Request for Direction - Formatting for my Audience

[Garth Smitman]

Anyone out there willing to help someone start? I've got some ideas on notepaper, notecards, napkins, etc. I need to put them into a script. I need the script to be in a format familiar to most people that read these things, so it doesn't end up in the trash before it gets read.

Can anyone point out their favorite templates, formats, (maybe even software) that puts all the words on the page in the format that all the movie people use today?

I can go to Microsoft Word and get the latest, but I thought I'd ask people that are living it today,...

Can you help me?

[Thomas A. Johnson]

1) If you're on a budget, Check out Celtx screenwriting software (free open source). If you have the money, check out Final Draft at the writers store.
2) drop into the Indiana Filmmakers Network Meeting (www.indianafilmmakers.org - or you can search for the indiana filmmakers network here on Smaller Indiana). You'll meet other people at various stages in the industry who can help point you in the right direction.

[Garth Smitman]

Tom, thanks! I'll start with the open source. And, certainly no promises, but that networking meeting sounds Great! (i've got another thing that eats my Second Tuesdays right now,...)

[Larry Welke]

GS:
You haven't given much of a hint as to what you ant to do or what your background is - but if the game is writing a screenplay for a movie, I would strongly recommend picking up a copy of "STORY" by Robert McKee. It'll set you back about 25 or 30 dollars but save you a year of time in organizing and presenting your story ideas. McKee is a Hollywood professional with more experience than the next 10 screenwriters standing in line.
I use his book as a teaching guide with my students - it's a great reference tool.
Cordially, Larry Welke
[e-mail]

[Garth Smitman]

Larry, will do, thanks! I've done the Blake Snyder thing and searching for even more. I'll read McKee. And yes, a screenplay for a movie. (doesn't everyone?)

[Larry Welke]

Garth:
In answer to your question (doesn'teveryone?), sadly, yes. On average there are about 80,000 scripts submitted (no telling how many more are written and not submitted), 600 are made into films of which 300 get through distribution. Unless you know someone inside the industry, your chances approximate winning the lottery. Nonetheless, good luck.
Cordially, Larry Welke