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Am I the only one who hates (Beat) (currently 2724 views)
irish eyes
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 8:36pm
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I notice a lot of people use it and it just seems very lazy. IMO It`s usually best not to instruct an actor when to pause... If you have to, find a more descriptive word or describe a small action,gesture, or facial expression that accomplishes the same purpose, but which also adds a characterization. Mark
Revision History (1 edits)
mcornetto - January 12th, 2012, 8:50pm Fixed subject
dogglebe
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 9:04pm
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There's nothing wrong with (beat) unless it's overused. While it instructs the actor when to pause, it tells the reader when you need that pause. Phil
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irish eyes
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 9:49pm
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There`s too much blood in my alcohol
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I know Phil... But when you have something like: Mary John, I want you to know... (beat) ... how much i love you. I think it`s more interesting if you do: Mary John, I want you to know... (eyes mist up) ... how much I love you. Just gives it more character. Mark
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irish eyes
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 10:02pm
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I agree totally Pia im more of the ... I just mean`t for those who tend to overkill (beat), at least make it interesting, or none at all.
Reply: 3 - 15
Heretic
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 10:07pm
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I'm with Pia. I think ellipses make a lot of sense. The (eyes mist up) idea doesn't work for me at all, personally. That's very clear-cut directing and no-one appreciates that. I do agree that it gives the script more character but that's not the way to do that. Regarding (beat), I do use it here and there, personally. Sometimes, a line just doesn't really make sense without it. To my thinking, if you have to put something there, it's best to just put something standard like (beat) that the reader skims instantly without even taking in. That way you interrupt the reading the least while still suggesting a pause. In the case of (eyes mist up), now your reader's attention is split between two ideas (the dialogue and the contents of the wrylie) and isn't fully focused on the important one (the dialogue).
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dogglebe
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 10:09pm
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You used it incorrectly, anyway, Mark. It's used to show pause at the beginning of someone's dialog. Mary (beat) John, I want you to know... When you want to give a pause in the middle of dialog, you use an ellipsis. MARY John, I want you to know... how much I love you. Phil
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jwent6688
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 10:33pm
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Quoted from dogglebe
You used it incorrectly, anyway, Mark. It's used to show pause at the beginning of someone's dialog. Mary (beat) John, I want you to know... When you want to give a pause in the middle of dialog, you use an ellipsis. MARY John, I want you to know... how much I love you. Phil
Totally disagree with the sire here. (beat) is more often used in the middle of dialogue. If you want a pause before someone speaks, put a (beat) worthy pause in the action that preludes the dialogue.
I use ellipses if I really need to show a pause. Comma's sometimes are just enough. As can be periods on incomplete sentences.
Just figure out what is to your liking and be consistent with its use the whole script. Plus, If actors were all genius, they should be able to handle the delivery on their own. No beats, pauses, ellipses are necessary for those who know how to act...
James
VIDEO
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dogglebe
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 11:24pm
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Totally disagree with the sire here. (beat) is more often used in the middle of dialogue. If you want a pause before someone speaks, put a (beat) worthy pause in the action that preludes the dialogue.
YOU BASTARD!!!!!!!
Phil
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CoopBazinga
Posted: January 12th, 2012, 11:44pm
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In a word, Mark, YES! You are the only one who hates (beat)!
Nah, just kidding.
I don't mind using them personally but only if they're not overused. I guess it's what works best for you.
Steve
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irish eyes
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 7:21am
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I knew it Steve..
Im gonna write a script called the (beat) in which the actor has to pause every line for 117 pages
Mark
Reply: 9 - 15
Hugh Hoyland
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 7:30am
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This is a (beat) good question.
But I dont have a ... firm answer yet.
Reply: 10 - 15
wonkavite
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 8:21am
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I knew it Steve..
Im gonna write a script called the (beat) in which the actor has to pause every line for 117 pages
Mark
What, you gonna cast William Shatner?
Sorry (beat). Obvious joke, but had to be said.
(On a more serious note, I'll use beats very occasionally - in the middle of dialogue. Much prefer... myself.....)
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Electric Dreamer
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 12:18pm
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I typically try to stay away from that kind of "actor manipulation". But, if I have to, I prefer the ellipses and give a line of business.JOAN Are you... Joan looks over the scrawny male offering her a martini. JOAN I gotta go to the ladies room. Something like that typically works for me. E.D.
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ajr
Posted: January 13th, 2012, 12:48pm
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... to indicate a thoughtful pause and - to indicate stop and start speech - stuttering, stammering, etc. These things mimic normal speech patterns and look better on the page than (beat) does IMHO...
Reply: 13 - 15
Steex
Posted: May 23rd, 2012, 1:22pm
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I rarely use (beat). But I think it does have its place. I mostly use it in comedy writing. Here's an example from a short I wrote a LONG time ago. I'm not copy and pasting, this is from memory... INT. RESTAURANT A man sits at a table. His waitress walks by. WAITRESS Sir, I'll put your appetizer in, but it's going to take a few minutes. There's something I have to do. MAN I'm pretty hungry. Can you just put it in now? WAITRESS Sorry, but I REALLY have to do this. MAN And I'm REALLY hungry. What could you possibly have to do that's more important than my food? WAITRESS If you must know, I have to take a dump and change my tampon. That important enough for you? Or would you prefer I shit on the floor? Beat. MAN On second thought, cancel the appetizer.
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