1. The title page should have the name of your script, your own name and contact information, and your agent’s name (if you have one). RUNNING OUT OF TIME Written by Brian Hawkins name@email.com Agent: Bethany Hughes 2. Create an outline/roadmap of your script in the third person. Do this before writing your script or dialogue so that you can work out any plot holes. First scene: Two unnamed men have just escaped from prison and are trying to find the priceless artifact that they had previously stolen. The artifact is hidden somewhere in an untamed forest. Fugitive 2 is less sure about the plan and tries to convince his friend to abandon their search. Second scene: Amber Brighton is a graduate student studying ancient Scandinavian runes. She comes across an obscure mention of a powerful talisman and her advisor encourages her to take a semester off in order to find it. 3. Set the scene and provide details about each character. The words “fade in” are always used at the beginning of a screenplay to signify that the action is beginning. FADE IN: EXT. FOREST - NIGHT The trees grow so closely together they block out the night sky. The forest resounds with the howls of wolves. DISSOLVE TO: INT. CABIN - FOREST - NIGHT FUGITIVE 1 rummages around the cabin. He is a middle aged man wearing torn jeans and a dirty shirt. His companion, FUGITIVE 2, is younger and more nervous. He stands in the corner and watches the other man work. 4. Spend time fleshing out your dialogue. Pay extra attention to whether it sounds over-the-top, stereotyped, or otherwise unrealistic. Unrealistic Realistic FUGITIVE 1: I always knew a silly little girl like you would stand no chance against us. Now if you want to live, you’ll give me that artifact so that I can rule the world. AMBER: I don’t think so. FUGITIVE 2: Oh no! She has a gun! FUGITIVE 1: Easy now...just hand it over, nice and easy. AMBER: I don’t think so. FUGITIVE 2: Look out!