Breaking the Rules - Script Writing

The rule that I would like to discuss is proper script formatting. The format of script that I will be using is master-scene. When a script follows this format correctly, the script is usually easy to read and looks professional. The content of the script may be lacking in some way, but the format makes it look "correct". This is a format that everyone expects your script to be in if you are making something longer than a couple minutes with a narrative. The rules of a master-scene script are fairly odd and unusual if you aren't used to producing them. Character dialogue should be in the middle, actions are set to the left, and scene headings must be properly used. It really isn't hard with some practice, but I have seen quite a few scripts that are written without the guidelines in mind. The scripts written without using this format are usually confusing and strange to look at. They also look extremely unprofessional. I used an excerpt from a script that was written by me. This is me, breaking the rules of master-scene script formatting.

INT. BAR - LATER

Jim is sitting awkwardly at the bar. The music is loud and

Jim looks like he isn't having any fun at all. A cute girl

walks up to the bar right next to where he is sitting and

orders a drink. Jim stares at her for a moment, trying to

think of something to say. He starts to say something but

the girl walks away with her drink before he builds up the

nerve.

Jim looks fed up after this and grabs his coat and stands

up. As Jim is putting on his coat, a "hot" girl in her

early 20s stops him. She is clearly a party girl and acts

like one.

AMY

Where are you going off to?

JIM

(Befuddled)

I was actually just leaving.

AMY

Not before you buy me a drink, you

aren't.

JIM

S-s-sure.

Jim buys an expensive looking drink for her. Amy knocks back

the drink in one swig and slams her glass on the bar. After

she slams her glass down she grabs her purse and throws her

coat over her shoulder.

AMY

This place is just too loud. How

'bout we go back to your place and

hang out?

JIM

Uh, I don't know.

AMY

Oh come on, man. I'm not going to

hurt you. What's wrong with a

little fun?

Jim thinks it over for a second. He gets a determined look

on his face.

JIM

Sure, let's go.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT

Jim and Amy walk into the apartment. Amy looks around at her

drab surroundings.

AMY

Man, this place sure is lonely. You

mind if I invite some friends of

mine over to put some life into

this joint?

JIM

(Unenthusiastically)

That sounds like it could be fun.

After doing that, it doesn't seem like much good can come from ignoring formatting rules of the master-scene script. In this instance, the rules just make everything easier for everyone. It might take a little effort to remember them, but I believe that they are worth it. I chose to do this because I have had to write quite a few scripts for various classes lately and many people can't remember how to write a script, even with it being explained to them multiple times. I think that this is a rule where nothing is really gained by breaking it.