2 Formatting Qs...

[International Male]

1) In the beginning of a script, is it necessary to write "CREDITS" to indicate where credits begin rolling? Some scripts I've read have it, some don't. What's preferred?

2) Is it necessary to capitalize the characters' names every time they're written in narration or just the first time, and do I have to capitalize personal pronouns "HE" "SHE" etc.? Again, I've seen it done both ways, but I need to know what the prefered style is, so I don't look like the amateur that I am.

Thanks!

[StRogue]

Credits- not necessary to place.

Intro of characters must be in all CAPS, but not after that (i.e. GEORGE, then to George) No need to cap pronouns.

Check some scripts online to get an idea how it works.

Charli

[International Male]

Thanks!

[RatWriter]

>Cover Sheet (thick stock paper)
Blank or Sreenplay title
>Title page has...
Script title
Author(s)
Contact address, phone #, e-mail
>Next page is screenplay FADE IN:
>Last page of screenplay FADE OUT:
>Cover Sheet (thick stock paper)

2) Capitalize the first time only in action statements

[International Male]

OK, another Q or 2:

What about adding songs in scenes? I'm 99% certain that you're NOT supposed to, but I'm writing a comedy and certain tunes lend themselves to accenting the humor. For example, I'd write: 2 Live Crew's "Funk Shop" BEGINS.

Also, should I cap the word BEGINS in a sentence like that, and whenever I use WE SEE, should I cap the WE SEE?

Boy, am I a novice...

[RatWriter]

Adding songs is fine. Details of getting it into a production are down the road.

Use caps sparingly, usually when a specfic word is crucial to the seen.

[Hitchiker4]

To your first question:

I have gotten a screenplay turn down because of capitalizing character names-for the first time. I guess it really depends on the person, but you should always remember not to bother the reader with unnecessary distractions.

That would also applies to regular words-don't capitalize anything unnecessary. Besides, when you said: (WE SEE)-you are not suppose to write your screenplay like that.

Good luck.

[RyRy]

A thought on these formatting questions. There are basic conventions in screenwriting, but few hard and fast rules. If a producer would turn down a kick ass script because someone capped or didn't cap something, you don't want to be in business with them anyway. Read William Goldman's screenplays. They follow few, if any, of the conventions. Read stuff by Jon Cohen and Joe Gangemi, two guys who sell stuff for big bucks. They follow conventions to a point, but they don't let rules get in the way of storytelling.

The bottom line is, the conventions of screenwriting, especially today, are a broad canvas where about the only hard and fast must-haves are slug lines. Sure, starting out you don't want to create your own format, but don't let format restrict getting the story into the head of whoever is reading your script.

[International Male]

Cool! Thanks guys! Points taken.

[Dragonslayer02]

Credits are not necessary, but if you've got a good idea like what was in "The Fugitive" or simply just something you love, then go with it. Until you get paid for the spec, it's all yours so do what you like.
You'd do it something like this.

SUPER MAIN TITLES. Roll credits.

your cool idea.

END CREDITS.


or you could do it in reverse


Roll credits.

your cool idea.

SUPER MAIN TITLES.

END CREDITS.