I have seen in some movies that during the rolling of the initial credits, there is some action, though quite insignificant (and sensibly so) on the screen. I was wondering how, if at all, it would be possible to implement this in a script. First of all, how to format it; should I print "DURING CREDITS" at the top and every now and then "CREDIT FLASHES ACROSS THE SCREEN"? I am guessing not. Or is there an unwritten (or written) rule that this should not be done in a script, plain and simple?

I usually avoid anything that has to do with credits, but if you so desire, just put CREDITS ROLL, show your stuff, then END CREDITS.

If you begin your script with an extensive action sequence, or anything else that FEELS like it goes under credits, it probably will. Directors generally place the MAIN TITLES (their proper name) where they was to place them. If it is absolutely imperative that you specify when the titles begin and end BEGIN MAIN TITLES at the beginning and END MAIN TITLES at the end would do the trick, I imagine.

But like I said, if your sequence is clearly dialogue free and seems like it is a teaser that belongs under the main titles, they'll likely figure it out on their own and change it to however they want to do it anyway. I wouldn't worry about it. Personally, I write for the "no main titles" idea, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings did...the "here's the title, let's move on" idealism. Titles are a necessary evil in a film, and the end is the best place for them so you don't have to delay the story.

Quoted from George Willson If you begin your script with...anything...that FEELS like it goes under credits, it probably will

Oh, boy...a golden pimping opportunity....must fight....auggh....can't resist!

Read the first two pages of "The Farm" for an example of what George is talking about.  That is exactly what I was trying to do.

This opening sequence was "designed" for credits, but I don't come right out and say it.  I think (hope) it goes without saying.

Personally, I'd avoid using credits unless you feel it absolutely necessary i.e. you feel it's important to open with a teaser before the credits ala Pulp Fiction. But that's really the director's decision.

The best example of a title sequence is from Monty Python's Holy Grail

http://www.mwscomp.com/movies/grail/g-titles.htm

Of course, with Python, the 6 behind the whole shindig also variously produced and directed the beast as well. They could do whatever they wanted to.

A teaser can be made obvious in a script. Every Bond films, for example (except Dr. No), begins with a teaser. If you want this sort of thing, you just write

MAIN TITLES.

after the teaser and that will make it all crystal clear...and who knows, theymight even keep it there.

Okay, so in my screenplay at the start it has one of those things where it could have a man talking than cuts to a couple of credits, than back to the man talking than cuts to some more credits. How would you write that down?

You don't put the credits in your script.  The director decides where and how they will be included.

Look around before starting a new thread V-Freak.  Chances are any question you have has been asked and answered -- perhaps a few times over.

George -- could you link this guy to the thread that discusses this in depth?  You can probably find it 20 times faster than me.

I just merged the question into the existing thread. Keeps it all a bit cleaner when someone tries to dig through 10 pages of questions.