Hey SS, so lately, I've been working with a script that is more-so visual than dialogue heavy. However, here is where I've been coming into some issues, wondering how far it is to go into director territory in the writing process. I can see my entire script visually and there's a few places where I've wanted to add some montage sequences. To give you guys an example, the scene in the social network where we have Mark writing a code for face mash and simultaneously there is a party going on with a group he is not included in. I figured this was more of a director's touch but I looked over the script and Aaron Sorkin had added it himself. I was wondering what everyone else's opinion on this is, because I'm not Aaron Sorkin. When dealing with more visual things to how a scene would play out on screen, like continuously cutting between two scenes for visual/metaphorical purposes not so much for the story, if that goes beyond what the writer should be doing?

Thanks,

Kev!

If it really works to further the story then do it.  If the story gets lost in the fact that you are doing all that cutting or you can't think of a way to present it to make it readable then tell the story another way.   While your script should be visual, your script is for reading, always remember that.  It's only after you sell it that it's produced and the director has his/her way with it.

Only go into it enough to get your point across.


Phil

Michael's advice is solid. I've heard a few comments from working screenwriters to that effect. I thought camera direction was a big no-no but in reality you don't have to stress out about it. Your script will land in front of readers first, probably an army of them, so your primary concern is to make the read interesting and as visual as possible. If it takes camera directions to do it, then do it. By the time a director reads your script it will have evolved into something unrecognizable, so don't worry about it.

If you have never actually used camera directions - like gone to school for it or actually made a film - then you shouldn't be using camera directions in your script.   Write what you know is true in that case.

Thanks guys, you gave me a good understanding on what I was looking for! Great advice Michael.

The only time you should ever use a camera angle with when there is no other way to describe what you want... and you must use it extremely sparingly.  There are many ways, fortunately, to convey a camera angle.

Instead of saying:

Quoted Text EXT.  DESERT ROAD - DAY Wide-angle shot of a station wagon driving across a desert highway

you could say:

Quoted Text EXT.  DESERT ROAD - DAY A station wagon drive along a desert highway.  There is nothing but sand and cacti for miles.

Phil