Simple: How do you write a script :(

[TruEsTaR]

read as many screenplays as you can, write as many screenplays as you can.
and have the god given gift of dialogue and of being a great f$%^ing storyteller.

[GabrielM]

I'm not a big fan of flash cards, but I know a lot of people use them. One thing I absolutely must have before writing the first line on my screenplay is an outline. It guides me through the process. I need to know the two Plot Points and a general idea of what the three acts are going to be like.

I use Final Draft to write, but Celtx is the free alternative. I prefer writing late at night. Ideally, I should go to bed when the sun is rising. This isn't always possible of course (we all have lives), but I do it enjoy it a great deal. It's peaceful.

While writing, I also read similar screenplays (or scripts in the same genre) to get some inspirations on descriptions and writing styles. I find this liberating, as it helps my process.

[NickClapper]

I'd like to piggyback this thread to ask a fairly simple, mainly formatting, question:

If I am writing a short film that is, essentially, just one scene/conversation how do I format the script to show that I want different shots during the conversation?

What is taking place is a character is talking on the phone in his living room and describing something which is outside his door. Every so often, as they talk, I want to cut to an image of the thing outside the door. How do I do this? Do I just type it as an Action?

[Flicker Pictures]

Nick, IMO...
Best to avoid any sort of shot direction or camera direction. If it's important that CHARACTER A picks up a fork and stabs a huge slab of rare steak, write that in as an action line.

Nick STABS the rare steak with his fork; blood-juice oozes into the mashed potatoes.

NICK
You were saying?

This is a shot unto itself, but there's nothing that indicates: Shot of this or low-angle on the plate. We can imagine we'd be pretty close up on the plate to see the puddle of beef juice inch toward the mashed potatoes.

Just a thought!

also...

Through the bay window, Nick watches a NEIGHBOR walking her CHIHUAHUA.

NICK
(distracted)
So... as I was saying...

The DOG stops, spins around in a circle.

NICK
... I don't think that...

The dog hovers and squats.

NICK
... I'm a big fan of...

Finally, it dumps a load onto Nick's driveway.

NICK
Jesus... Christ!

Nick rushes to the front door, flings it open.

NICK
You mind picking up after that little shit monster?

Again, just another way...

I wish there were some simple screenwriting formatting for the site. That would be awesome!

[NickClapper]

Thanks for the recommendation Jeff, I think that's what I'm going to go with.

I think I might post this short screenplay on IT for some criticism, so I guess if people think that the formatting feels wrong then they'll probably tell me.