how would I focus on an object while the action happens offscreen.

For example: I want to focus on a video camera while it records a murder. I don't want to show the murder, I just want to focus on the camera and hear the screams.

How do I write this?

You don't.  That's the director's job.

If you want to be creative, though, you can alway describe the reflection of the murder as seen in the camera lens.



Phil

Wouldn't you need to zoom on the camera first?

If it's relevant for the story you want to tell (i.e. you want to open with a murder while keeping the identity of the victim a secret) go for it. There isn't only one way of doing this.

Once you establish there's a murder about to happen and that there's a sicko videotaping, try something like this:

Code Dirty fingers grip the camera as...                     OLD LADY (O.S.)          ¡No, please!

NO zooming in on a spec script!  No camera angles or directions!



Phil

then would i just write-

The camera watches as Matt screams (O.S.)

Is that right?

If it's the killer's camera, yes.  If it's the real production camera, no.



Phil

Thanks phil, you just solved all my problems!