Screenwriting : Stupid question by Surina Nel

Thank you Kay. So let's say I've described the party but want to end the scene basically leaving the "party" then cut to the next scene. Would I use a similar format or will that be different

I'd write it as I see it, first focusing on the stitching of the shirt sleeve, and then the person wearing the shirt in their surroundings. If it's the same space and time there's no need for a new header. YOU direct the Director's imagination, and then the Director directs the scene. They think of it, you create the thought.

You probably can't call the shot, that's the DOP's superpower, yours is giving them something to film.

I hope at least some of that makes sense...

Thank you Jamie, what you say makes complete sense.

there's no correct format, only your writing style and consistency.

Read scripts, stacks and stacks. Read 1000 scripts and you won't ever have a format question. Your brain will naturally learn and steal from memory. (But there is basic formatting for screenplays. With modern screenwriting software you can master in one afternoon).

Thank you Kay. That's good advice.

Another question. If I want to do a voice over black screen will it just be

VOICE OVER BLACK SCREEN

SUSAN(V.O)

Dialogue

Without seeing it in full context, it's hard to say with complete accuracy, but I would suggest you just need to indicate the black screen and then write the character header + (V.O.) then dialogue. No need to say: Voice over Black Screen.

Express what you wish the reader to see by doing so with visual cues not camera speak. For an example: I have a panning shot opening a screenplay so I disperse the action by breaking up the text. This shows that more time passes and if you write the action correctly you lead the reader through the visual. Just use different words that offer up the visuals you wish to covey. You really don't get to say how a camera picks up action though so it's best you describe it in a way that doesn't upset the reader.

Phil is right.

black screen

character (v.o)

dialogue

Thanx Karen and Phil for responding. This is a new project. It is right at the beginning. I want it to start with only a black screen and the voice speaking. Just a short dialogue. Then go into the scene.

Then this seems fine. Just make sure BLACK SCREEN and CHARACTER (V.O.) are in full caps. All the best, Surina.

Thank you Phil. I really appreciate the help

Don’t use any of these: ZOOM IN, ZOOM OUT, P.O.V, BLACK SCREEN, or whatever in your script for what you are asking help for. You can achieve your purpose without them.

Put it this way: ---

From afar, reveals people, surrounding, and finally Mr. (character name) eating ice cream or dozing off, picking his nose, etc.

If it’s the character whose eyes are seeing the people and surrounding, put it this way: ----

Standing about 200 meters afar, Mr. (Character name) casts his eyes over the people and surrounding environment.

Any professional CINEMATOGRAPHER or DIRECTOR, from what I’ve suggested, knows the shots to take, and that will be: ZOOM IN, OVERHEARD SHOT, PAN, CLOSE UP, P.O.V.

All the best Comrade. Keep writing.

Screenshot first page of “Frat Boy Genius”. Nobody told the writer don’t use camera shots, break 4th wall... blah blah. Spec Screenplay purchased by a Billionaire.

Go tell your story your way (but pay attention to basic formatting). It’s all about story & execution.

Dan MaxXx If you have the connections you can take more risks than if you don't, but the big point is true; the story is the bit they buy, not the spaces between it.

Thanks Kay and Dan. I do get what you saying.

Surina, everyone loves to chime in, but at the end of the day, you'll still see directions in professional scripts - they just miss out the word camera (i.e. "from above", "we see" or "close up/on").

Do whatever tells the story most clearly... but also, most succinctly.

Find the BAFTA podcast with Steven Goyer. He talks about Blade. He says he puts in what he sees to let the director know he has considered everything and that he isn’t lazy. In Blade he wrote, “Blade walks in like hell had arrived”. The director asked “what does that look like?”

People need detail for tone. Of course too much means you should be writing a novel not a film.