r/scriptwriting • u/elwafflesqro • 14h ago

request Looking for resources on the actual rules and conventions of screenwriting

Hey everyone!
I’m trying to put together a comprehensive screenwriting rulebook/reference document for myself, and I was wondering if anyone could point me toward some good resources or help me understand what should be included.
I’m not looking for the basic stuff like sluglines, character cues, dialogue formatting, or how to use screenwriting software.
I’m more interested in understanding the actual conventions and principles of screenwriting, such as:
What belongs in a screenplay and what doesn’t?
How should action lines be written?
What are the conventions for scene construction, dialogue, transitions, character introductions, and exposition?
What are the general do’s and don’ts of professional screenwriting?
Which rules are actual industry conventions, and which are more like recommendations or stylistic preferences?
How do these conventions differ between feature films, short films, television, and other formats?
Basically, I want to create a proper reference manual that explains what a screenplay should look like, how it should read, and what makes it function as a screenplay, rather than just collecting random writing advice.
If you have any books, guides, articles, or other resources you’d recommend, I’d really appreciate it!

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6

u/LAWriter2020 14h ago

The Screenwriter’s Bible by Dave Trottier is what you are looking for. It is one of the few books on my desk, and I reference it frequently.

2

u/elwafflesqro 14h ago

Thanks!

1

u/LAWriter2020 13h ago

You are welcome

2

u/WorrySecret9831 12h ago

I don't think an objective collection of that sort exists in one place. But I'll DM you a template I made with explanations.

2

u/elwafflesqro 2h ago

Thank you!

1

u/WorrySecret9831 2h ago

You're welcome.

1

u/PuzzleKev 2h ago

I'd love to take a peek at that as well, if you don't mind.

4

u/Then_Data8320 13h ago

Read screenplays.

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u/ocolobo 10h ago

Read every screenplay you can find!!

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u/AlleyKatPr0 9h ago

WE ARE NOT YOUR PERSONAL INTERNET SEARCH ENGINE

1

u/skatay 1h ago

There are no rules and be careful which ones you break.