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SimplyScripts Screenwriting Discussion Board    Screenwriting Discussion    Screenwriting Class  ›  Using 'we see...' Moderators: George Willson
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  Author    Using 'we see...'  (currently 2223 views)
danbotha
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 1:41am Report to Moderator
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I often see people here commenting on the use of 'we see' on threads around the sight.

I was just wondering, what the actual problem with using this technique is. I see it used in un-produced scripts as well as some produced, big screen scripts. 'The Debt' frequently uses it and it's no different with 'Blood Diamond.'

So if industry professionals can break this rule, why can't we?

Daniel


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ghost and_ghostie gal
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 3:31am Report to Moderator
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@Danbotha...

Personally I don't use we or we see because it's a movie - of course we see.  If I ever have too, I would, but... most of the time it's redundant and serves no purpose, and there is only so much room on a page.  I'd rather spend it on character and story and actions and other things that I believe are more important.  Now, there are times when "we see" is the right tool for the job - usually when the audience sees something that no other character sees.  Then use it.  Sometimes it ends up being the most elegant, effective way to write a moment in your script, but like all things...

1) Use it sparingly.  Do it for a reason - make a choice.   Be aware of when you use it, consider the alternative, and if you still prefer the "we see" then use it.

2) When in doubt, take it out.

Best advice I can give you.  If you'd like another example of it's efefctive use, let me know and I'll plug one in.

Now I'll be more then happy to ignore this thread and go off and die while this thread spins into oblivion... and it will.   Soon as the original OP acknowledges that there is no debate about this in the world of working writers: no one cares about "we see." Or "we."

And I'm quoting here...

Ghostie



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ghost and_ghostie gal  -  August 1st, 2012, 3:50am
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mcornetto
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 3:52am Report to Moderator
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Do not use 'We see' in scripts.  It's completely redundant.  'We hear' is as well.  Now we, itself, is not off limits.  Lines like 'We hover over the corpses' or 'We float across the meadow'  are completely fine.  But like Ghostie says, don't overuse them.  
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danbotha
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 3:58am Report to Moderator
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@Danbotha...
Now I'll be more then happy to ignore this thread and go off and die while this thread spins into oblivion... and it will.   Soon as the original OP acknowledges that there is no debate about this in the world of working writers: no one cares about "we see." Or "we."
Ghostie


If that is the case, Ghostie, why do reviewers continue to make a fuss over it when they do see it? If there is no debate, why do people on simplyscripts jump on it as soon as they see it?

I get why people would rather not use it, but why, oh why would you make a big fuss over it?


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mcornetto
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 4:05am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from danbotha

I get why people would rather not use it, but why, oh why would you make a big fuss over it?


Because it's redundant and therefore, bad writing.

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danbotha
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 4:09am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from mcornetto


Because it's redundant and therefore, bad writing.



Alright, fair enough. I can understand that.

Then my only problem with it is, how do industry professionals get away with it?

Does it not seem a little unfair to you?




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mcornetto
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 4:47am Report to Moderator
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Many industry professionals are writing on assignment.  Their scripts don't undergo the same type of scrutiny that a spec script does.  Plus they aren't trying to win contests or get comments from a screenwriting forum.   So, yes, slightly different rules do apply, not very different and certainly nothing you should emulate if it's bad writing.

And I'm almost sure that you are looking at shooting scripts where the director might have had some input and wanted a visual placed there.  It may not even be the original writer that wrote the line.  It's very much a director thing to think in terms of 'We see'.  And they aren't going to care about the quality of the writing, all they're going to care about is whether or not the DP will understand it well enough to get the shot.

Hope that helps.
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danbotha
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 5:13am Report to Moderator
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It certainly does, Michael. Thanks a bunch

I've said what I wanted to say. Let this thread sink to the bottom, now



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Dreamscale
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 9:18am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from danbotha
I've said what I wanted to say. Let this thread sink to the bottom, now


Oh no.  That would be way to easy.

Actually, Ghostie and Cornie gave great examples and reasons to avoid using such garbage.  I want to add a little more.

It always amazes me how peeps look at something, like an actual movie or a script written by a Pro and think, "well, if they did it that way, why the fuck shouldn't I?  Why the fuck shouldn't everyone?".

Just because a Pro does something, it doesn't mean you should as well. Everything you do should be done for a reason, and that reason should be because it makes the most sense.

It's smart to listen to what peeps have to say and take in all the advice and expertise you can, but don't follow along blindly.  Don't do things that don't make sense.  It's OK to buck the system as long as what you're doing makes more sense and you believe in it 100%.

Finally, don't think for a minute that all Pro writers are great writers, or can do no wrong.  Don't watch a movie that "everyone loves" and think you have to love it as well.  March to your own beat and dance to your own tune...but do it with 100% conviction and belief in why you're marching to that beat or dancing to that tune.

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alffy
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 10:23am Report to Moderator
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Quoted from Dreamscale


don't think for a minute that all Pro writers are great writers



Never a truer word spoken, Jeff.  I certainly don't think myself a great writer but I sometimes watch a movie and think, who the hell wrote this, it's complete nonsense!


Check out my scripts...if you want to, no pressure.

You can find my scripts here
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irish eyes
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 3:07pm Report to Moderator
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Quoted from jeff
but do it with 100% conviction and belief in why you're marching to that beat or dancing to that tune


I'm  going with acid or shrooms

Mark


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Pale Yellow
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 3:10pm Report to Moderator
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I got slapped on the wrist TODAY infact for using the dreaded 'we see'. I dunno why but sometimes when I'm writing, it just jumps out and onto paper!

I'm trying to 'fix'. When I am reading though, 'we sees' don't bother me unless I see a lotta we sees tongue twister!

Anyway, I try try try to follow the rules...
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Electric Dreamer
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 6:48pm Report to Moderator
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For amateurs, I wouldn't recommend going down the We See road.
You're an unknown quantity, blast that cold reader with your talent, not lazy words.

That being said, when it's a paid assignment...
The guy footing the bill doesn't care if you're redundant, just good!
Besides, they'll have their own pack of pet peeves you have to adhere too!

Regards,
E.D.


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CoopBazinga
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 9:02pm Report to Moderator
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You're probably reading shooting scripts, Dan.

Remember you're writing a spec script and the story is key. You trying to sell that story to someone. They don't want to be taken out of the story by something like "we see" and it's redundant which others have mentioned.

On the other hand, it is possible to use when it's the best method to get your story across. There is a ton of tools out there to use to bring your story to life on the page. Its choosing the best time to use them that is the hard part, and something that most writers like myself are still trying to learn.
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Grandma Bear
Posted: August 1st, 2012, 9:07pm Report to Moderator
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I don't think I've ever written "we see", but at the same time, I think only studio readers get hung up on that. From what I've been told, story is king, not your writing style...unless, a studio reader is who reads your script.

Btw, Lions Gate read my 2nd draft found footage vampire script...and they liked it!!!!!!


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