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Tha last time I was on Circalit, probably eight months ago, I called out a writer for formatting something like this...
Sheila runs towards the woods.
WOLFMAN
jumps out at her and gives chase. She screams.
WOLFMAN should not be a slug IMO. Then, they don't cap the first letter of the following sentence like WOLFMAN was part of the sentence. I've never seen this in a pro script. I'm seeing it more and more in unproduced scripts. Why?
I understand if you want to cap an object to make sure the reader/director pays close attention to it if its important to story, I just don't think you need to space out a character like this. Obviously they're gonna be filmed.
Needless to say, after a lengthy argument, which I so do enjoy, the writer pulled his script. I just read a bit of "Red Butterfly" That just posted in the portal. The writer does the same thing.
I didn't post on it. If this is a new fad, I guess I'm out of the loop. Wanted some opinions.
James
Logged
kendg8r
Posted: February 16th, 2011, 10:21pm
Guest User
The only argument I can see for formating the way it was written was if the writer wanted to convey a directorial decision (i.e. switching from Sheila to the Wolfman). But that excuse makes it worse, imo, then a simple stylistic preference, because it's not our job to tell the director what to do.
I can't live the buttoned-down life like you. I want it all. The dizzying highs, the terrifying lows, the creamy middles. Sure, I may offend some of the blue bloods with my cocky stride and musky odors. Oh, I'll never be the darling of the so-called "city fathers," who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards and talk about what's to be done with this Homer Simpson?
Great, just as I thought I had finally find my writer's voice, now this crops up. I really hate change. If I had it my way I'd still be writng in passive verbiage.
Was a pertinent subject to bring up, though. Good eye, Jwent.
The script in question, Red Butterfly, is written by Gillian Fu, who is 13 years old. Personally, I can understand why a writer does that, even though to me it's not necessary. I don't think it's intended as a mini slug, just written so that it stands out.
Nit picking excessively on script format is like going through Shakespeare's hand written plays looking for the Ts that weren't crossed IMO.
Well...no...it's definitely not an orphan, but IMO, it's a waste...and it serves no effective purpose.
You know...seriously...there are so many different styles we can write in, it comes down to personal opinion and what works for the exact situation we're trying to write for.
Basically, this is a form of direction, as the writer is telling "us" and the director" that we're basically looking at a close up and that's all that's important in this "shot".
Write your story/ Write what's majorly important, visually. Avoid the crappy, smart ass asides and the like. Write it solidly so that even an astute reader/editor has to say, "Damn, this is well written".
Easy enough, but James, you've brought up something that has to be thought about...you brought this up...you made it a topic. Any attention is good attention if the script is well put together and well written.
AS I always say, so many piss poor scripts get bought and turned into films because there's something about the writing that makes it seem like more than it really is. And that's the same fucking reason why most of the scripts that get turned into films turn out to be crapfests...because in reality, what's on the paper that will transfer to film, isn't what the dumbass readers and producers see.