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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board    Screenwriting Discussion    Screenwriting Class  ›  FADE IN: Moderators: George Willson
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Conz
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 9:07am Report to Moderator
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I'm reclaiming the line those 2 words waste at the start of a script.

I'm not using it.  Call me a rebel, call me an ignorant fool, but I'm done with it.  Why do I have to tell you my script is fading in on page 1?  I don't care how it starts (if i did, I'd use something more specific) you know it's starting, why do you need those 2 words on the right side of the page?

One of my favorite parts of writing, is doing the pass where you try to cut as many lines as possible, and from now on, I'm reclaiming one from the jump.

If someone thinks I'm a amateur because i didnt use em, whatever, hopefull my writing on page 1 keeps them around.  That's ultimately what I want right? My writing to stand on it's own.

I've actually left it off some shorts that I posted here and immediately gotten a "you need a fade in!" to which i always wanted to counter "Who friggen cares," but the person was nice enough to review my work, so i would never be that crass.  

Anyone else just not use "FADE IN:?"  it just seems outdated and pointless to me.

BTW - feel free to sway me on the benefits of using 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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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Videoteq
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 9:45am Report to Moderator
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To see is to hear what you smell with your eyes

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Actually, I copyrighted the phrase FADE IN some years ago, so lucky for you I'm not asking for royalty payments.


Robert F
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Nomad
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 11:05am Report to Moderator
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The way I understand it, "FADE IN:" indicates, that you're fading in.  

I know.  Mind blowing isn't it?

If I don't want the movie to start with a fade, I leave it out.  I better have a good reason for starting the movie abruptly though.

If I start it with scenes of the rolling hills of, wherever, then I'll be fading in.

If I start it with the sound of a gunshot and brains splattering on the wall.  I might leave out the fade.

It does seem to be a constant though.  I'm sure most writers out there will say it's mandatory.


Read my scripts here:
SOCIAL EXPERIMENT 8pg-Drama
THE BRIDGE 8pg-Horror
SCHEISSE 6pg-Horror/Comedy
MADE FOR EACH OTHER-FILMED
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ajr
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 11:20am Report to Moderator
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Here's why you use it:

1. You risk a reader throwing it away if you don't;
2. If you don't use it, technically everything that you describe next happens over a black screen. If you start with a  SUPER or (V.O.), there's even more reason for a reader to assume you'd like to have it over black instead of fading in;
3. Newbie rebels are despised; if you want to break the rules, get some success under your belt first.


Click HERE to read JOHN LENNON'S HEAVEN https://preview.tinyurl.com/John-Lennon-s-Heaven-110-pgs/
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Nomad
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 11:24am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from ajr
...if you want to break the rules, get some success under your belt first.


Well said.


Read my scripts here:
SOCIAL EXPERIMENT 8pg-Drama
THE BRIDGE 8pg-Horror
SCHEISSE 6pg-Horror/Comedy
MADE FOR EACH OTHER-FILMED
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Conz
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 11:50am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from ajr
Here's why you use it:

1. You risk a reader throwing it away if you don't;
2. If you don't use it, technically everything that you describe next happens over a black screen. If you start with a  SUPER or (V.O.), there's even more reason for a reader to assume you'd like to have it over black instead of fading in;



i abide by all the stupid rules that Person A says are correct and Person B says are BS.  You're points are fine, but do you agree they're absolutely ridiculous?  #2 especially?


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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CoopBazinga
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 1:01pm Report to Moderator
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It’s an old tradition that I personally like and will always use it, I saw a discussion on another thread recently about it and the fact that it’s not standard anymore but I will continue to use it and yes, maybe even comment on authors not using it.

Depends on the situation really…

What I’m trying to say is I will always use Fade in but understand other writers not because they think it’s old, tired and out-dated.

It’s what suits you I guess.


Quoted from ajr
Here's why you use it:

1. You risk a reader throwing it away if you don't;
2. If you don't use it, technically everything that you describe next happens over a black screen. If you start with a  SUPER or (V.O.), there's even more reason for a reader to assume you'd like to have it over black instead of fading in;
3. Newbie rebels are despised; if you want to break the rules, get some success under your belt first.


Some really good points here as to why you should use it...

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leitskev
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 1:32pm Report to Moderator
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Not ready to follow the path you are blazing on this one, Conz...but I respect it!! A lot.

More thinking about the reasons behind things is always a good idea.

In this case, I am going follow Anthony, based on points 1 and 3. The risk reward does not seem to justify saving two lines.

But you keep blazing your own trail, and I'll follow you somewhere sooner or later! I love independent thinkers.

I have to say, I do remember this discussion coming up here once. A veteran argued that without the Fade In, how do we know we are at the beginning? I always thought the fact that things begin right after the title page was a pretty good clue. But I stayed quiet.
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Dreamscale
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 1:50pm Report to Moderator
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Yes, you should use FADE IN:, and BTW, it goes on the left side of the page, not the right.

Why should you use it?  Well, Anthony's points are all valid, fo starters, but let's look at it a little more closely.

Are you having a problem with starting your script off with FADE IN:, or using it anywhere within your script?

I'm not big on using unnecessary transitions throughout a script, but there are definitely times when they work - I'm referring to some kind of FADE OUT. inside the script.

If you did use one of these, would you use FADE IN: to open your new scene or just skip it again?  If you skip it, you're incorrect, just like if you skip it out of the gate, you're incorrect.

If your goal is to save 2 lines (4 lines including a FADE OUT. at the end) over the course of the entire script, I bet ya I cold find those 2 lines within your first page alone.

Pick your battles wisely, and when you come up against something that makes sense that you truly believe in, fight with all you've got. This isn't a winning battle and it's far from a wise choice.
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B.C.
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 1:57pm Report to Moderator
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Conz, you planning on ditching FADE OUT as well?
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Conz
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:00pm Report to Moderator
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i dont know, all your points are valid... still seems pointless.  it would be like writing a characters first and last name every single time they appear for no reason.  Also hate that tv scripts have FADE IN to start every act break as if "ACT TWO" wasn't enough.

I dont use transitions in a script no matter what.  I dont like the eye getting drawn to the right margin at any point, it throws me off


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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Conz
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:03pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from B.C.
Conz, you planning on ditching FADE OUT as well?


Well if you take the point I'm trying to make... this is the same thing.  Why is it necessary?  It's the last page.  The last line of dialogue has been spoken.  Are you telling me readers are gonna stop and say "Wait?  This scene just stopped mid page on page 110, am I missing more?  That seemed like closure, but where is the "FADE OUT?!"

Not to mention if they got to where FADE OUT was supposed to be, that's probably a good sign.  Something tells me a few missing transitions aren't gonna be the downfall of the script.

I'd rather use THE END if anything, and i dont even like that.


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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Conz
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:05pm Report to Moderator
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I had to cut a submission for a contest recently by 5 pages, and i kept in the FI/FO b/c of the paranoia discussed in this thread.  I had to kill a joke that I thought went well in the scene, which pissed me off, b/c not only is "FADE IN" a line, but it leaves the extra space when you hit enter like a scene heading.


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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Dreamscale
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:14pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz
I had to cut a submission for a contest recently by 5 pages, and i kept in the FI/FO b/c of the paranoia discussed in this thread.  I had to kill a joke that I thought went well in the scene, which pissed me off, b/c not only is "FADE IN" a line, but it leaves the extra space when you hit enter like a scene heading.


Conz, as I said, I bet you and guarantee you the reason you had to cut anything is not due to FADE IN: and FADE OUT.  No fucking way.  In fact, I bet you there is well over 1/2 a page of completely unnecessary lines in your 5 pager.

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leitskev
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:23pm Report to Moderator
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I do agree FI seems unnecessary for shorts. But in a contest, you should use. Hate to see you lose votes for that. And you will. If you lose the lines you wanted to use, that stinks. That's why I don't do those 5 page contests.

My software puts the FI on the right. That must be for a reason. And certainly all of the old scripts appear with it on the right.

I had to waste a whole day learning how to tease my software to put it where it doesn't want to: on the left.

The things we do for no other purpose than to make rules people happy.
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B.C.
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 2:24pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz

Well if you take the point I'm trying to make... this is the same thing.  Why is it necessary?  It's the last page.  The last line of dialogue has been spoken.  Are you telling me readers are gonna stop and say "Wait?  This scene just stopped mid page on page 110, am I missing more?  That seemed like closure, but where is the "FADE OUT?!"


In a word. YES. That's what they are likely to think.

Conz, it's not necessary. But then, neither is wearing pants when doing the gardening...

But it pisses people off when you don't. And you can also cut off your balls before you have even started.

I'm talking about feature-length scripts.  

Obviously, if it's a five page contest then, you know...I'm sure they are more chilled out.  

But if you ever send a feature to a reader/producer/whatever... just put it in. The reasons for NOT putting in aren't good enough to have your script KO'd over two tiny words.

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kingcooky555
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 3:04pm Report to Moderator
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If you're gonna buck tradition, make sure the stuff in between Fade in and Fade out kicks Shakespeare's arse.

Personally, I'll write wrylies on every dialoge, cut fade ins and fade outs when I've written a $100M blockbuster or won an Oscar/Emmy. For features, it's a battle not worth fighting. Any and every reader looks for any excuse to pass a script over. I'd rather live and die with the narrative rather than take my chances over two words...
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ajr
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 4:09pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz



i abide by all the stupid rules that Person A says are correct and Person B says are BS.  You're points are fine, but do you agree they're absolutely ridiculous?  #2 especially?


I'll answer your question this way, since I'm assuming that you're still a fairly young dude - as you get older you'll discover that the only rebels who aren't starving are those with money and connections...

AJR


Click HERE to read JOHN LENNON'S HEAVEN https://preview.tinyurl.com/John-Lennon-s-Heaven-110-pgs/
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greg
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 4:34pm Report to Moderator
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Oh Hi

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Quoted from Conz

i abide by all the stupid rules that Person A says are correct and Person B says are BS.  You're points are fine, but do you agree they're absolutely ridiculous?  #2 especially?


It is ridiculous but it's a ridiculous business.  I guarantee you if you eliminate all the fade in's that someone at some point is going to be confused because there's no FADE IN:.  It's all interpretation and people interpret things in all sorts of different ways.  My script Addiction has a terrific scene where the teenage dork hero and the evil webmaster confront one another.  It's one of my favorite scenes in the script.  When someone produced it a few years back the finished product had that entire scene as an instant message conversation with voiceover.  When I asked why it turned out that way I got the response "I thought that's what it was supposed to be." There was nothing in that scene indicating it was supposed to be an IM chat.  Maybe there wasn't enough action going on, who knows.

In short, I'd first get a few winners under your belt and develop your name before you start tinkering with this kind of stuff.  I don't disagree with what you're saying, but the Fade In/Fade Out is something, I think, you shouldn't mess with unless you're under contract with Paramount or something.


Be excellent to each other
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Baltis.
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 4:41pm Report to Moderator
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"Your movie must start with FADE IN.  It must.   Don't question why, just practice it and do it.  Don't think you can change the industry with your wild, zany idea's because your script is just that good.  Odds are it'll only be good enough to line a trash can or birdcage."

Paraphrasing, but yeah... Something to that extent.  
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Ledbetter
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 8:27pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz
Call me a rebel, call me an ignorant fool.


You're an ignorant foolish rebel...



Don't know why someone hasn't done so eariler in this thread.

LOL

Shawn.....><
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Pale Yellow
Posted: April 21st, 2012, 11:50pm Report to Moderator
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I think I'll continue writing FADE IN. Don't wanna give anyone a reason to put my script down before they read the first line

I do color out of the lines, but still gonna put my FADE IN ...in.
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rc1107
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 1:15am Report to Moderator
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Three out of the four scripts I got produced or are in production (most are in post-production), I didn't use a FADE IN:.  People'll still read it if there's no fade in.  People'll still film it if there's no fade in.  If anything, the director'll just go behind your back and start it out with a fade in anyway.  You won't get penalized as much as people are saying.  (Maybe you will for contests, but I don't write to join contests.)

I didn't not put FADE IN: to be a rebel or anything, but because of a much simpler explanation...  I didn't want the story to fade in.  If I have a nice, scenic establishing shot as the opener, yeah, I'll use a FADE IN: and love how beautiful and tranquil it is.  But if I open the story in mid-conversation, wanting to get straight to the point and first actions of a story, I'll go straight to the slug.

As for the argument 'People will think the scene is happening over a black screen.'...  Well, the slug EXT. HOLLYWOOD BEACH BOARDWALK should clearly tell the reader the scene is not happening over a black screen.

And if someone doesn't read my story because there's no fade in, no hard feelings.  They can go on and read and find comfort in the cliches of some Blake Snyder-generated screenplay while I'll go on doing what's best for my story.

I like using Fade In's and I'm not going to avoid them, but I like not using them, also, for specific circumstances.  As I've written my stories so far, I feel very comfortable about knowing when to use FADE IN: and when not to.


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Electric Dreamer
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 9:02am Report to Moderator
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Taking a long vacation from the holidays.

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Demonstrating that you can execute structure and rules is key with cold networking.
It's a building block that indicates you're not oblivious to the industry.
Once you've got some back and forth and they like your style... who cares?

Then it becomes about finding reasons to work together for mutual gain.
Give them the script they need so they'll use their contacts/resources for you.

But never estimate how executing an industry standard script helps first contacts.
It's the first best indicator of whether or not to continue netowrking with you.

My personal experience two cents. *plink*

E.D.


LATEST NEWS

CineVita Films
is producing a short based on my new feature!

A list of my scripts can be found here.
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Conz
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 10:15am Report to Moderator
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good discussion.


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention
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jwent6688
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 8:12pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz
good discussion.


A group of amateur screenwriters debating about whether or not to use FADE IN: ?

Pretty fucking stupid discussion.

I don't read your shit anyways and all you do is pop in to talk about your "rebel" self. Good for you, send me your address and I'll mail you a cookie.

James


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Dreamscale
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 8:19pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from jwent6688
A group of amateur screenwriters debating about whether or not to use FADE IN: ?

Pretty fucking stupid discussion.

I don't read your shit anyways and all you do is pop in to talk about your "rebel" self. Good for you, send me your address and I'll mail you a cookie.


I have to agree with this.  I've made several posts and none were acknowledged.  You're on your own now, Conz, as far as I'm concerned.
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Baltis.
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 8:41pm Report to Moderator
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After re-reading this guys post on the matter it's become clear he should be writting books or plays; not screenplays.  What I think you should do, personally, is pay Adam Levenberg 500 bucks to check your script out... Don't include them in your draft, and then wait for his call.  He does that.  He will call you.  And then when he ask why you abandoned certain stapples, you can tell him you're a rebel and then proceed to ask him why you need them.  

He will then tell you

1.  It's tradition.  It tells us, this is a screenplay, not a novel.  Think of placing the words Fade in on your page the screenplay equivalent to once upon a time in a fairy tale.

2.  It creates white on the 1st and last pages.

3.  The ptb like to see it.  They make the rules.

If you don't like fade in, fine... Whatever.  But until you sell a million dollar script, i'd learn to live with it and then, after your millions, divorce it.  

Better safe than sorry.
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irish eyes
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 9:23pm Report to Moderator
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I wanna be a rebel too....

I`m gonna take Fade in... out and Fade out... out.
And also I'm gonna take the title page out.... I don't like it, it takes up a whole page!
I am also gonna take out all my characters names... names are overrated.
Dialogue has to go, it makes no sense... What is dialogue really? just stupid conversation.
The action... Don't get me started on the action...You just don't need it, people don't need to be doing stuff.

So that's it,  I just forwarded by masterpiece blank page to Universal Studios.... fingers crossed.
OH SHIT I forgot to copyright it.... Oh yeah that`s overrated too.



Mark


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jwent6688
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 9:55pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Baltis.
1.  It's tradition.  It tells us, this is a screenplay, not a novel.  Think of placing the words Fade in on your page the screenplay equivalent to once upon a time in a fairy tale.


I love when Balt's around, because he sums this shit up so much better than I.

James



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Ledbetter
Posted: April 22nd, 2012, 10:21pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from jwent6688



I love when Balt's around, because he sums this shit up so much better than I.

James



Damn right jwent...

&

FADE OUT:
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Felipe
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Quoted from B.C.


The reasons for NOT putting in aren't good enough to have your script KO'd over two tiny words.



While this is the reason I put the lines back in my 7wc script, it makes me f***ing sick that this is something that would "KO" a script or a writer... Absolutely disgusting.



'Artist' is not a term you should use to refer to yourself. Let others, and your work, do it for you.
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Conz
Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 2:48pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Dreamscale


I have to agree with this.  I've made several posts and none were acknowledged.  You're on your own now, Conz, as far as I'm concerned.



with all due respect, who are you, and why do you believe your opinion is the gold standard around here? I'm not just talking about this thread either, you literally destroy every writer in every review.  Most people seem to try to be curteous, but you act like you're some kind of screen writing drill sergeant.  I'm not putting you down, I'm simply asking who you are you warrant saying some of the things you do like you created screenwriting.

you could be Aaron Sorkin for all I know, I'm just curious, b/c you get very defensive about just about everything.

and if i have you confused with someone else, that is my bad, and i apologize.


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)

@vc_wg - because I crave attention

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Conz  -  April 23rd, 2012, 3:01pm
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Dreamscale
Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 3:24pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Conz
with all due respect, who are you, and why do you believe your opinion is the gold standard around here? I'm not just talking about this thread either, you literally destroy every writer in every review.  Most people seem to try to be curteous, but you act like you're some kind of screen writing drill sergeant.  I'm not putting you down, I'm simply asking who you are you warrant saying some of the things you do like you created screenwriting.

you could be Aaron Sorkin for all I know, I'm just curious, b/c you get very defensive about just about everything.

and if i have you confused with someone else, that is my bad, and i apologize.


Who am I?  Just another person trying to help writers write.  If you don't like my advice and feedback, don't go with it.  Simple as that.

You posted a question, asking for help and advice, as you have many times.  IMO, this is a downright foolish question to begin with, yet a number of people have chimed in to try and help you.  That's what this site is all about - people helping other people.  Quid Pro Quo.

The problem is that you rarely if ever give back, Conz.  You repeatedly post inane questions and topics, but you rarely provide feedback to others or even acknowledge those who try to help you and give you very valid, obvious answers to questions that don't need to be brought up in the first place.

Any and all information on a site like this, or really anywhere, for that matter, needs to be taken with a grain of salt, as much of it is downright, flat out incorrect or foolish.  I try to always give detailed answers and the reasoning behind it.

If Alan Sorkin told you that you had to use a FADE IN but never use FADE OUT and then Quentin Tarantino told you that you had to use the word "fuck" 75 + times in each and every script, what would you do?

I'd hope you'd come up with your own take on that advice, based on the reasons given for each.
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mcornetto
Posted: April 23rd, 2012, 4:02pm Report to Moderator
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If you sent a script to an independent producer they likely wouldn't care if you used FADE IN or not.  

However, if you are sending it to an agent who wants to sell your script they will care. They probably would not read it if there is no FADE IN because if they are planning on shopping it to anyone "Hollywood" then those people probably would care.

It's one of those things where it's appropriate in most situations to include it.  

The only time I might not include a FADE IN is if I'm writing a short for a Movie Poet contest and leaving out the FADE IN provides me with precious additional lines.  That is a completely permitted practice at Movie Poet.

Out in the real world, however, you should always try to include a FADE IN.

It's all well and fine to deviate from the norm - I completely support that.  However, you do have to realize that there are repercussions when doing so.  
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B.C.
Posted: April 24th, 2012, 3:31pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Felipe


While this is the reason I put the lines back in my 7wc script, it makes me f***ing sick that this is something that would "KO" a script or a writer... Absolutely disgusting.



It is crazy, but apparently true.

Slightly off topic, but not too much --  

Guess what I read on a script readers blog the other day? Putting 'Copywrite 2012' on your title page can seriously harm your chances when sending unsolicited scripts out. The reason why? Because the reader is likely to think you are a paranoid lunatic that's egomaniacal enough to beleive your script is actually good enough to be stolen.

I'm not kidding. I laughed when I read it, but the more you dig deep the weirder this stuff gets. Best not too worry too much, otherwise it's Basket Case central.  
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Felipe
Posted: April 24th, 2012, 3:43pm Report to Moderator
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Yeah I don't put copyright or wga registration numbers on scripts for that reason. Just having the copyright is enough to protect you. If you put that stamp on every script you send out the company will be afraid to read it, fearing that doing business with you is an invitation for a lawsuit.


'Artist' is not a term you should use to refer to yourself. Let others, and your work, do it for you.
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Baltis.
Posted: April 24th, 2012, 4:21pm Report to Moderator
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Putting a copyright date on your script also dates your script... If you have a script with 2007 on it and a copyright/wga registration it screams

1.  Amature
2.  I have an old ass script that hasn't sold yet

Even if your idea/script is good, odds are someone else has wrote something just like it.   Don't be afraid of theft... but when you land an agent or a working relationship with consultants/readers they will ask that you not put your material online and hand it out.
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mcornetto
Posted: April 24th, 2012, 6:49pm Report to Moderator
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Make certain you put that copyright on your script if you are posting on the internet.  Take it off when you're sending your script out to an agent, however.  
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steven8
Posted: April 24th, 2012, 11:54pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from mcornetto
Make certain you put that copyright on your script if you are posting on the internet.  Take it off when you're sending your script out to an agent, however.  


Wow.  This is the first I'd ever heard of this.


...in no particular order
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ABennettWriter
Posted: July 8th, 2012, 11:35pm Report to Moderator
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I own hundreds of screenplays and from my very fast skim, it seems that a lot of the older scripts wrote FI on both sides or not at all.

Newer scripts have it in left side or not at all.

I write mine on left side. English people start reading on the left side and end on the right side. I put my FO on the right side.

It may be obvious but it's what I do and how I like it.
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Colkurtz8
Posted: July 9th, 2012, 3:50am Report to Moderator
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I've brought this up before with reviewers who criticise the writer if they don't include it and I just don’t buy it.

If you want the opening scene to fade in as a lot of films do, include it.

If you don't want the opening scene to fade as a lot films do, don't include it.

Simple as that.

It shouldn't be a hard rule.

Also, if you choose not to fade in, it doesn't mean the opening scene has to be startling like a gunshot or chase or whatever. It can be any type of scene, it’s all up to you, the writer, how you visualise it thus the script should reflect this.

Obviously, some scenes suit a fade in (i.e. someone waking up/gaining consciousness) and vice versa. A reviewer’s suggestion that an opening scene would work better if it were faded in is fine but I don’t agree with being dogmatic that it must always do.

I understand about putting your best foot forward as an unestablished writer and playing ball, I get that but if a reader wants to throw away your script on the basis of that omission, regardless how your first scene unfolds, well…SS is far too noble a site for me to print my response.

I have the same opinion towards fade out at the end of a script, all depends on the scene.

Anyway, that's just my thoughts on it.



Revision History (1 edits)
Colkurtz8  -  July 9th, 2012, 4:00am
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GerryBuilt
Posted: August 14th, 2012, 7:14am Report to Moderator
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That's it man, game over man, game over!!!

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I know it has already been said, but what I really like about the "FADE IN" and "FADE OUT" is that they give the hook and disconnect to "the story"-proper... my 2c worth...


GerryBuilt: Blog - IMDB
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Winning the Fox Hunt (Short) - Art Director ("Lights! Canberra! Action!" Winner 2012)
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Mr. Blonde
Posted: August 14th, 2012, 7:31am Report to Moderator
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I put Fade In and Fade Out, just out of habit. Even if, when I visualize my story, it happens a different way. There's very few ways you can go from a black screen to an image and vice versa. Might as well go with something that's universal.


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Electric Dreamer
Posted: August 14th, 2012, 10:26am Report to Moderator
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I'll forgive anything if the words on the page grab me.

However, I do a lot of reading for other companies...
If I don't know the author, I gauge them by how well they adhere to industry standard.
Then, at least I can get an idea of how well they know format and the craft.
And figure out if I'm in for a tough read or not.
I won't quit if FADE IN: isn't there. But it goes in the red flag column.

In the end, I'll forgive anything if the script jumps off the page!

Regards,
E.D.


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