Quote: Tim Walker @ April 1 2010, 12:50 AM BSTAs I say, I'm grateful for your validation, Bill, but I'm going to have to turn you down I'm afraid.
That wisna' an offer! 
just a comment on how sex seems to come last in my list of things done...
Camera Directions in Screenplays Page 3
Hang on...so if you're writing a sitcom that isn't studio based...still new page per scene? Because it's a sitcom. Right?
No? Hm?
Yep, see what you mean...
If you're writing for a multi(3)-camera, studio based sitcom then, as Bill says, best to start a fresh page for every scene.
For single camera sitcom, you're at your own discretion to a degree. I tend to write everything that's single camera in a screenplay format now, but I used to use a sitcom template, just altering it not to start a new page with every scene.
Certain production companies have their own preferred format, but the bottom line is that if it looks like a script and is easily readable, then don't worry too much. Content, rather than appearance, will mainly affect whether your script progresses.
If we were on a predominantly screenwriters-orientated message board, the arguments about layout and structure would no doubt be more tortuous and pointless. Bottom line, does it look like a script? If it does, then don't worry so much. 
EDIT: If you're still worried then, after you complete your script, just show it to someone with some background in this scriptwriting business and let them ease your mind about it. 
It looks like a lot of notes scribbled on about 50 sheets of scrap paper plus a few pages that look a bit like a script.
You're right, format isn't really what I should be concerned about right now...
Well, at least you've got some notes and ideas, that's always a good start!
Best of luck with it.
Cheers, thanks for help.
Quote: Tim Walker @ April 1 2010, 1:17 AM BSTthe bottom line is that if it looks like a script and is easily readable, then don't worry too much. Content, rather than appearance, will mainly affect whether your script progresses.
This. If you're writing a sitcom, don't get so hung up on the format, it's a waste of your time, get hung up on the actual content.
I agree. I just wanted to know as a general point, really, so I'd feel like I knew what I was doing in future!
There's so much angst about formats - and so many people more than willing to set out the rules - that pretty soon 'perfect formatting' will be the sure sign of a rank amateur and will mean intant consignment to the slush pile.
The only stuff that will get looked at will be written in crayon on the back of a napkin.
By the way, anyone know where you can get U.S. 6" x 10" napkins, double-punched in 80gsm?
I think it's so important to get things right. 
In my more cynical moments (yes, I do have them), I occasionally think that some people bang on about format and other presentation issues because it helps to distract and postpone them from actually getting the frigging writing done.
Although I'm sure (around here) format discussions are pretty innocent, offering friendly advice and expressing genuine concerns, for some people they become the writers' equivalent of spending a lot of time making a 'To Do' list (but not getting anything done), or drafting an elaborate 'Revision Timetable' (instead of actually studying).
I'd probably agree actually: advanced procrastination. I do write often but I'm pretty bad for this really.
Quote: sglen @ April 1 2010, 10:58 AM BSTI'd probably agree actually: advanced procrastination. I do write often but I'm pretty bad for this really.
I wasn't meaning you, trust me. 
Quote: Tim Walker @ April 1 2010, 10:59 AM BST
Don't touch me!
No, I know you didn't. It just so happens I was thinking of this myself last night: I tend to get overly interested in minor details if I'm a bit worried about a script Reckon a lot of people have the same reaction so this probably is at the heart of a lot of formatting questions!
Quote: sglen @ April 1 2010, 8:08 AM BSTI agree. I just wanted to know as a general point, really, so I'd feel like I knew what I was doing in future!
Also read what I said at some length in: https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/5583/
Not being allowed to show camera actions is a major problem for writers of visual based comedy/drama (that's me, for one). I've never found out how you get round this problem. Anyone here read any 'silent' vis com screenplays like The Plank or Mr Bean? How does an unknown writer convey what they want to happen without putting the camera actions in? Is there a way round it, does anyone know, please?