Dear writers,
You've been told to use brief and concise paragraph or less is more, but let me show you that you are mistaken if you do that in screenwriting especialy if you are a bieginner. The issue that many screenwriters trying to adapt their screenplay into a book face is showing as in screenwriting we only concise pragraphs because directors can use what's in their mind. It's also the reason why it's said not to include camera angles.
I am experienced in both screenwriting and novel writing. When I read the screenplays that I wrote before having a foot in the novel writing industry, i just dislike them as they do not paint any image in my mind when I read them though I know what they are about.
For me, a non recognized screenwriter should rely on showing than telling because that may deepen the engagement of the reader in the story.
As e.g., The alien vessel jumps into hyperspace, is telling.
A vortex-like hole opens up ahead the alien vessel. Both the alien vessel and the hole disappear as the alien vessel jumps into the hole by vanishing into blue stretched line. (This is showing)
Can you see the difference ? Is showing not better than telling for newbie?
All of this lead us to descriptive writing which can helpful when applied to screenwriting. Descriptive writing is also a work-around solution if you want to avoid using camera angles. Always try your possible so that the director paint a picture of the univers you are creating.
As, e.g., CLOSE ON EMILIY'S FACE as she starts crying.
Tears runs down on Emily's face.
It will be great if you contribute to this discussion.
Regards.
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Useful tips, considering I rely mainly on body language and facial expressions for my characters (I grew up with silent films and Spaghetti Westerns).
I see a lot of pro scripts that contain exposition that can't be filmed. However, there are many writers that say screw the rules and do it regularly. I've heard many writers say it helps the reader better visualize the story or understand the characters. I unconsciously used a small amount when I wrote my awarding winning adaption of a Dracula pilot. Nevertheless, two of the festival readers mentioned it as a minor criticism of an otherwise very polished teleplay. So my opinion is it's still mostly frowned upon in the industry.
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Nick: Agreed and good post.
Stefano Pavone and Nick Assunto, the only way is implying it as you said. Based on the listed characters, the director will paint a picture or will be inspired.
Phillip "Ubiquitous" Hardy, in novel writing you can use action to describe personality but in screenwriting only dialog is recommanded.
Pros can neglect the rules, have you ever read the script of Joss Whedon? He does not respect English grammar rules and writes as if he is doing a brainstorming.
As a newbie, the goal is to have the reader engage in the story, the setups. If you are writing sci-fi or fantasy, relying on showing is your only chance.
Habou:
Thanks for the tip.
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In novel you can write, Jane feel for stress rising, where you need to show that visually in a screenplay. That has been stated earlier and for me that is Show Don’t Tell.
Camera angles (unless you really know how to use a camera) are not needed. You can hint at them just as effectively.
In example “A” we will start with a close up of some hands then go to a medium of a person. In example “B” we will start on a person then go to a wide angle over head.
Example A.
A cup splashes into the sink full of soapy water. Joe grabs more cups and drops them in. He pauses over the sink, then starts washing.
Example B.
Sara walks between the stacks at the library. The stacks give way to a cavernous area full of tables and office chairs. Sara’s foot steps echo as she crosses the room.
These are only examples. Not great writing. But describing what we see, hints at the camera angles and shots.
Any director worth her salt will see what the writer is trying to achieve and see a better of doing it. Then they will talk to their DP and figure out how to achieve it. How to light it etc.
If you have seen 1917 you will may have noticed that while they are walking the camera is never in front of them. It is behind or to the side. The directors wanted the audience to feel they were being pulled through the action. Only when they are in a fight or running to escape does the camera move it in front. So hint. You aren’t good enough to know how to place a camera (sorry not none of us are).
PS: (warning opinion) There is no such thing as a newbie. Only good writing and bad writing. There is no qualification period, that says after 10 years you can break rules (hint - they don’t exist). Only good story telling in a visual form and bad story telling.
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Well said CJ
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When it comes to show don’t tell you write what will appear on film. You don’t write what doesn't appear on film because your audience isn't going to be reading your screenplay. All they will see is what appears on the screen.
James. The problem are the Readers. Most professional Readers. Most of them know the rules and know how to write a screenplay. The more an aspiring screenwriter drifts from what the Reader was taught the harder the screenplay will have to work to convince them that it is worthy of production. Producers aren't going to be as picky. I don't know of any agent that would want to rep a screenwriter who didn't know the rules for writing a spec screenplays. Pro Screenwriters know the rules but since they don't have to try and get their screenplay by a Reader they don't really have to follow the same rules unless of course they are writing a spec and they aren't a well known screenwriter.
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Spot on, CJ!
anyone giving screenwriting advice make over $125,000 annually writing screenplays?
Dan, at first, people are writing because of passion and Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. You can help your brothers in screenwriting even if you are poor.
Writing empowers your mind! The best tool you need in your life and if you have passion thrown in watch the words erupt
Dan MaxXx I am guessing that was your annual income last year from writing?
Or was the question meant to undermine the credibility and confidence of other writers? I am not sure which.