Quoted from Erica Thank you CJ for the pitch quotes about grammar. I'm working on a newer version that has the corrections as well as some story improvements (I hope).  I think I will call the story "Nothing for Christmas". I wonder, do I submit a new story with a different title or just submit again and ask to change the name?

I like the title change. Just post a link to the new version or email an admin with the new file. They will update it at the beginning of the thread so others don't get the older version.

Quoted from Erica Grammar is always a touchy subject, sadly it's mostly do to laziness and lack of effort.

Exactly. It just takes learning. I'm still learning and am always grateful when I learn something new.

As CJ has pointed out, there are readers, producers etc that will opt out of a work early. While there are also those that don't, I see little point in alienating the ones that do. Improving my work will improve the amount of eyes prepared to read my work.

For me, it's a matter of pride. I want my work to be presented in the best way possible.

Is it all that complicated? Proper grammar and spelling is preferred over poor grammar and typos.

Okay, here is were I think things can possible get tricky.  I'm working on re writing the opening montage to make it a little more clear.  When I wrote it, I had myself in mind for shooting, so of course I can picture it in my head.  If I plan on selling this script or not, I need to make the opening more clear as Dustin pointed out.

Quoted Text How are they playing this Christmas tune? Which tune is it?

This part I didn't include because I know song I would like to use but that all depends on budget, who's directing, who's producing, etc.  I've read both possibilities, that you should stay away from saying the song name, on the others hand, people say to include it your song choice.  Personally if I was to sell the script I think I should keep it generic and let the director choose.  What's the best approach for this in a spec script, even a short script?

Or keep it as "Generic Christmas music like,

"It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams, plays.

Quoted from Erica What's the best approach for this in a spec script, even a short script?

When specific music is named in a screenplay, if the producers decide they want to use that music then the rights and legal team will determine its availability and pay the necessary licenses to include it in the film.  This is standard practice and applies to everything in a screenplay that may require a license or rights or permissions. Every aspect of a greenlit screenplay is scrutinized by the legal team to avoid any liability for the producer.

Professional producers do not use music or other copyrighted material without first getting the necessary clearances.

There are essentially two things a screenwriter can do when they wish to include music in a screenplay. One is to describe the generic type / style / era of the music and allow the director/producer to select the specific work. The other is to nominate a specific piece of music because the writer has a reason for using it due to its particular relevance to the theme or story.

So yes, any writer can nominate a particular song or piece of music in a screenplay if they wish.

I hope this clears it up.

Ghostie

I recently told the writer of a short script I'm producing with another board member, "it's perfectly fine to mention specific music you have in mind. It will give us an idea of the type of music you have in mind."    

If you use songs that are out of copyright then it's all good. The Producer may even thank you. I'm sure a lot of Christmas songs will be free to use today, particularly if sang by actors and not using a recording of a famous singer's version. Even some of those will be fine though. Silent Night is free to use...

Here's a list of public domain Christmas songs:

https://www.easysonglicensing......Public%20Domain.aspx

That's just from quick research. If you look a little deeper there will be more. This one is good because it also tells you songs that you may consider public domain, but aren't.

Music is pretty damn important to a movies final product, in a lot of cases it makes a movie memorable and even having people come out of the theaters thinking it was better than actually was.

I just think that on the screenwriting level only, unless the song really has something to do with the story, one would be best to leave music up to the pros. So many other things to focus on. A ton of scripts come through here with a song kicking off the opening scene for what I can see is no other reason than a particular song that the writer just happens to like.

Anyway, Interesting about the public domain lists, certainly in reference to independent film making.

Thank you Angry Bear for your comment.  I think in this case regardless if I Producer/Direct or sell the script the opening piece of music helps to set the tone.  Of course If I pick Santa Claus is coming to town and the director wants White Christmas, so be it.

Thanks Dustin for that list of songs, it's a great reference.  Ironically all of those songs in the public domain are songs available on Killer Tracks.  Now I know why they use those songs.  Of course like the article says just because the song is public domain, doesn't mean you can take a cd and use it.  That mechanical recording would still be copyright.

In any case I believe that the song choice for this piece that I would use does add to the story, one "It's the most wonderful time of the year" adds a bit of irony to the story considering the toy in the first scene and the bank robbery in the second scene.  The other piece of music would be "Santa Claus is coming to down" is a bit of foreshadowing.  But in the end this is all up to who ever is producing and/or directing.

Thanks again all.

Thanks to CJ and Dustin for taking the time to reply with considerate responses. I really appreciate your views, thank you.