Download Free Software and Start Screenwriting

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  Writing your thoughts on paper first is great preparation.writing image by DBarby from Fotolia.com
  
  Develop your script idea. Screenplays normally follow a three-act structure that was first described by Aristotle. In a feature film the first act introduces the setting, the main characters and the dilemma they face. Screenplay format produces scripts that average one minute per page. Thirty minutes, and thus 30 pages, is an average length for a first act. The first act ends with a turning point, some occurrence that challenges the lead character and forces him to react. The second act details the trials and tribulations of the protagonist as he comes up against various obstacles in trying to reach his goal. Typically 60 pages, the second act concludes with another turning point, as the lead character is taken in a new and unexpected direction. The third act, usually another 30 minutes, is resolution. It describes the steps that the protagonist undertakes to resolve his problems and reach his goals. Some writers find the use of three-by-five index cards helpful. Using one card per scene, you can plot your script and rearrange scenes to find the best story progression.
  
  
• 2). Download your free screenwriting software. Celtx is a free screenwriting program available at the "Celtx" website. Click on "Download" from the Celtx homepage, choose your language and your operating system and hit the "Download" button. Instructions will follow to guide you through the download process. Scripped offers free starter screenwriting software for novices. To use Scripped, you must register on its website, then access the free software online.
  
  
• 3). Familiarize yourself with screenplay format and start writing. Though your screenplay software will do most of the formatting work for you, it is important to understand proper formatting, so you can spot and correct any mistakes. Books such as Syd Field's "Screenplay" offer comprehensive tutorials on the proper way to format a script. For instance, character names that precede dialogue are capitalized and centered on the page. Actions are written out as prose. Scene changes are denoted by a slugline that denotes the place and time as well as indicating whether the action takes place indoors, denoted by INT., or outdoors, indicated by EXT.