I agree.  But then I'm not a big fan of the writer trying to direct the camera in the first place.  But that's a whole other discussion.

Quoted from Lon I agree.  But then I'm not a big fan of the writer trying to direct the camera in the first place.  But that's a whole other discussion.

It's our story to tell so we can direct the camera however we want. Every block of action we write we‘re directing the camera. We are telling the filmmaker what is on screen. Same with V.O. and O.S., if I want the camera pointing somewhere and someone is speaking off screen and that’s how I imagine my movie looking that’s how I’m going to write it.

It's your story to tell in any way you see fit until someone buys it off you, then they can do whatever they want.

What I personally don’t like seeing is actual camera directions (close up, medium shot etc.) in a script, I think there’s always a better way to write it to achieve the same thing. But if a writer feels like that’s the best way to achieve what they want then go ahead.

There's a difference between describing an action scene and directing it.  But again, a whole other discussion.

Quoted from Lon I agree.  But then I'm not a big fan of the writer trying to direct the camera in the first place.  But that's a whole other discussion.

Would be a great thread topic.

Quoted from Dreamscale   Ha...typical Warren here.  And yes, I was referring to some of his recent scripts where he used OS for not reason, making for a very confusing read. In most movies, we have scenes of peeps talking and most of the time, the person speaking will be shown, but other times, the person listening will be shown while the other person speaks. BUT, there's absolutely no reason whatsoever to try and write your Spec script that way. Just a very poor idea.

I'm pretty sure that's not what he was advocating. I think what he was saying that on those rare occasions where you think the scene is more impactful if one character is not seen while speaking, go for it. He was not saying that every time you write dialogue indicate whether a character is listening or talking. That being said, your point on being clear is a good one and you never want to confuse a reader on whether or not the character is in the scene. But that's different from what Warren was saying.

Quoted from eldave1 I'm pretty sure that's not what he was advocating. I think what he was saying that on those rare occasions where you think the scene is more impactful if one character is not seen while speaking, go for it. He was not saying that every time you write dialogue indicate whether a character is listening or talking. That being said, your point on being clear is a good one and you never want to confuse a reader on whether or not the character is in the scene. But that's different from what Warren was saying.

Not really.  The script(s) I am referring to had the characters in the scene, but he didn't want their faces shown as they were speaking (at times).

Ah... V.O./O.S.'s power to repel consensus overpowers a question with an obvious, agreed-upon answer. Impressive.

Quoted from Dreamscale Not really.  The script(s) I am referring to had the characters in the scene, but he didn't want their faces shown as they were speaking (at times).

And???

Quoted from eldave1 And???

And that makes it a very confusing read.

But, that's great to do it that way, I guess.  Makes perfect sense and is something all amateur writers should emulate.

Quoted from Dreamscale And that makes it a very confusing read. But, that's great to do it that way, I guess.  Makes perfect sense and is something all amateur writers should emulate.

That of course wasn't my point.

We agree that to use it all the time would be confusing. Warren doesn't do that.

No one does that.  

The real question is using it in rare situations is inherently bad.  In my opinion if it enhances the read, okay. If it merely creates confusion,  not okay.

Dunkirk

Quoted Text SOLDIER (O.S.) You men, leave off. You'll capsize the boat- it's gone over twice on the way out here... Tommy looks at the Soldier.

Green Book

Quoted Text Magnificent. Lip enters, moves down the aisle. He takes in the spectacle. WOMAN’S VOICE (O.S.) Excuse me. We’re not open right now... Lip turns to face the BOX OFFICE MANAGER across the room.

One script I love and 1 award winning script.

It’s your script, write it the way you want it to be seen in the reader's mind’s eye. If the filmmaker wants to change it that’s up to them.

I wasn’t confused at all reading these 2 scripts. This is the way I have used (O.S.) in the past many times.

I'll also add that the idiotic argument of "they’re pros they can do what they want" doesn’t work here. Just because they’re pros why would it be any less confusing? It's the exact same thing.

I've said it before, but it’s always good to look at the credentials of the person dishing out the advice.

And again...

BlacKkKlansman

Quoted Text WHEATON (O.S.) Hey! Anybody in there? Looking for a Toad here. Ron walks to the Counter to see The White and sleep-deprived Cop impatiently leaning on his elbows.

Quoted from eldave1 That of course wasn't my point. We agree that to use it all the time would be confusing. Warren doesn't do that. No one does that.   The real question is using it in rare situations is inherently bad.  In my opinion if it enhances the read, okay. If it merely creates confusion,  not okay.

I never once said anyone did this all the time.

I said, when you see this on the page, it is/can be confusing.  Period.

In reality, it's the same thing as actually writing the camera shot - CU on Kitten's face, and the having some other character speak.

Dumb...just dumb.

BTW, what happened to Warren's post of the standings?  Class Act, Bro...Class fucking Act.

Quoted from Dreamscale I never once said anyone did this all the time. I said, when you see this on the page, it is/can be confusing.  Period. In reality, it's the same thing as actually writing the camera shot - CU on Kitten's face, and the having some other character speak. Dumb...just dumb. BTW, what happened to Warren's post of the standings?  Class Act, Bro...Class fucking Act.

So you object to someone ever doing it?

Quoted from eldave1 So you object to someone ever doing it?

Hell Yes!

Quoted from Dreamscale So that means everything he does is perfect and everything I say is wrong?

I'm not sure I'd say that everything he does is perfect - even within context. He just does things his way and that is best for him. You can not say he is wrong - especially as he is doing better than you. If you write so well and Warren doesn't, yet he does better than you... then something isn't adding up right somewhere.