Why the Fuss about Script Formatting?
Or, Let Them Eat Cake

By David Trottier

As Dr. Format, I'd like to answer the title question. I am asked this question a lot. I guess it's easy to get frustrated with formatting. I think the following comments will help, plus I'll provide some resources at the end. 

Formatting your script is like dressing it up for a job interview. Why show up in sloppy coveralls. 

Formatting is part of your presentation, and presentation is important. If I present a beautiful cake to you and you ask me for a piece, what will your reaction be if I grab some of the cake with my bare hands and slap it on the table in front of you? Are you doing that with your script? 

Formatting affects readability, another aspect of presentation. The story should be clear and evoke emotion in the heart of the reader. The last thing you want to do is distract the reader from the most important thing in the script--the content of your wonderful story. 

Formatting doesn't have to be perfect. As Dr. Format, I would sell more books if people believed formatting had to be perfect, but it does not. However, each reader has his or her individual tolerance level. Show that you care enough about your work to put in the effort to make both the content and the presentation praiseworthy. 

I realize that many industry people have their own ideas about the fine points of formatting and that there are differences of opinion. However, almost everyone agrees on basic spec script formatting. Show them you have made the effort to use good format and you will make the good first impression you want to make. 

I also realize that most scripts available to read are shooting scripts, which will be in the same general format as specs, but may contain a lot of technical stuff (camera angles, numbered scenes, CAPPED props, and so on) that will not appear in your spec script. Look for spec scripts and spec script instruction. And check out the resources at the end of this article. 

Formatting is the language of screenwriting. You can impress agents, producers, readers, and other pros by writing in the language of the industry. Show them you're a pro, too. 

Finally, understanding formatting (the language of screenwriting) will actually help you write a better screenplay. Although your formatting may not be perfect, a chocolate cake seldom is either. But your presentation will help make the “read” a most excellent sensory experience. 

So, keep writing (in correct format)….

Read two successful screenplays written in correct format 

Visit the Dr. Format help page 

There are other articles on formatting at my Screenwriting Articles & Tips page