Can someone answer this for me - binder/brads

[phoenixstarr512]

Hello to all, I just need to know if scripts being submitted are supposed to be binded? Thanks

[ComicBent]

Yes, scripts being submitted to agents, production companies, etc., should be bound (i.e., bind them with brads through the top and bottom holes).

[Odocoileus virginianus]

www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=588&cPath= (http://www.writersstore.com/product.php?products_id=588&cPath=)


www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/Sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=ACC71505 (http://www.staples.com/Catalog/Browse/Sku.asp?PageType=1&Sku=ACC71505)


All your questions can be answered in the FAQ. Check it out.

[phoenixstarr512]

Thank you that was very helpful I thought thats what they were but I wasn't sure I never knew what they were called. However I still have a one more problem, it say for scripts 70-120 pages. I'm not sure if they'll hold my script. Even when I reformat and change my script to very tight it's still about 165 pages long. Right now I have it tight and it's 183 pages. I know it's long once i printed it out I was like " WTF?! what is this lord of the rings sheesh!" Still no matter how man times I go over it everybit seems necessary. I know I guess this why I should leave it to my agent but they seem to be a bit slow.

[Odocoileus virginianus]

Do a google search for ACCO 71506. These are 1 1/2" brads, the next size up from 71505 (1 1/4").

If you have an agent, you should ask him or her for submission guidelines.

What's your target market? If it's the Hollywood film industry, 183 pages is too long. Feature films scripts are normally between 100 and 130 pages, and formatted according to the industry standard:
www.screenwriting.info/ (http://www.screenwriting.info/),
www.scriptwritingsecrets.com/contents.htm (http://www.scriptwritingsecrets.com/contents.htm). www.scriptologist.com/Magazine/Formatting/formatting.html (http://www.scriptologist.com/Magazine/Formatting/formatting.html)


You should figure out what part of your story is the best, the most important, the most cinematic, and cut the rest.

[phoenixstarr512]

Thank you, you're very helpful:D It's funny as soon as I read what you wrote about the best part of the story I think I figured out which part I may be able to cut. I say may because it still is a very important part of the story. Even though hollywood scripts are usually 100-130 pages ,now that I think of it scripts like the Green mile and Lord of the rings had to be longer than that, weren't they?

[Cyfress]

I know this is slightly off topic but, I have a friend, whose roommate in college is a reader for a major studio, and I heard that everything sent in at least gets "looked at". Which means if you hook them, entertain them, and then move them, that script could be binded with chewing gum. You're getting a call.

[Pen Dragon]

183 pages is way too long. You can cut 50-60 pages and lose nary an important story beat, trust me. There's no excuse for 183 pages.

Take a deep breath and start trimming.

[Pen Dragon]

The copies of Green Mile and LOTR I have are under 140 pages.

Most of us have been there with the superfluous over 175 page count at some point I'm sure. And thought we could get away with "I can't find a way to cut it, someone else will have to" too.

Face the truth and start chopping and tightening. It's your catharsis as a new writer. Stubborness in doing so is your first deadly sin.

[phoenixstarr512]

Hey one more stupid question ok with the binding I know to use the brads but um do I punch 2 holes or 3? 3 right?

[refriedwhiskey]

The only stupid question is the one you don't ask, right?

Punch three holes in the standard spots, but just brad the top and bottom holes.

Why? No one knows.

[refriedwhiskey]

All I can figure is it's for the convenience of the person who has to take the script apart to photocopy it. Two brads are easier to take out and replace than three. Same reason screw-type fasteners are frowned on, even though they look really nice.

[phoenixstarr512]

Ahhhh, I see. okay let me ask you another question if you have an agent cover letter should that be placed inside the envelope with the script or attached separately, and should a separate synopsis be sent along with the script? I hope I'm not being a pain in your butt.:rolleyes

[Optimus Maximus]

Well, you only send the script to an agent if they've requested it. And, they'll only request it (hopefully) if you've already phone-pitched it to them or sent them a query letter. And, if you've phone-pitched or queried them then they already know the synopsis.

Has someone already requested to read your script? If not, don't worry about a cover letter, or even sending the script to anyone for that matter.

You must first query the agents (a letter asking if they'll read your script). If you just send your script, they'll either send it back unopened or trash it.