reply to u/IndividualCoast9039 at https://new.reddit.com/r/typewriters/comments/1endi5d/screenwriter_here/

There's really no such thing as a screenplay specific machine, though for ease of use, you'll surely want one with a tabulator (tabs). If you want to hew toward the standard screenplay formatting look for pica machines (10 characters per inch) rather than elite machines (11-12 characters per inch).

SoCal is lousy with lots of great machines. If you want something that's going to work "out of the box" you'll pay a few bones more, but unless you're a tinkerer, it's definitely worth it.

I'd recommend checking out the following shops/repair joints near LA that specialize in machines for writers. Most will let you try out the touch and feel of a few in person to figure out what will work best for you. Putting your hands on actual machines will help you know which one you'll want for yourself.

• Helmut Schulze, Rees Electronics / Star Typewriters, 2140 Westwood Blvd. #224, Los Angeles, CA 90025. 310-475-0859 or 877-219-1450. Fax: 310-475-0850. E-mail star@startypewriters.com. Schulze has many years of experience and has restored typewriters of famous writers for collector Steve Soboroff.
• Aaron Therol @ Typewriter Connection, DTLA, https://www.typewriterconnection.com/
• Bob Marshall, Typewriter Muse, Riverside, CA. Service, restoration, and sales. Website: typewritermuse.com.
• Rubin Flores at U.S. Office Machine Co. over in Highland Park 323-256-2111 (better at repairs, restoration; I don't think he keeps stock)

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I'd generally endorse most of the advice on models you'll find in these sources which are geared specifically toward writers, all three sources have lots experience and reasonable bona fides to make such recommendations.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9dXflhDed0
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKMt-aCHZZk
• https://typewriterreview.com/2020/01/10/top-10-writerly-typewriters/

All machines are slightly different, so pick the one that speaks to you and your methods of working.

If it helps to know what typewriters actual (screen) writers have used in the past, check out https://site.xavier.edu/polt/typewriters/typers.html

Beyond this Just My Typewriter has a few short videos that'll give you a crash course on Typewriter 101: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJtHauPh529XYHI5QNj5w9PUdi89pOXsS

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