Screenwriting : How to format a screenplay scene where the action alternates between 2 or more spots in an open space? by Andy Alexander

Thanks R.D! Please bear in mind that I have used locations (The Stage, Scarlett's Balcony) as my sub headers, not the characters (it may be hard to tell because the formatting has been lost on this post). This is in contrast to you using characters on sub headers. Do you still agree I have done it right?

You got it. I use same format, as long as it all happens same day, same location.

I have the same issue. I just spelt out very early the geography and then try and drop visual hints.

Jack push the thug across the room to the bar.

Steve is locked in a head lock back against the stage.

Jack strides across the room to the bar, pulling the thug to his feet. He grabs the back of his head and rams it into the bar.

Steve wiggles free of the head lock and lands a few blows.

Jack looks back across the room and sees Steve land a series of blows to .....

That sort of thing. Hint at camera shots. This helps place the action in the space.

Andy. You just have a scene that does not take place all in one location so you can use SCENE SUB-HEADINGS to go from one location to another. Here is an example of one.

INT. ITALIAN JOE’S RESTAURANT - NIGHT

AT THE TABLE

INT. BATHROOM

BACK AT THE BAR

Kay - why are you telling the Director how to do his job?

But Kay, this is about writing not directing. We're writing speculative scripts not shooting scripts.

Doug Nelson , by doing this well you are not doing the director’s job. You are showing that you have thought it through. They will interpret as they see fit.

Thanks for everyone's responses thus far. There's conflicting responses, but I think overall I am concluding that my original example is fine?

Andy. Good for you. I didn't see anything wrong with the original.

Kay - I've spent a few years in the Writer's Room on a couple of well known tv series and I've worked on a few film sets over the years. - I do know & understand the differences. Working as a Director & an AD on a couple of cable tv series and a couple of modest films; I think I have a reasonable understanding. You do it your way on your spec script (Hollywood ain't gonna change for you) and may you'll be the special one. All the best.

Again, thanks for all responses to my question. It's very interesting to me that there isn't 100% agreement. Does this mean that it sometimes is arguable? At the end of the day I'm just looking to do what is rigjt.

This is excellent. I have a little league game scene with a kid on the scoreboard. Same exact scenario

Establish the shot... I like that

Kay - There is nothing wrong with how Andy formatted that and what you suggested would not be passed up the ladder if the reader had half a brain.

Andy, I think one of the reason the answers vary is because it depends on the circumstances. Your example works but can be complicated, as people may find it difficult to keep track of what's going on just from the page. Kay's example of using intercut and then keeping both scenes separate is also often used.

It often depends on how important the scene is cut exactly as you write it. If one location sets up the next, then going back and forth works well. If your scenes can stand alone, then write one then the next so the reader doesn't get pulled out of either scene.

Sandrene. Intercut works if you have two scenes. He only has one scene that takes place in different locations.