So you want the scoop? The following is a basic explanation of the processes behind making a film.

Step 1: Writing the Script

Overcome with inspiration you set finger to keyboard and type madly for days. The result? A script. But before it will be taken seriously in Hollywood, you’ve got to make sure that you meet the minimum requirements. The following are the basic guidelines for making a script look professional.

The very first page of your script should be the cover page. The title is typed in underlined upper-case twenty-two spaces from the top (and that’s the top of the page, not the top of the upper margin). At twenty-six lines appear the words An Original Screenplay followed two lines later by the words By [Name]. In the lower right-hand corner of the page should appear your name and address (unless you have an agent in which case their name and address appears instead, preceded by the note Literary Representation: ), singled spaced in upper- and lower-case. In the lower left hand corner of the draft number (first, second, ect.) should be noted in all in all capital letters and underlined. On the line below this should be the date upon which that draft was completed.
On the first page of the screen play itself should be the title in underlined bold type seven spaces from the top. Five spaces below that should be the words "FADE IN:" and two lines below that should be your first scene.
All dialogue, description, and narrative is single-spaced and written in upper- and lower-case letters.
Double space between two pieces of dialogue, narrative, description, or any combination of the previously mentioned elements.
When used in with dialogue character names are typed in capital letters at 40 picas.
Example:
Columbus
Aw geez! Ya’ know I thought it didn’t look like India!
Dialogue directions and inflection cues appear in parenthesized italics at 35 picas.
Example:
Cameron
(exuberantly)
I’m king of the world!
Dialogue itself ranges in size from 30 to 60 picas and does not have a justified right margin.
Example:
Butcher
(gleefully)
This little piggy went to market!
This little piggy stayed home!
This little piggy had roast beef!
(you get the point)
The page number appears at 75 picas four spaces from the top of the page in the right hand corner.
Each subsequent page begins with the page number in the same place and three lines below that the first continued scene number.
And finally the easiest way by which to get all these somewhat involved details straight. Buy a copy of screenwriting software to do it for you. There are numerous programs that can be bought for under $100 and do the measuring so you can work on your story.
As to story-writing itself, practice is the greatest tool, yet instruction and a great deal of inspiration never hurt anybody either. Unfortunately we can’t offer you either of those things.

Filmmaking

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