Double space before Scene Heading?

[GreatOz]

I've recently switched from Scriptware to Final Draft (don't like FD, but everybody seems to have it!) Anyway, in their literature they state that it's now the standard to double space in front of scene headings. True or false? I've got several recently produced screenplays and all of them still follow single spacing.

[Deus Ex Machine]

Double spacing (one single blank line before a slugline) is standard.

Triple spacing (two blank lines before a slugline) is in vogue but not what would be considered "standard".

These things are like any trend or fashion, some stay longer than others. Now what do you think of my parachute pants?

[refriedwhiskey]

Hamma time.

I've seen scripts that do it, and scripts that don't. I don't do it, because it can inflate your page count a little bit.

[dk23]

I think I prefer the look of triple spacing -- scene headings easily get lost in the shuffle otherwise -- but it [gut] feels like a cheap way of getting extra lines/pages in. Although, if you look at the extra line as a temporary place holder for CUT TO's in the shooting version of the script (which serve the same purpose as far as making the slugs stand out more), it really doesn't change things much at all.

Dan

[RatWriter]

I found the following site that actually describes it all.

simplyscripts.com/format.html (http://simplyscripts.com/format.html)

It answers your question in BOLD CAPS so I guess it must be important. ;)

[Salazkin]

I'd defer to comicbent, who says it doesn't matter. Though I'll just add that I've had several professional readers remark "what's with the double spacing (one blank line) before slugline? Some sort of default setting in the latest software" type remark. Apparently many consider it amateurish and unaesthetic. I went to triple spacing (two blank lines) before slugs and, personally, I think it looks better. Even if you do follow that advice, use double spacing before secondary headings.

[ifelldownandicantgetup]

Is the correct way to format a script these days. It helps the reader see more clearly where one scene ends and another begins which can be difficult if you write short paragraphs.