INTRODUCTION: The following compilation of articles mainly focus on screenwriting. Formatting guideline are important for screenwriters, because a seasoned producer quickly spots a novice filmmaker. There are obvious and subtle clues that show a writers’ weakness.

INDEX:

1. How to write Sound Effects in a Script - StudioBinder

2. Everything Screenwriters Need to Know About Transitions - Nashville Film Institute

3. Screenplay Format: Everything You Need To Know - StudioBinder

4. Screenplay Format - Wichita State University

5. How to Write A Movie Review: 9 Essential Tips - New York Film Academy

6. Ryan Gosling & Alec Baldwin in an excerpt from "Seduced and Abandoned" by James Toback - YouTube

7. A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet - StudioBinder

How to write Sound Effects in a Script

Kyle DeGuzman; August 21, 2022

When learning how to write sounds in text it is important to first note if the sound is important to the plot. If the sound is important to the scene, such as the sound of a gun shot that causes characters to run, then it is typically written in an action line in all capitalized letters.

When using the StudioBinder screenwriting app, select the “Action” icon in the top toolbar. Write out the action and when the story comes to the sound effect, write the sound effect in all capitalized letters. Because these sound effects fall under the category of diegetic sound, they should be written as onomatopoeia rather than the description of the sound effect itself. For example, rather than writing sounds like “gunshot” write “bang”.

Source URL: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/how-to-write-sound-effects-in-a-script/

Everything Screenwriters Need to Know About Transitions

Ken Miyamoto; Updated July 1, 2021

Screenplay transitions were cues to the editing team that communicated how transitions between shots were to be handled.

CUT TO was a simple direction that stipulated the literal cut from one scene to another — usually, but not always, referring to a location change as well.

In older scripts, you would find such a transition between every new scene.

Variations began to show up, dictating artistic but technical transitions ranging from FADE IN to FADE OUT and especially DISSOLVE TO, which was a prevalent transition as films like Citizen Kane pushed the boundaries of art meeting the technology of film.

Source URL: https://screencraft.org/blog/everything-screenwriters-need-to-know-about-transitions/

Screenplay Format: Everything You Need To Know

Nashville Film Institute; Accessed 6-13-23

Fade in: This is the starting point of every script. It’s when the figurative “curtain” lifts and the story begins. This transition phrase should only be used once at the very beginning of your script, right before the first scene heading or scene description paragraph. The phrase should be in all caps and end in a colon to indicate continuation as the story begins to unfold, as such — FADE IN:

If your story starts with a voice-over or a sound effect before the audience sees any visuals, you can begin the script with OVER BLACK, then write the character’s voice-over as CHARACTER NAME (V.O.) and the line or just write the sound effect in the action line. Once your story introduces a visual, that’s when you can use “FADE IN:” to officially begin.

Source URL: https://www.nfi.edu/screenplay-format/

Screenplay Format

Wichita State University; Accessed 6-13-23

1 1/2 inch left margin.

1 inch right margin.

Capitalize the names of characters when they f first appear in the narrative and each time they speak.

Capitalize sounds, special effects, and specialized props. (This assists a production manager in analyzing and budgeting the script.

Source Url: https://www.wichita.edu/services/mrc/documents/Screenplay_Format_Examples.pdf

How to Write a Movie Review: 9 Essential Tips

New York Film Academy; April 7, 2023

Many casual filmgoers will be inspired to see a movie if a favorite actor is in it, so you should probably spend a little space talking about the performances. Does the film feature a seasoned actor in a new kind of role or a brilliant performance from a rising star? How was the acting? Feedback about how well the actors handled the script, the dynamics in an ensemble, and so much more can help describe how the actors did in any given film.

8. Reread, rewrite, and edit. Edit your work. Your opinions will not be taken seriously if you misspell the director’s name or can’t put together a grammatically correct sentence. Take the time to check your spelling and edit your piece for organizational flow.

9. Find your voice. The best reviewers have a distinct personality that comes across in their writing. This does not happen overnight, so take every opportunity to write as an opportunity to develop your own style and voice that will grab the reader’s attention and keep them coming back for more.

Source URL: https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/9-tips-for-writing-a-film-review/

Ryan Gosling & Alec Baldwin in an excerpt from "Seduced and Abandoned" by James Toback

YouTube; Feb 17, 2014

'Drive' heartthrob Ryan Gosling gives an entertaining insight into the perils of the Hollywood audition in this clip, also featuring Alec Baldwin, from award-winning director James Toback's latest documentary "Seduced and Abandoned”.

Source URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3ea9teCPv0

A Better Film Crew List Template Booking Sheet

Darya Danesh; October 1, 2019

Production contact lists tend to be pretty simple (name, role, email, phone). But what about all the other details you’ll need to commonly keep track of for cast and crew (i.e. day rates, paperwork status, agent contact info, wardrobe sizes, etc.)? How about vendors, props, or rentals?

Source URL: https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/film-crew-list-template/#the-rental-sheet