I'll ask this question generally then specifically. This could include action scenes such as car chases, fights, shoot outs etc. How specific should you be in a spec script when writing action scenes. Should you for instance script a fight scene blow by blow or just indicate in your action lines the characters are fighting?

     In my script the main characters are involved in a beach volleyball game. They are nude because the beach volleyball game takes place while the characters are on a nakation. How specific should I be in writing this scene?

     Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.  Marvin K. Perkins.
      

Marvin, IMO, you should always be detailed enough so that your readers can get a visual picture of what's going on.

Others will disagree completely and say that such details (fights, car chases, etc) should be left up to the director and stunt coordinator.

There's always a fine line between too much detail and not enough.  I tend to write as visually as I can, and that includes enough detail so that details in a fight are mapped out so that the action...and outcome makes sense.

In terms of a game being played, it depends on how important the scene and outcome is to your script.  How long will it play in a filmed version?  Many times, films will gloss over actual game plays, etc., show a montage of the action, and maybe show the final point or 2 in full.

Hope that helps.

Dreamscale, thanks for your response. I see what you mean about the fine lines between too much dtail and not enough. Actually in my script the outcome of the volleyball game is not that important. I like your idea of a montage and then show the final point or two in full. Thanks.  Marvin.  

I use action scenes to tell my story, so I'm pretty specific.
How my characters behave in these scenes tell the reader about them.
Also, it gives someone the sense of spirit of how the action is intended to play.
I don't say, "A light hearted romp through the mall", I show it.
Hopefully, a director can take it to the next level from there.
I don't expect how I write the scene to be the actual way its shot.
But as the screenwriter, it's my duty to convey the mood for that set piece, IMO.

E.D.

E.D. thanks for your response. I see what you are saying. Doing it is an entirely different matter, I am still trying to figure out exactly how I will write the scene. I appreciate your inout, thanks.  Marvin.  

Here's something that might help.  It's from my blog...

http://theworkingscreenwriter.blogspot.com/2007/09/action-scenes.html

Hey Jim, just checked out your blog.  Interesting stuff.

Personally, I can't stand Shane Black's writing style.  So irritating...so over the top...so long winded, actually.  I don't think I could get through 10 full pages of this garbage.

I just saw The Long Kiss Goodnight about a week ago on Netflix streaming.  I remember it from when I saw it in the theater, back in 96.  I remember liking it back then, but not so much now...just way too over the top and ridiculous for my current tastes.

As far as I know Shane was paid $4 Million for this script and is the largest amount a single screenwriter has ever made up front on a script.

Workingscreenwriter, thanks for the link. I actually saw the movie last night so I know the scene. I agree with with dreamscale his style is pretty irritating. Something a new writer wouldn't be able to get away with I'm afraid. However it does illustrate that I should make my action scene as interesting and exciting as possible. Good stuff, thanks.  Marvin.