Write! Final writing reminders.

Just a reminder that your final, complete step outlines for the entire feature and your completed first act of your screenplay are due on THURSDAY.

I have gone over all of this in class, but to remind you, these are my expectations and some suggestions:

1. Both your outline and your first act should be typed and in proper screenplay format. I also suggest that you read through it for typos and grammatical errors. You WILL be graded on format and grammar. Remember to include scene headings in your outline and format them just as they are in your screenplay.

2. I expect both to be in completed, final draft form. Your outline should have approximately 60 scenes. As we have talked about in class, generally first and third acts have about 15 and second acts about 30. You do not need to have exactly this number, of course, but know that you should be around these numbers. As for the first act, it should be around 20-30 pages, give or take a few.

3. Keep your screenplay in PRESENT tense.

4. Only write what you can SEE or HEAR. Be visual. You're telling a story through images and sounds.

5. Remember to capitalize characters when they are introduced and sounds.

None of this should come as a surprise. This is all stuff I have gone over in class, but your final outline and first act are a large portion of your grade, and I want you to be fully aware of all of the above. If you have any questions on any of this, please ask, otherwise I will assume you understand.

So keep writing and working!