Questions Frequently Asked of CSN

1. What do you do at meetings?
   
   CSN meetings are held the first Sunday of every month at 6:00 p.m. The first half hour is typically spent ordering dinner and networking.
   
   The meeting formally starts at 6:30, with announcements and organization business first (usually 5-10 minutes), followed by the guest speaker. Guest speakers generally talk for an hour or so, on a topic relating to the craft and/or business of screenwriting. Many people linger afterwards to chat with the speaker and each other.
   
   
2. I don't live in Chicago, can I still join?
   
   Membership is open to anyone who wants to come to meetings.
   
   Realistically, this means that most members are from the greater Chicago area, however, we have had people come to meetings from as far away as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
   
   All are welcome.
   
   
3. You ask for a $5 (advance), $10 (at the door) donation at meetings - what is that money used for?
   
   Our single biggest expense is technology, which includes everything from maintaining our website to social networking to monthly communication with our members. Other expenses include incidentals associated with our meetings, such as photocopies, speaker meals, VCR rental, etc. CSN has no paid staff.
   
   
4. Do you pay guest speakers?
   
   No, but we do buy them dinner.
   
   
5. I had to miss a meeting I really wanted to go to - are audio or videotapes of the speakers available?
   
   If you must miss a meeting you are particularly interested in, ask someone else in the group to take notes for you.
   
   We're a networking group - use the network!
   
   
6. How does the script feedback program work?
   
   Feedback sessions typically meet the following month, one hour before the regular meeting, but you are free to make whatever arrangements you wish with your readers.
   
   

About Screenwriting

1. Why do I need dedicated screenwriting software?
   
   So you don't have to worry about getting all those tedious script formatting details right and can concentrate on the creative stuff.
   
   
2. What screenwriting software should I buy?
   
   Screenwriting programs all offer similar features, selecting one is largely a matter of deciding which interface you prefer. One of the most popular stand-alone script formatting programs is:
   
   Final Draft

   Final Draft, Inc.
   16000 Ventura Blvd.,
   Suite 800
   Encino, CA 91436
   Sales/Customer Service - (800) 231-4055
   Technical Support - (818) 995-2911
   www.finaldraft.com

   Final Draft is available in both PC and Mac versions, and downloadable demos for both platforms are available from the website listed above.
   
   
3. Where can I find addresses and phone numbers for producers and agents?
   
   The Hollywood Creative Directory (www.hcdonline.com) is the industry bible for contact information. It is available either in print or online, with separate directories for producers, agents and managers, distributors, etc.
   
   
4. What is proper screenplay format?
   
   Screenplays are typed in 12 point Courier. You will greatly annoy the reader if you use any other font. Use ordinary cardstock for covers, and bind your script with two or three #5 Acco brass brads. Aluminum screw posts (sometimes called Chicago screws) may be used instead of brads.
   
   Approximate margins for the various elements are:

   Top - 1.0 inches to the body. The page number should be in the upper right corner at about 0.5 inches down and 0.5 inches from the right.
   
   Bottom - 0.5 to 1.5 inches, depending on where the page break comes.
   
   Right and Left Margins - Sluglines and action: 1.5 inches on the left and 1.0 inch on the right. The right margin can be cheated.
   
   Character names above dialogue - Left, 4.2 inches. Centering the name above the dialogue is also acceptable, though less common.
   
   Dialogue - 3.0 inches on the left and 2.5 inches on the right.
   
   Parenthetical directions - 3.7 inches on the left, about 3.2 inches on the right.
   
   Sluglines and character names above dialogue are typed in ALL CAPS.
   
   The first time you introduce a character his or her name is also typed in ALL CAPS.

   Those are the basics. For more information check out the Nicholl formatting guidelines at www.oscars.org/nicholl/format.html, or Dave Trottier's book, The Screenwriter's Bible.
   
   

Other Questions?

Please submit questions to membership@chicagoscreenwriters.org