Hey guys. Not sure if this is in the right board...

I was reading the Groundhog Day script before, as it was listed as a very good scipt, but I noticed lots of the script goes against the rule of "show don't tell".

For example:

"She knows Phil mainly by his reputation and it isn't good. Still,
she finds him appealing in an odd way."  - from page 5.

What's going on here? Is there a stage that you have sold a zillion screenplays and people respect you enough for you to just put that kind of stuff in the screenplay?

Also, in big action scenes, or dance scenes, like the dance off in the new Get Smart movie for a recent example, which goes for a few minutes, how does the writer write it in? It's a bit hard to say every move, and I'm sure there are other people in the business which would do that kind of thing.

Thanks,

Tom

When you're starting out, you're better off following the rules.  After you've made a name for yourself, you can do whatever you want.

Action sequences should just summarized in scripts.  Tell just enough to give the reader what is happening.  Production companies usually have stune coordinators, fight coordinators, choreographers, etc. flesh out scenes like this.


Phil

Quoted from Tommyp I was reading the Groundhog Day script before, as it was listed as a very good scipt, but I noticed lots of the script goes against the rule of "show don't tell".

There are two schools of thought about this issue.

Here, set your brain on fire: http://www.simplyscripts.net/cgi-bin/Blah/Blah.pl?b-screenwrite/m-1205877916/s-new/

You note that this description is on page 5. I would imagine this is part of this character's introduction either of the audience to this character or the two characters to each other. Sometimes, there is very little way to show something except by doing what this example does. Besides, show me an actress who wouldn't find that description incredibly useful and be able to use it to show her character that much better. You can get away with a little more in an introduction than the rest of the script, as long as it's something necessary to fully tell the story. I don't think I would have left that bit out if there were no other way to show it. It sums up a lot of her character in a few words.

As for the dance and action sequences, those aren't planned out move for move any more than screenplays dictate what song to use. Now, Get Smart was a studio remake, so that screenwriter had a lot more latitude to do what he wanted since he was probably in direct contact with the producers during the writing process, and they probably had some specifics as to what they wanted. As a general rule, though, a screenplay will walk through the major beats of a fight and will describe the kind of dance desired.

One major example I have is from Return of the King. Now note this is a shooting script written when they knew they were making the movie, and the following sequence is actually rather lengthy on screen for the brief mention it gets in the screenplay. (It's on page 44, if you want to look in context.))

EXT. WHITE MOUNTAINS AERIAL – NIGHT

AERIAL SHOT: MOVING over the WHITE MOUNTAINS... as the TRAIL of
GREAT FIRES slowly winds from PEAK TO PEAK.

Note it doesn't describe the guys spotting the fires in the distance and then running to light their own over and over again. It states what is happening, and it was left to the production staff to figure out how to shoot it. Yeah, it says "Aerial Shot," but just ignore that part.

Thanks Phil. Good info as usual.

George, I remember that bit in the movie I think, thanks.

Z, I've read 5 pages of discussion in that thread. Is my brain on fire? Pretty damn close...

Perosnally, I wouldn't put in that kind of description from Goundhog Day in any of scipt of mine. I'm very new at scriptwriting, but from the books I have read and videos I have watched, I have picked up that it's better not to.

Really, the most defining "rule" of screenwriting is to remember that the script is a blueprint to make a movie. You need to include enough information so that the filmmakers don't have any questions as to your intention, but not so much information that it leaves nothing to the imagination.

Quoted from Tommyp Hey guys. Not sure if this is in the right board... I was reading the Groundhog Day script before, as it was listed as a very good scipt, but I noticed lots of the script goes against the rule of "show don't tell". For example: "She knows Phil mainly by his reputation and it isn't good. Still, she finds him appealing in an odd way."  - from page 5. What's going on here? Is there a stage that you have sold a zillion screenplays and people respect you enough for you to just put that kind of stuff in the screenplay? Also, in big action scenes, or dance scenes, like the dance off in the new Get Smart movie for a recent example, which goes for a few minutes, how does the writer write it in? It's a bit hard to say every move, and I'm sure there are other people in the business which would do that kind of thing. Thanks, Tom

Hey Tom great question. I have been very vocal against it. Bottom line is this. Story is everything. If your script has a killer story, believable characters, jaw jerking turning points, rise and falls that leave you breathless, and a climax that rivals the best orgasm than show don't tell "rule" becomes very obsolete.

Now remember cinema is a visual teling thus there are some truths to it. Nothing worse than a writer who verbally narates everything with Voice Overs instead of showing you, but don't create a false conundrum with the visual telling and literal nuances of being poetic.

An actor will pick up your script and be greatful for any insight into the mind of the character you give them.

However Mr Z is right. There are two schools of thought and neither one is necessarily better. Find your voice but most importantly write good stories, that's the only thing that matters for a reader.

BTW I don't completely agree with George Wilson. A script isn't just a blue print for a movie, it is more importantly the precursor to a great visual story.

Thanks for your help and views George and Eric. Fantastic.