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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.
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).
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...
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.
... 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...
i always thought beat was a bit lazy too, but i still use it. the example of "eyes mist up" used earlier doesn't necessarily tell me the dialogue is pausing. i used to get hung up on finding other ways to use "beat" but i just said "screw it' and used it.
I am addicted to ... though, probably too much. and i tend to use -- in action lines, which im sure isn't the best way to write it.
I'd list my "work" here, but I don't know how to hyperlink.
"Career" Highlights -2, count em, 2 credits on my IMDB page. -One time a fairly prominent producer e-mailed me back. -I have made more than $1000 with my writing! -I've won 2 mugs... and a thong. (polaroids of me in thong available for $10 through PM)