Anyone got a definitive link to how a sitcom script should look?
Also line spacing etc?
I have read that once it is formatted in some way and is neat and legible, then it isn't a problem?
Formatting a script
Quote: al_gernon @ October 20 2008, 9:00 PM BSTI have read that once it is formatted in some way and is neat and legible, then it isn't a problem?
I'd stick with that... ask twenty writers how a script should be formatted and you'll get thirty three different answers and a two week long argument...
your best bet is either use something like Scriptsmart http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scriptsmart/index.shtml from the BBC or a FREE stand alone programme like Celtx http://www.celtx.com/
Remember what you send in will never be used... it will go through a 100 rewrites before it gets near a studio so as long as it readable, and action and dialogue is clearly defined you'll be okay.
kjs
Remember what you send in will never be used... it will go through a 100 rewrites before it gets near a studio so as long as it readable, and action and dialogue is clearly defined you'll be okay.
Where on earth does this nonsense come from? 100 rewrites? Think about it?
Quote: Marc P @ October 20 2008, 10:30 PM BSTWhere on earth does this nonsense come from? 100 rewrites? Think about it?
Sorry.... mistook this for a comedy writers site... attempted to use exaggeration to underline a thought....
I'll try again...
Most scripts... but I have no idea how many... will go through a number (unknown and impossible to specify) of rewrites before they go into production. It will of course depend on the quality of the original script, the production company, director, actors, effects crew, producers, commissioning TV company, as to the number, style, content and reason for the rewrites. The author of this message does not wish to imply that he knows exactly why a rewrite will be requested or that he has any knowledge as to the eventual number of rewrites. This advice is not binding and the author of this messsage takes no responsibilty for any action or outcome resulting from this message.
kjs
The best thing you can do is just make sure it's nice and easy to read in a clear font like Ariel, double spaced, with clear directions in CAPS and dialogue in lower case.
If it ever comes to being made into a shooting script it'll all be retyped by a secretary anyway so why cause yourself hassle?
Just make it funny.
For Fims & drama (Single Camera Stuff)Here are just two of many internet articles on Hollywood Script formats. They are much fussier that British production companies.
http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html http://members.shaw.ca/any-word/format.htm
Sitcom (studio) script formats (Three camera Stuff) are more varied, depending on which production company.
They generally look something like this, but without the Crib Page and in monochrome.
http://www.datahighways.net/dhl/downloads/w2000/OurAmericanCousin.PDF
That style is modelled on the information provided by the BBC in the form of Scriptspart samples.
Quote: KJSmyling @ October 20 2008, 10:51 PM BSTSorry.... mistook this for a comedy writers site... attempted to use exaggeration to underline a thought....
I'll try again...
Most scripts... but I have no idea how many... will go through a number (unknown and impossible to specify) of rewrites before they go into production. It will of course depend on the quality of the original script, the production company, director, actors, effects crew, producers, commissioning TV company, as to the number, style, content and reason for the rewrites. The author of this message does not wish to imply that he knows exactly why a rewrite will be requested or that he has any knowledge as to the eventual number of rewrites. This advice is not binding and the author of this messsage takes no responsibilty for any action or outcome resulting from this message.
kjs
The number of re-writes are in the contract. Writers know exactly how many there will be. And the notion that nothing of what you submit in a script will end up in the broadcast article is well... like I said before... well lets just say not well advised. Dangerously not well advised at that because it promotes the mistaken belief that companies aren't looking for a finished article in a non commissioned script, just something rough to work with. Which is why 99.9 percent of unsolicited stuff submitted isn't as good as it could be and gets binned. There are some people looking to 'foster' new talent but they are expecting you to do have done a lot of work yourself first.
Quote: Lee Henman @ October 20 2008, 11:24 PM BSTJust make it funny.
Yeah, but how?
Quote: Lee Henman @ October 20 2008, 11:24 PM BSTJust make it funny.
Quote: Marc P @ October 21 2008, 9:23 AM BSTYeah, but how?
By not taking everthing quite so serously....
did you really think that I was suggesting that it doesn't matter what you send in because none of it will make it into production.... the original query was about formatting not content, I think its safe to say that al_gernon will have the sense to send in only his/her bestest work, I assumed they wanted to make sure it did end up straight in the bin because it was laid out incorrectly...
Al_gernon.... take it from me... you can send in an old Ken Dodd routine, scribbled on the back of a gas bill because after a quinzillion rewrites it end up as a three part comedy-drama starring Martin Clunes... they always do....
kjs
Quote: Lee Henman @ October 20 2008, 11:24 PM BSTJust make it funny.
Quote: Marc P @ October 21 2008, 9:23 AM BSTYeah, but how?
Ah, that's a secret Mr P and I'll never tell! (Well I will when I find out myself...) 
Quote: Lee Henman @ October 21 2008, 1:48 PM BSTAh, that's a secret Mr P and I'll never tell! (Well I will when I find out myself...)
Chandler has a guy with a gun walk into a room whenever he was stuck. The comedy version of whipping out a weapon is I guess a knob gag.
Quote: Marc P @ October 21 2008, 2:34 PM BSTChandler has a guy with a gun walk into a room whenever he was stuck. The comedy version of whipping out a weapon is I guess a knob gag.
That's a terrible analogy. 
Quote: chipolata @ October 21 2008, 3:21 PM BSTThat's a terrible analogy.
Or is it in fact brilliant?
My problem is that I whip out knob gags even when I'm NOT stuck, as Mr Bussell will attest.
But knobs are funny. As are bumholes. And nobody will ever shake my faith in that solemn belief. NOBODY, do you hear?
There can be no doubting Lee's eagerness to cram a knob in anywhere it'll fit.