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Please mods, feel free to move... if it's not in the right spot. Thought I'd post it, of course there's one that I don't totally agree with, but this guy is one of the best readers.
Please mods, feel free to move... if it's not in the right spot. Thought I'd post it, of course there's one that I don't totally agree with, but this guy is one of the best readers.
Ghost
I would consider this a must read. However, when submitting scripts to SS for posting, please include copyright and registration info. When submitting it for consideration, then of course, follow Ray's advice.
But when pitching someone over the internet. I do include my poster concept with a one page and the script. The quality of my partner's work I think transcends that rule for me. But I have seen posters that do a disservice to a script out there too.
So Ghostie, what's the one you disagree with?
Regards, E.D.
LATEST NEWS CineVita Films is producing a short based on my new feature!
So Ghostie, what's the one you disagree with? E.D.
#11. I think the problem with using camera directions come from when writers clutter their spec with all that technical jargon to where it almost looks like a shooting script.... CLOSE UP... RACK FOCUS... MEDIUM SHOT, ect... bad, not good. It definitely slows down the read and takes the reader out of the story.
For the record, I never use camera direction, I managed to avoid them in my specs, but... JMHO...
...if a scene absolutely must be a POV shot, use a POV in the directions. If it has to be PULL BACK TO REVEAL, by God, use PULL BACK TO REVEAL. No need trying to do lyrical back flips to avoid using camera directions because we're told they are evil and must be avoided.
Like anything else, if you overuse it or use it poorly, it's annoying. (I think here lies the main problem when writers do things like this) but the rules for this stuff is the same as the rules for everything else. If the scene needs it, use it. Don't use it if it doesn't need it.
Anything that helps you tell your story is the right thing to use. Just use it judiciously. Just my thoughts on #11.
All good stuff. Thanks for the link, Ghostie. I always heard not to put your WGA# on your script, I just never understood why. IT is on my only feature posted here, but would pull it if I send it out.
I think POVs are acceptable, especially if it's someone watching someone else who is unaware.
I wouldn't ever write WIDE SHOT/MEDIUM SHOT, etc... That's truly up to the director.
I think in some rare moments, you really do have to use a camera shot. Maybe you don't want the reader/audience to see the face of a person or you actually have to show them the POV of a character.
I've been guilty of most of these, except maybe this...
"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!
"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!
I would never do that. And it might be cheesy as hell. But honestly, putting myself in the position of a producer or reader, I'd fast-track that script to the top of the next-to read 'vampire' list. At least it shows creativity and heart that just might end up in the script, also.
Why not? The extra script packaging for 'Thistles' would look great!! I kid, I kid.
I think, if anything, it shows passion. If they have the time to get creative with the packaging then they'll probably be just as determined to get the script looking just as good. As for me, I would never try... I can't even draw a stick man that looks like a stick man...
Great list, thx for the link. Personally I dont see any issues with using POVs but only if its essential to the scene. The very first script i ever attempted to write had like a thousand camera angles in it, i laughed so hard re-reading it a year or two ago lol. I wouldnt dream of doing that again, but I see no issues with using "close-up" or "pull-back to reveal" again only if it is ESSENTIAL to the scene.
"I once received a vampire script packaged in a miniature coffin complete with the screenplay’s title on the lid and a spring-loaded bat positioned inside that would jump out when the coffin was opened" - Seriously?? People actually do that?!
I received an invitation to a Halloween party like that, once. Looked cool, but...
P.O.V.'s are sometimes acceptable, but only when it's absolutely necessary. If a scene (or shot) can only be done in a specific way, then you can do it.