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As many movies as I've seen that do this, I can not think of ONE! I'm trying to find screenplays for movies that have an opening sequence, where, for example:
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT Man finds woman in car crash.
CUT TO:
BLACK (opening credits)
INT. MAN'S CAR - NIGHT Man drives erratically, woman in backseat. Traffic comes to a stand still. MAN: Come on, come ON! Jesus Christ!
CUT TO:
BLACK (opening credits)
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT Man carries the blood-stained woman into the hospital. MAN: Hey, I need some help, here!
CUT TO:
BLACK (opening credits)
INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT (again?) Woman is wheeled on a stretcher, into operating room.
etc.
Basically, I'm just trying to find out how to properly format such a sequence. The way I tried to do it earlier, my intro scene was about 7 pages, because of conversations and descriptions. It takes place over a few different scenes. I just need some advice on the subject. Thanks!
Where's the problem in just writing these short scenes as an opening? Not sure what 'BLACK (opening credits)' is meant to do here. but the short scenes as an opening seem ok to me. Keep in mind you don't tell a story in real time, it's totally ok if you have time jumps between scenes.
It's the particular sections of the scenes I was wanting to show. If it were to just cut from scene to scene as normal, it would seem like something was missing. It would be really empty. But, if it's skipping through important, short bursts between credits, it just makes more sense to skip all that time. I wish I could think of an example, but I'm still not able to think of one of the million movies I've seen do this. It's kind of like what John August is talking about here, but still no example of an exisiting movie.
If your script starts with a montage of smaller moments that you intend to play under the opening titles, write the words OPENING TITLES. Otherwise, you may end up with both a title sequence and an empty-feeling minute of movie at the start.
I can see what you’re aiming for but I’m not sure it’s the way to go in a spec. script. The argument against would be that you’re directing technical aspects that aren’t really your concern. Based on the scenes above I’d see little issue in letting it play out without the CUT TO, BLACK (opening credits). The jump from locale to locale builds logically as the man discovers the injured woman and races to get her to hospital -- nothing wrong with it far as I can see.
Simply from a reader’s perspective I wouldn’t pause at the BLACK as I imagine the credits rolling past... Tell the story, let someone else worry about where to put the credits.
Steve
My short scripts can be found here on my new & improved budget website:
I have to agree with Steve, even though I can't help wondering if the woman in his avatar has just been rescued, or is about to be thrown in.
You can make loads of edits and to-ing and fro-ing, backing and forthing, uping and downing. But I think in the end you'll just be annoying readers. You'd be better off sticking to the usual spec script rules and keeping it straightforward.
You're allowed the odd flourish, if it suits the story. But you're better off leaving the fancy stuff for those with more equipment than a laptop and chair. I count myself among the latter. I also have a funny beard and a pencil. What one has to do with the other is frankly none of your business.
What you have in the scene at the top of this thread is intriguing. But it doesn't really help the story. And a director and editor will probably ignore it, if you're lucky. You're better off leaving the directing and the editing to them, in my humble.
I have to agree with Steve, even though I can't help wondering if the woman in his avatar has just been rescued, or is about to be thrown in.
I don't think that's a woman. Or any human for that matter.
I've always wondered what the man was holding. Reverse image searched it to a higher quality picture now --
-- and it makes just as much sense as it did with low quality...
On topic:
I can't think of any examples on a screenplay, but if you do only have these flashes throughout a montage and they don't continue into a regular shot, maybe you could just add a note at the beginning and end?
BRIEF CUTS TO BLACK FOR CREDIT SEQUENCE IN BETWEEN EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SCENES
INT. 1
Whatever happens here.
INT. 2
Whatever happens here.
EXT. 3
Whatever happens here.
INT. 4
Whatever happens here.
END CREDITS
Otherwise the way you have it is the best way I can think of doing it. Gl.
I know this doesn't answer your direct question (which is convenient since I don't have one), but why do you want to even consider putting the opening credits in your screenplay - let the director handle that mess.
If that's how you want to open your script then do it your way. Once you know how to format and write actively it doesn't matter what you do. Some writers like to use camera directions and others don't... it's really up to you, there is not a rule that says you shouldn't.
Oh. I'm not sure calling a woman 'a stick and bunch of seaweed' is going to get you anywhere. I find sweet nothings and a bunch of flowers to be a little more effective.
If they are being very nice to me, I may even fork out for a Twix.
Er, hang on. I've just looked again. Look, this is all very well. Hardly going to keep him warm at night, now is it?
I still think it's a woman.
Now, I'm going down the beach. You never know your luck.
If that's how you want to open your script then do it your way. Once you know how to format and write actively it doesn't matter what you do. Some writers like to use camera directions and others don't... it's really up to you, there is not a rule that says you shouldn't.
Now why you want to go and be that way, Dustin?
Yes, it does matter what you do. You can say this because you are already someone who is getting work done.
For someone just starting out who wants their work read based on merit and skill, a writer isn't doing themselves any favors by adding things that may send a reader the signal that they are an amateur.
Unnecessary additions (direction, angles, and credits) to a new writers script only serves to reduce his / her chances of serious reads from those who see these kinds of additions as a writers attempt to over sell a story when in fact it should be the story itself that wins the readers loyalty.
It only looks amateur when done wrong or badly. So long as it is done in the right way then it's a part of the visual story the writer wants to tell.
All scripts should take the reader on a journey. I believe adding camera directions enhances a story not detracts from it.
But... don't let me stop anyone from doing it their way. If one believes camera directions are what separates their script from being made or not, then leave them out and watch as it still doesn't get made!
But... don't let me stop anyone from doing it their way. If one believes camera directions are what separates their script from being made or not, then leave them out and watch as it still doesn't get made!