Gary, the OP focuses more on substantive screenwriting concerns such as style and structure. Your point is well taken in particular with Hollywood’s threshold guardians: script readers. Typos and poor formatting drives them crazy. But even in terms of format, there are no rules. The Screenwriter’s Bible and The Hollywood Standard provide guides to current format sensibilities, but the fact is screenplay format is ever evolving. What was conventional ten years ago is different nowadays. Scripts used to have transitions between scenes (e.g., CUT TO, DISSOLVE TO). Now, rarely so.
As I say, the OP is more about style and structure. I did a 15-part series on so-called screenwriting rules. You can check it out here:
My main point: Writers should feel free to embrace their creative instincts. Don’t let the fear of breaking some supposed “rule” stifle one’s voice.
