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Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

screenplays.io

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Re: Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

#31

Post by crazygringo »

wackget wrote: post #13

I just want to know why they're all written in the most horrible typewriter-style font. They're written on computers now, right? So why not use a font that's easier on the eyes?

Because the line spacing and margins and font pitch are specifically chosen so that 1 page = 1 minute. This is critical. It's also why dialog is written in a much narrower column than description.

But also, the typewriter font is "without personality". It gives a neutral almost engineering feel so you can focus on the content without being swayed by the style of a typeface.

I think it also conveys a sense of technical precision. Every comma, every dash matters. Screenwriting is incredibly precise. In comedy, the exact punctuation is as critical as the words.

(BTW, multicam comedies like Friends are double-spaced and follow a different formatting and speed-per-page. The double-spacing is to allow for handwritten changes and notes.)

Re: Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

#36

Post by crazygringo »

noxon wrote: post #5

How is this legal?

It's not technically, but movie and TV pilot screenplays circulate a lot before they get produced, because the creators want people to read them in order to fund/produce them. They're often rather different from the final shooting script.

On the other hand, scripts for TV episodes after the first generally have to be "leaked", which doesn't happen very often. But again, once it's out on the internet, the cat's out of the bag.

So production companies try to prevent scripts getting leaked, but don't really go after anyone once they're already out.

Plus acting studios use all of these in classrooms for training actors. So even if you did get the episodes "taken down" from websites, they're still circulating in classrooms in NYC and LA.

Of course, if you leak a non-pilot episode before the episode airs... let's just say don't ever expect to work in Hollywood ever again. ;)

Re: Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

#37

Post by Keyframe »

umvi wrote: post #14

How does one get a copy of a screenplay in the first place?

On any given production, a ton of people have to have access to the script. Outside of production, scripts are handed over for various purposes, including promos, archiving etc. And then there are business like The Black List which are primary source of not originally (studio) comissioned scripts.

Form what I've seen, ONCE the material's out / production over, not many fucks are given if the script is out there as well. Now, is it legal? Who knows, depends where it came from probably. Heat would be on if it's a script in or before production, but it also varies.

Re: Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

#38

Post by BMc2020 »

totetsu wrote: post #34

Any guide on how to read a screenplay? Something that explains the 3a 3b etc on the right

I don't know, but I would think getting a screenplay to a good movie and reading along with it while watching it would be a start.

And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to poison and destroy my brothers.

Re: Show HN: I have built a library of screenplays for movies and TV shows

#40

Post by crazygringo »

It looks beautiful!

I'm just curious -- besides the aesthetics and organization, how is it different from other screenplay sites?

Is it trying to be more complete? Or just a nicer site?

Also, are you trying to automatically scoop up new content, e.g. from the industry-standard:

https://sites.google.com/site/tvwriting/

(It's basically the screenwriter's equivalent of Sci-Hub.)

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