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.

Mark

There's nothing wrong with (beat) unless it's overused.  While it instructs the actor when to pause, it tells the reader when you need that pause.


Phil

I know Phil...

But when you have something like:

Mary

John, I want you to know...
(beat)
... how much i love you.

I think it`s more interesting if you do:

Mary

John, I want you to know...
(eyes mist up)
... how much I love you.

Just gives it more character.

Mark

I agree totally Pia im more of the ...
I just mean`t for those who tend to overkill (beat), at least make it interesting, or none at all.

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

Quoted from dogglebe 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...

James

Quoted from jwent6688 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.

YOU BASTARD!!!!!!!


Phil

In a word, Mark, YES! You are the only one who hates (beat)!

Nah, just kidding. :) I don't mind using them personally but only if they're not overused. I guess it's what works best for you.

Steve

I knew it Steve..
Im gonna write a script called the (beat) in which the actor has to pause every line for 117 pages:)

Mark

This is a (beat) good question.

But I dont have a ... firm answer yet. ;)

Quoted from irish eyes I knew it Steve.. Im gonna write a script called the (beat) in which the actor has to pause every line for 117 pages:) Mark

What, you gonna cast William Shatner?

Sorry (beat).  Obvious joke, but had to be said.

(On a more serious note, I'll use beats very occasionally - in the middle of dialogue. Much prefer... myself.....)

I typically try to stay away from that kind of "actor manipulation".
But, if I have to, I prefer the ellipses and give a line of business.

JOAN
Are you...

Joan looks over the scrawny male offering her a martini.

JOAN
I gotta go to the ladies room.

Something like that typically works for me.

E.D.

... 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 rarely use (beat).
But I think it does have its place.

I mostly use it in comedy writing.
Here's an example from a short I wrote a LONG time ago.
I'm not copy and pasting, this is from memory...

INT. RESTAURANT
A man sits at a table. His waitress walks by.

WAITRESS
Sir, I'll put your appetizer in, but it's going to take a few minutes. There's something I have to do.

MAN
I'm pretty hungry. Can you just put it in now?

WAITRESS
Sorry, but I REALLY have to do this.

MAN
And I'm REALLY hungry. What could you possibly have to do that's more important than my food?

WAITRESS
If you must know, I have to take a dump and change my tampon. That important enough for you? Or would you prefer I shit on the floor?

Beat.

MAN
On second thought, cancel the appetizer.

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.