Screenwriting Basics
Guide to Binding a Screenplay: Presenting Your Story Professionally
Dec 17, 2023
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
Writing a screenplay is an art, and like any piece of art, presenting it professionally can make all the difference. One of the key steps in the process of presenting your screenplay is binding it.
Binding not only adds a touch of professionalism but also ensures that your script is well-organized and easy to handle. In this guide, we'll take you through the steps on how to bind a screenplay.
Why Bind Your Screenplay?
Before we dive into the practical steps of binding a screenplay, let's briefly discuss why it's important:
Professionalism: A properly bound screenplay conveys that you take your craft seriously. It's the first impression you make on producers, directors, or anyone who will be reading your script.
Organization: Binding keeps your screenplay pages together in the correct order. It prevents pages from getting lost or shuffled, making it easier for everyone involved in the production process to follow along.
Durability: A bound screenplay is less likely to get damaged or torn compared to loose pages. This ensures that your script remains in good condition throughout its journey from the writer's desk to the big screen.
Now, let's get into the steps on how to bind a screenplay:
Materials You'll Need
Before you start, gather the following materials:
Your completed screenplay.
Three-hole punch.
Brass fasteners or brads.
Card stock or a heavyweight cover for the front and back.
A clear plastic cover (optional).
Step-by-Step Guide to Binding Your Screenplay
Final Review: Before binding, review your screenplay one last time to catch any typos, formatting errors, or inconsistencies.
Print Your Script: Print your screenplay on standard letter-size (8.5" x 11") white paper, single-sided, and double-spaced. Make sure to use a clear and legible font (Courier or Courier New is preferred) with 12-point font size.
Hole Punching: Use a three-hole punch to make evenly spaced holes on the left margin of each page. The standard placement is about 0.5 inches from the edge of the paper and spaced about 2 inches apart.
Cover Page: Create a cover page using cardstock or heavyweight paper. This page should include your screenplay's title, your name, and your contact information (if desired). You can also add a graphic or image related to your story.
Title Page: Place the cover page as the first page of your screenplay. Behind it, include a title page with only the title of your screenplay centered on the page.
Brass Fasteners: Insert brass fasteners or brads through the holes you punched in your screenplay. Start with the title page and cover page. Assemble the pages in order, making sure they are aligned properly. Open the fasteners on the inside of the back cover.
Plastic Cover (Optional): For extra protection and a professional touch, you can use a clear plastic cover as the front cover of your screenplay.
Back Cover: Attach the back cover, which can be another piece of cardstock or heavyweight paper, to the back of your screenplay.
Secure Fasteners: Close the fasteners by folding them inward. Make sure they are snug but not too tight to allow for easy page-turning.
Double-Check: Flip through your bound screenplay to ensure that all pages are in the correct order and securely fastened.
Conclusion
Binding your screenplay is the finishing touch that transforms it from a loose collection of pages into a professional, organized document ready to be pitched, shared, or brought to life on screen.
Remember that presentation matters, and taking the time to bind your screenplay is a small but essential step toward showcasing your dedication to your craft.
Good luck with your screenplay, and may your story find its way to the big screen!
