Screenwriting : Importance of Other Factors in Script by NicKhil Chavan

NicKhil Chavan

Importance of Other Factors in Script

Is it mandatory to include Camera Angles & Transitions in your script?

Jean-Pierre Chapoteau

No. It's frowned upon. Where did you hear that?

NicKhil Chavan

but if you are going to direct it by your own than may be it's appropriate to add.

Jean-Pierre Chapoteau

Yeah, you're right, adding in camera angels is probably really helpful if you're directing it on your own. Why are you asking the question?

NicKhil Chavan

I just want to have other writers consult on that topic!

Theresa Clark

The key word you used is "mandatory". Unless you are directing your own piece, camera angles aren't necessary (it's for the production process). This format is called shooting scripts. However, you are the writer-- your penmanship, so if there's something that you must convey... Check out this link and see if it helps with what you're trying to accomplish: http://scriptwrecked.com/2009/11/20/5-key-differences-between-spec-and-s...

LindaAnn Loschiavo

Listen to Ron Moskovitz.

Richard Toscan

Camera angles and similar have no place in a spec script. And Ron is absolutely right about reading produced screenplays in draft form, not shooting scripts (shooting scripts have numbers running down the left margin). Transitions are more complicated. Occasionally -- and only occasionally -- using a transition in a spec script may be warranted if, for example, there's a significant time jump in the story, but not enough of a time change to justify a card with the new date.

William Martell

Probably opposite of that. Though no one kicks you out of Hollywood for using camera angles a couple of times in a screenplay, new writers love to overuse that stuff to make them look "professional" and it has the opposite effect. You want to do everything for a reason. So if you use a camera angle, it's for a very specific reason... not just because you are the writer think it should be a close up or whatever.

Mike Briock

No! You want to submit a "clean" script.

NicKhil Chavan

Appreciate you all for your enthusiastic reply on my query. Thanks a ton.

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