Totally new, a few tips!

Hey guys,

I'm new here and was just after some of the very basic pointers. I've read around abit on the sticky threads and such and still didn't find what I was looking for.

Maybe I just didnt look hard enough on the boards or around the website, but it could be helpful if there was some kind of glossary of script terms. Stuff like 'int' and other things I have seen on scripts and not got a clue what it means.

It is possible that someone who doesn't know such terms should not be script writing but I'm giving it a bash because I've just graduated, have no idea what to do with my life, inexperience and the recession is hampering my job possibilites and I have quite good idea for a sitcom.

Anyway, if people could point out any places where there is a glossary of terms, or even just stick them all in the thread it could be useful to other such useless hopefulls as myself.

We've all got to start somewhere.

Not sure where there is a glossary of script terms? But to start you off: INT. = Interior (inside location).

I prefer his brother, Elvis.

Quote: Griff @ July 9 2009, 1:07 PM BST

Second-hand copies available for 73p on Amazon.

Other screenwriting books are available.

View original

This is a good starting point too - How to be a Sitcom Writer - Marc Blake.

http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/node/2000004

I'm not giving a tip on script writing.

But if you're writing comedy - then one thing counts, be funny.

There's not many abbreviations you really need to know, and most of them are fairly self-explanatory.

But the absolute best advice is to read a bunch of sitcom scripts and copy what they do.

Use Google, and try to make sure you're getting the original scripts, rather than transcripts (produced by fans) or shooting scripts (which contain more technical information than you need.

Thanks for the quick replies guys. 73p is pushing my student budget, but is plausible Being funny is a one of the things I had already worked out also! Not bad for a beginner.

Quote: Joseff @ July 9 2009, 1:14 PM BST

http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/node/2000004

View original

That's good, but then he totally blows it by spelling "sergeant" wrong.

Quote: Joseff @ July 9 2009, 1:14 PM BST

http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/node/2000004

View original

I never even noticed that on the site - even though I've completed it two years running.