There is no one path to success, however you define it, for writers and screenwriters. One thing most writers’ journeys have in common is nothing happens overnight. Even seemingly quick rises to fame come with unseen ups and downs, and years of practice, failures, and rejection. What this means for the everyday aspiring writer is, don’t expect to earn a living from writing on day one. While you’re working on defining your own path forward, stay focused on writing, and avoid increased financial stress by using these free screenwriting resources.
Research Tools for Writers
There are a surprising number of established rules when it comes to screenwriting. Format, structure, page length. Of course, there are also an endless number of exceptions to those rules. So one great place to start for any writer is to learn. Soak in the established rules, so you can weave them into your own writing style. These are some great places to learn more about screenwriting without spending a dollar:
Stage32 is one of my favorite places to check in and learn from other writers, both established and aspiring. The Stage32 Lounge includes a screenwriting forum where you can post questions, interact with other writers, and just be a fly on the wall. There are paid options for script coverage and other learning opportunities, but there’s plenty to get out of the free site.
Twitter is filled with insights about any topic you could think of. There are a few ways to get free inspiration and education from screenwriting Twitter. The easiest is to follow working writers. It’s an incredible place to get passive points of view on the business of screenwriting. And many showrunners, staff writers, and writing assistants offer up regular Q&As for more direct learning opportunities. Plus you can always follow hashtags like #scriptchat or #amwriting and start emerging yourself in the writing community.
Reading produced scripts is probably the most helpful research you can do for your own career. Script swaps and reading screenplay samples from other amateur writers is a good start, but seeing the formatting and structure of your favorite movies and television shows will give you an idea of what a professional script looks like. There are online libraries of PDFs like this one from studiobinder, but you can always use Google. A query like “Brooklyn Nine-Nine script PDF” will usually turn up what you’re after.
Free Screenwriting Software
Because there is an established, and unique standard for formatting scripts, basic software like Word and Google Docs becomes too cumbersome for writers. Screenwriting software makes writing professional looking scripts easy. The industry leader for screenwriting software is Final Draft, but it’s far from free. There are plenty of free options on the market for those not quite ready to make the leap.
Celtx is a popular tool, and the only one I’ve used for my own writing. Like any other screenwriting software, there are preset options for formatting dialogue, scene headings, actions, and more. You’re limited to only a couple projects on the free plan, and not every feature is available, but there significant options available for the aspiring writer.
Other popular, and equally free, screenwriting tools are available, but I don’t have the experience to recommend them. ScriptreaderPro compares 12 different options, including free versions of professional paid software, Fade In and WriterDuet.
Free Script Hosting Services
Once you write, re-write, and re-write some more, you’re ready to show off your work. But where? Script hosting services provide online storage for your scripts, and oftentimes offer additional services like screenplay reading and feedback. There are large pay to play players in the industry, but if you’re looking for alternatives to hosting your script on the Black List, there are cheaper options.
ScriptRevolution offers a completely free way to host your screenplays online where they can be read by anyone in the industry–hopefully someone with the power to get screenplays produced! Obviously that’s the dream, but even having a place to showcase your bio, achievements, and downloadable screenplays without coding your own website is a big win itself.
If entering screenplay competitions is part of your writing journey, Coverfly is a great place to showcase your work, wins, and bio. The platform is built to tie together all the various script competitions and build awareness for screenplays and writers who are consistently placing at the top of their categories.