So, when I started this hobby several years back there were so many rigid format no-nos.

Don't Bold or Underline Headers (gone - see it all the time)
Don't mess with the standard title page (gone - see it all the time)
etc.

I have even run across scripts that have embedded pictures in the body of the script. Just ruminating over this, seems to be that we are on the cusp of a script presentation revolution. I predict the following things will happen within ten years.

1. The standard title page will be replaced with a movie poster-style page.

2. Page 2 will be the Logline and Pitch Page.

3. Pictures/Avatars will be featured prominently in scripts.

They might be used for scene headers. I believe that they will definitely be used for characters. Screenwriting software will come loaded with a thousand stock character images and little mini-pics will be next to each character's name in all dialogue blocks.

That will certainly help with clarity, especially for minor characters that are hard to remember as you are reading. It'll be like:

    DAVE (PIC)
What do you think of the
new script standards?

4. All script submissions will require an audio as well as a visual version so that people can listen to the script rather than read it if they want.  

If I were a younger man - I'd start working on this software now :)

I would agree with most of your predictions minus the audio. That has been around for many years, but doesn't really seem to take hold. We've even had scripts professionally done of the "winners" of the OWC. Can't remember the company name right now, but it was more than ten years ago. Sounds like a great idea that just didn't appeal to the people that matters, I guess.

This article is pretty interesting and kind of goes along with what you're talking about. It's what readers look for.  :)

https://stephenfollows.com/analysis-of-12309-feature-film-script-reports/?fbclid=IwAR0Ob4BJ0isb5evBYjjzSLgzYw7KzXt6NPFZq-7McY5NRORyg9Q5gL81AKM

Quoted from Grandma Bear I would agree with most of your predictions minus the audio. That has been around for many years, but doesn't really seem to take hold. We've even had scripts professionally done of the "winners" of the OWC. Can't remember the company name right now, but it was more than ten years ago. Sounds like a great idea that just didn't appeal to the people that matters, I guess. This article is pretty interesting and kind of goes along with what you're talking about. It's what readers look for.  :) https://stephenfollows.com/analysis-of-12309-feature-film-script-reports/?fbclid=IwAR0Ob4BJ0isb5evBYjjzSLgzYw7KzXt6NPFZq-7McY5NRORyg9Q5gL81AKM

Interesing article - thanks

my two cents on this -- and the reason it's only two cents is that no one in the industry gives a rats ass what I think -- is that as we get older and people in the industry get younger (than us), we're going to see a shift to writing that captures the reader's attention for all the wrong reasons.  

While moviemaking is obviously a visual medium, the script has always been basically the road map or blueprint for how the film got made.  But younger people are more attuned to twitter and it's digestible 280 character limit and 8 second Tik Tok videos.  and to a lot of the initial readers of scripts at studios and production companies, when you're staring at a pile of scripts, they're just begging for anything that will jump out at them.  Good writing?? who needs that when you have a storyboard basically drawing out the entire story for them!  Links in the script taking them to a Tik Tok or YouTube video.  Graphic art design of each character.   Audio of a table read of the first act.

Some of these things are likely already here, for better or worse, and I truly believe that those who can easily adapt to future changes will be better suited for what is to come.

Also, I get really annoyed at comments about "there's no Fade In!" or "Your Title Page is really not industry standard -- 12 point Courier font only!"  Ugh.  Save it.

Quoted from Gary in Houston my two cents on this -- and the reason it's only two cents is that no one in the industry gives a rats ass what I think -- is that as we get older and people in the industry get younger (than us), we're going to see a shift to writing that captures the reader's attention for all the wrong reasons.   While moviemaking is obviously a visual medium, the script has always been basically the road map or blueprint for how the film got made.  But younger people are more attuned to twitter and it's digestible 280 character limit and 8 second Tik Tok videos.  and to a lot of the initial readers of scripts at studios and production companies, when you're staring at a pile of scripts, they're just begging for anything that will jump out at them.  Good writing?? who needs that when you have a storyboard basically drawing out the entire story for them!  Links in the script taking them to a Tik Tok or YouTube video.  Graphic art design of each character.   Audio of a table read of the first act. Some of these things are likely already here, for better or worse, and I truly believe that those who can easily adapt to future changes will be better suited for what is to come. Also, I get really annoyed at comments about "there's no Fade In!" or "Your Title Page is really not industry standard -- 12 point Courier font only!"  Ugh.  Save it.

Don't disagree. I see the same trend

I do think an interesting OWC would be to write a script that completely and utterly does away with the rules. Let people use artwork, storyboards, don't use slugs, etc.  It would be interesting to see what people came up with.

Quoted from Gary in Houston my two cents on this...is that as we get older and people in the industry get younger (than us), we're going to see a shift to writing that captures the reader's attention for all the wrong reasons.

We're already there. Haven't you seen Army of the Dead? :P

To many bad films out there. Either cgi showcases - should be shown in a tech summit or very poor dialogue and story. Just watched film last night - woman walks into building - cut to inside - woman comes in - the doors are different the whole background is different.  Watch movie last week - guy who lead the first ten minutes disappears from script never to be seen again - why was he there? And the dialogue - how many f bombs can you put in and gratuitous sex scenes. (HBO seres?) it seem like if you build it with shock they will come.

Quoted from Gary in Houston I do think an interesting OWC would be to write a script that completely and utterly does away with the rules. Let people use artwork, storyboards, don't use slugs, etc.  It would be interesting to see what people came up with.

I second the motion. That would be a fun challenge (I know, they're ALL fun but this could be epic).

Ive read a couple of Coen brothers and Tarantino (Nolan also). They dont seem to follow any rules on formatting but when you’re also producing and putting up the money - who cares

I think what's mentioned pertains more to a pitch doc, and or bible - where the aforementioned is acceptable, for all pics. Put a pic in the script... and I'll dump it right there!  

Eldave1 - We have a picture of you... I always assumed you were around 120-years old? I see now you as young as around 100.  :-))  Lol.

Quoted from BarryJohn Eldave1 - We have a picture of you... I always assumed you were around 120-years old? I see now you as young as around 100.  :-))  Lol.

Close - 110

Funny. Been sending out queries - the bigger producers who have asked for the script have no need of treatment or pitch deck. The smaller ones want both - ego?

Funny my sister is a professional business writer and former producer of IBM product shows. She did pitch decks but says they’re absolutely useless unless presented in person. Mind as well get a bullet point of the script. Doesn’t tell if it’s well written or not

And Dave - i think you don’t look a day over 99

Quoted from JohnI And Dave - i think you don’t look a day over 99

Thanks!