Comments on: Don’t Let These Problems Ruin Your Screenplay

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:27:53 +0000

Hi cweed63,
There's no need to include a slugline at the top of every page, regardless of whether you're writing a spec script or a shooting script. You only need to include a slugline at the beginning of each new scene. Even when a scene extends for several pages, you only use a slugline at the beginning of the scene. When the scene changes, you include a new slugline to indicate the new location and time of day.

Whenever the location changes, it's considered a new scene. Also, if you have two consecutive scenes in the same location but the first scene takes place in the morning and the next scene takes place at night, each scene would need its own slugline.

~ Kris

By: cweed63

cweed63 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:11:31 +0000

thank you....but to be clear you are saying there is no need for a slugline at the top of the next page if the scene is continued in the same place? with no disrespect i thought every page HAD to start/begin with a slugline (on a spec script) are you saying that is not the case?

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:14:19 +0000

Hi cweed63,
The slugline typically isn't repeated when the action extends to the next page. You can continue the action on the next page without prefacing it with a slugline or with a (CONTINUED) notation.

~ Kris

By: cweed63

cweed63 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:43:03 +0000

Sorry but with the "CONTINUOUS" question i just asked a little more detail...this is a spec script in consideration.

By: cweed63

cweed63 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:35:50 +0000

What about using continued on the same line as your slug line
if the action extends to the next page?
I havent seen this adressed anywhere...

FI: INT. BOAT - DAY (CONTINUED)

By: Rishen

Rishen — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:45:04 +0000

Hi Kris!
Thanks for the great advice thus far. I have a problem regarding the pacing of my work and i've found myself in a tricky situation.
I love ensemble pieces that follow three or four storylines, using dialogue as a potent tool. Unfortunately, using conventional methods, it takes too long to introduce my characters (according to many producers). To counter this, i've tried narration which works perfectly in many neo noir movies such as mine. Once again, this is something that attracts many frowns.
Some of the best ensemble pieces are detailed at the beginning but for a spec writer, producers just don't want to accept this type of writing. I'm considering throwing in the towel since i'm certain that this is the genre that i'm great at but unable to get producers to read beyond page 10.
Anyway, i'm sorry for the lengthy post. Thanks again.

By: Ariah Makhi

Ariah Makhi — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:35:02 +0000

Thank you so very much. I will certainly take a look at the ScriptFrenzy site, I'm sure it will put an end to any remaining questions I have on formatting. Thanks again for the wonderful advice!

By: Kris

Kris — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:15:23 +0000

Hi Ariah,

I've never heard of using a triple space for anything in a screenplay. Even when you are using a transition (CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO, etc.), it is followed by a double space rather than a triple space.

The ScriptFrenzy web site has a great article describing how each element in the screenplay should be formatted. Toward the end of the article, there is a list that indicates the appropriate spacing between each element. There is also a link at the bottom of the page where you can download a 10-page sample script in PDF format to use as an example.

~ Kris

By: Ariah Makhi

Ariah Makhi — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 22:28:58 +0000

Hello again Kris. I have a question after happening upon a very helpful screenplay analysis guide by Michael Ray Brown. I understand that its necessary to double space between slug lines and the previous and following action/description; however, I'm unsure if it still protocol to triple space before a new scene heading, or just stick with a normal double space to save room?

Mr. Brown's guide seems to be fairly up to date as it was last updated in 2008, yet I remember reading somewhere else that double spacing is the norm. Can you update me on what the standard is please? Thank you again for posting such informative blogs, I now follow your page with great anticipation.

With much gratitude,
Ariah

By: Kris

Kris — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:24:55 +0000

Hi RJ and Ariah,

Thanks so much for your comments! I'm glad you enjoyed the article and found it helpful.

~ Kris