, or whose motivation is unclear
Are the "stakes" high enough?
In order for the central idea (the premise) of your film to be sufficiently compelling you must ensure that there is as much at stake for the character and/or their world as possible. Once you have identified the character’s problem ask yourself what will happen if they don’t solve it; if the answer is ‘not that much’ then the stakes aren’t high enough.
As the action develops make sure that the obstacles confronting the character build so that the hardest thing the character must do happens at the climax of the film.
Does the script have a consistent tone and genre?
Watch out for stories that start out as comedies and turn into dark moody dramas halfway through, and end as action thrillers. This is a sign that you’re unsure of who your audience is.
Have I really got inside my characters’ heads?
What is it that defines each of the main characters and how is this signaled to the audience? Are all the characters sufficiently different from each other? Don’t forget to introduce your main characters with more than just their name – give an indication of their age and appearance too.
Have I proofread my script?
Spelling and grammar mistakes detract from the story and make you seem unprofessional and careless.
Is the dialogue doing too much work?
Remember this is a film and that in movies actions speak louder than words. Avoid extensive expositional dialogue Also beware of dialogue that is too obvious or ‘on the nose’ by making use of subtext.
Is it credible?
The characters should make believable (‘real but unusual’) decisions – just like in real life.
Is it definitely a film?
Is your idea more suited to the stage, TV, radio or maybe a novel?
Am I trying to do the director’s job for them?
You don’t need to write camera directions – unless you are planning to direct it yourself. Even then, avoid extensive camera directions as they interrupt the flow of reading.
Formatting Questions
What is 'standard industry formatting' for scripts?
At the bottom of this page, there is a sample page of script from In My Father's Den which you can use as a template. Thanks to Producer Trevor Haysom for allowing us to reproduce this. Please remember to number the pages and date the draft. You don't need to put your name and copyright at the foot of every page.
What software can I use to write my script?
It's easiest to use dedicated scriptwriting software like Final Draft, Celtx (freeware), Zhura or Scripped (free online editor using your web browser). You can also use a text editor like Open Office or MS Word. The important thing is that the result is in standard industry format.
I'm using Final Draft to write my script and the title page appears with "(Name of Project) by (Name of Writer)", etc. How can I change this?
Each script file is automatically created with a title page which is embedded in the main script document and does not need to be saved separately. To customise your script's title page, open the script file and select "Document > Title Page". The generic title page will appear into which you can enter details of title, author, date etc. Close the title page (do not "Save As" to create a separate file), and save the script document. When you re-open the title page your amendments will have been saved.
What electronic format should I send my script in?
Please send your script in PDF format.
Can you accept electronic copies in MAC file formats?
If you are using a Mac please make sure the document has the appropriate filename extension, e.g. .pdf, .doc, etc.
Copyright Questions
Can I write a script which is an adaptation?
Yes but be aware that you will need to secure the rights if the original work is not out of copyright.
How can I copyright my idea?
Generally speaking, ideas cannot be protected by copyright - only the expression of those ideas in a certain form (e.g. notes, a treatment, script etc.) is protected by copyright.
How can I copyright my script?
In New Zealand (unlike, say, the US) there is no formal process for registration of copyright ownership of your work. Copyright automatically exists at the time of creation of the relevant work, for example, at the time you write the first treatment or script draft. However, you may wish to keep paper and electronic records of emails, correspondence, notes, treatments, previous drafts etc. relating to your script to help prove when copyright came into existence, You can also register your script with the NZ Writers Guild.
How long should my script be?
Normally a feature-length script will be no less than 85 pages and no more than 120 pages long.