I have an insanely silly question that I really want input on from all you screenwriting genius's: How do you go back to scene heading from a subheading, especially in tiny location where there is something crucial that has to be shown. Do you guys just use BACK TO SCENE? I mean, its an easy fix using that -- but it feels redundant as I feel I'd be using it quite a bit. Here's sort of an example:
INT. BEDROOM - DAY
A mess. Clothes and beer bottles strewn about. Someone buried in sheets sleeps on the bed.
ON THE FLOOR,
A love letter.
****NOW I WANT THE READER TO GO BACK TO THE ENTIRE BEDROOM, would it just be plain old Mr. 'BACK TO SCENE' or would it make sense to just add another graph and continue the description based on the assumption that we should be back in? Any input would be appreciated!!!! Thank you guys!****
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Add SCREENWRITERS BIBLE to your library. This is your A1 Resource.
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Don't use a mini-slug of ON THE FLOOR.
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I tried writing out an example, but I don't think u need to get complicated here. It will read in description just fine. If you want the letter to be read, that's a diff technique.
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Just write it as simple action, a single line paragraph in description:
A love letter lays on the floor.
Then the action just continues... No need for secondary headings. ;)
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Thanks for all the advice. So...I guess in general, if it's a large area like a store or building with multiple sections use the subs?
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Miguel, secondary headings may be used in many ways. But, yes, if you have different scenes happening in one location you can utilize secondary headings. Secondary headings also work well when crafting a fast-moving action sequence on the page. :) With the love letter on the floor... what you are hinting at there is a close up. Or if whatever is written on the love letter is relevant to the plot and needs to be read by the audience, then you'd use an INSERT. Anyway, get yourself a copy of The Screenwriter's Bible—it's all in there—and read lots and lots of screenplays. See how others utilized secondary headings. ;)
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Scene Sub-headings.
Often a scene does not take place all in one location. For example if you have a scene that takes place in a restaurant and there are characters at the bar, characters at a table and a character in the bathroom, it is not necessary to make a master heading for each location. You can leave out DAY or NIGHT.
Example:
INT. GALLO RESTAURANT - NIGHT
To, sips a beer at the bar. He eyes two ladies at a table across the room.
AT THE TABLE
Mary whispers to Sue and they giggle.
INT. BATHROOM
Mike is washing his hands.
BACK AT THE BAR
Tim flags the bartender for another beer.
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Oh this is good info - thanks for asking the question Miguel!
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There are several ways to do this - depending on the complexity. You might simply use INSERT letter. You could also use a MONTAGE sub scene to show different actions in different locations. If it's a quick backdrop info shot - I sometimes use a CUTAWAY. But it's your script; write it however makes sense to you.
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Doug. Are you sure you didn't mean a series of shots. Montage normally show different scenes and a lapse of time.
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Yes Dan - that is what I mean.
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That is what I figured.