A little background first: I'm rather new to screenwriting (I'm on script 4) so please excuse my greenness.

Here's my dilemma:

My current script opens with an infomercial... not unlike the 'welcome video' that begins Drop Dead Gorgeous. The infomercial is narrated throughout and alternates between pantomimed action (in various locations) and in-studio testimonials.

In its current format (with complete slug lines introducing each change of setting) it's clumsy on the page, long and, frankly, hard to read.

Technically, it's one scene... or one sequence, really. Would it be better to introduce the whole thing with ONE scene heading? A la:

I/E. AN INFOMERCIAL

(I realize that "an infomercial" isn't a location.)

Then use partial scene headings for transitions? Something like:

IN THE STUDIO

AN IDYLLIC HILLSIDE

A COZY DINING ROOM


Is the ONE scene heading idea a bad idea?



Thanks in advance.

Here's another HOW TO question.

From time to time, in a script, there's a need to "focus in" on something or someone of importance. In my reading, I've found that there are many different approaches to this-- ANGLE ON, CLOSE ON, etc.

Are there any rules?

And then there's INSERT.

It's my understanding that INSERT is used for "things" integral to the story: a sign like "BRIDGE OUT AHEAD" or someone's name written on a match case or something.

Do you guys bother with shots at all?

Here's what I do, but not sure if it's right or wrong.

To focus on something important:


INT. ABANDONED SHACK -- NIGHT

Jerry sees the

BLOODY KNIFE

in his own hand.

A BODY

sliced and diced in a fit of rage, lies at his feet. Did he do it?


To insert something like a road sign:

EXT. TWO-LANE HIGHWAY - DAY

The black TRANS-AM roars by... completely missing the
warning sign by the side of the road:

"BRIDGE OUT AHEAD"


Like I said, not sure if that's the correct format but that's the way I do it.

When in doubt I usually go to my well worn copy of "Dr. Format Answers Your Questions" by Dave Trottier. Here's his advice as to inserts "Limit your use of the INSERT. In many cases, you may not need to use it at all. For example, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is a gun lying on the coffee table, simply write:

A gun lies on the coffee table."

He later goes on to give an example of how to use the INSERT if you deem it necessary. Something along these lines...

INSERT - ROAD SIGN: "BRIDGE OUT AHEAD"

I don't know that book. I'll look for it.

Thanks for your help.

Dr. Format Answers Your Questions is a collection of the questions people ask Dave Trottier (Author of The Screenwriter's Bible) in his regular column in SCRIPT Magazine. It's really pretty good because most new or inexperienced screenwriters ask the same type of questions and the questions come from actual writers. You might try looking for it on his official website KeepWriting.com

quote:

Originally posted by MJLangface:
For example, if you want to emphasize the fact that there is a gun lying on the coffee table, simply write:

A gun lies on the coffee table."

This is the same with close ups and angle shots. Just write what can be seen. In a spec script you shouldn't really include camera angles or anything like this. It's the directors job. Just write the story, pace it out and visually write.

Penelope.