Greetings S32'ers. Working on a feature right now. Third draft. Story relies heavily on an approximately 16-18 page series of dream/alternate reality sequences (broken into three, set at key places throughout the story) that are tonal departures from the rest of the script. In a sense, this sequence is the horror element in my horror themed dramatic screenplay. Regarding format, I'd like to (in what is a spec screenplay) "color" these sequences as different than the others, adding some stylized, visual elements that will make them pop. To some degree, I'd like to direct these sections a little more so they stand clear of the rest. My question is, does this work well in a manager/producer's hand? These sequences come pretty far into the script (the first appearing on or around page 35), so my sense is, if they're reading, a little extra flair isn't going to hurt too much. But I don't know. Never give anyone an excuse to put it down, right? Thanks all. Erick
Screenwriting : Dream/Alternate Reality Formatting by Erick Mertz
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I think that's a great idea Erick!
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Yeah... I don't think that's a good idea for a spec script. Adding visuals or extra graphics is frowned upon... unless you are writing it for yourself to produce and direct. Those types of things happen in development. Perhaps seek out a script pdf of a film that has a similar element in it. See how it was handled in writing; in format. See how others/working professionals dealt with a tonal change within a script. :)
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you can try to set a different feel and color scheme to those scenes, but unless you have a specific and very necessary visual element for them, I'd leave it to the director.
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Combining what Danny and Fiona said, I might format it like this: blahblahbla CUT TO BLACK (if necessary) ALTERNATE REALITY SEQUENCE BEGINS- INT. BLABLA (set the right tone with what we see. make us feel this space, don't just describe the filter on the camera lens) ALTERNATE REALITY SEQUENCE ENDS
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Great suggestions! :) Yeah, I thought perhaps a format style similar to flashback or dream sequence would work. :) In one script I read, a flashback was given light direction or color sense/change with simply: EXT. HOUSE - FRONT YARD - 1987 - DAY The sky is an electric blue. The kind that lives in memories and dreams..... As Phillip said, set the right tone with what we see. Make us feel this space. :)
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Great suggestion Beth... changing the color of the scene... to show a dream sequence. Indy director, Peter Greenaway, was a master at that... such as in "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover"... where each scene had a different color suggesting Mood or Tone.
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I love, Beth's suggestions. I'm stealing it! Thanks. Love the way someone else's question , helps us. TEAM effort is a beautiful thing .
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Oh good! Steal away! I'm glad that helped. Yup, that's what this community is all about! Go team S32!
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This thread is 7 years old. I hope everything worked out for Erick.