The Screenwriter App Screenplay Test
You've finished the test! Here's how you scored:
Your script is 61% good.
Before you submit it to any readers, take some time to review the report below and amend your script accordingly. Then retake the test...
Your screenplay report
My script has camera directions in the action paragraphs.Most directors and cinematographers will want to put their stamp on the film. Also, the eventual set may be nothing like how you imagine it in your head, which will also dictate what options the crew have. Unless you intend to shoot the film yourself, there's no point specifying camera moves.
However! You can be subtle about it. Using the 'one shot per line' rule, you can surreptitiously control what gets shot. For example, 'Water spills onto the computer,' would instinctively be a close-up.
I've read my script backwards, as well as forwards.
This is a great way to weed out plot inconsistencies. By starting with the last scene and then working backwards, your linear story-telling functions are befuddled, and quite often mistakes in plotting jump out at you.
The FADE IN: on the first line of my script is on the right-hand side of the page.
This is a minor thing, but it does aggravate many readers and tends to call out the pros from the amateurs.
The first FADE IN: of a script should be on the left. The logic being that this isn't a proper transition, as there is nothing to FADE IN from.
The final FADE OUT: should on the right (the logic slightly failing there, but hey!). If you are using professional software like the Screenwriter app, Movie Magic Screenwriter or Final Draft, this will be positioned for you.
My action sections are littered with expletives.
This is really just a call-out to be sensitive to all the other people that will read your script. Most would accept bad language from characters, but a lot of swearing in your action sequences just makes you look potty-mouthed. Others may find that offensive.
I used a professional screenwriting tool, such as the Screenwriter app, Final Draft, Celtx or Movie Magic Screenwriter, to format my script
What?! Download the Screenwriter app right now! It's a fraction of the cost of the big screenwriting packages and will format your script professionally. There should be no reason to use a standard word processor.
My character and place names are consistent.
We've all done it; got half-way through an edit and thought of a more appropriate name for a character or location.
Did that happen in this draft? Have you removed all the references to the old names? It's one surefire way to confuse readers if you haven't.