steadyrighteous
Veteran
Gimmie an example... But if you're saying what I think you are, then no.
The Coli's Screenwriting/Filmmaking Thread [Share tips, etc]
- Thread starter CEITEDMOFO
- Start date
Gimmie an example... But if you're saying what I think you are, then no.
A good book to read is Story By Robert Mckee.
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
steadyrighteous
Veteran
John:
Yea, she said it was cool.
(a few beats)
I'm taking a cab.
If there's a slight pause, you can use (beat), but if it's like your example where John's changing the subject, then you can use (a few beats).
Or if you want to be a little more "imaginative", you can put something between the two pieces of dialogue to paint more of a picture.
I don't know what the context of the dialogue is, but if he's changing the subject because he wants to move past an awkward moment, you could try:
John:
Yeah, she said it was cool.
Peter looks a little dubious. John searches for a way to breeze through the awkward silence.
John (CONT):
I'm taking a cab.
Or, if it's not awkward and just a natural changing of the subject it could be:
John:
Yeah, she said it was cool.
John looks up the street at the approaching traffic.
John (CONT):
I'm taking a cab.
It all depends on the context to the changing of the subject
Again, is this the right or the wrong way to do it? Probably wrong. But it's how I would (for what that's worth lol)
Yea, she said it was cool.
(a few beats)
I'm taking a cab.
If there's a slight pause, you can use (beat), but if it's like your example where John's changing the subject, then you can use (a few beats).
Or if you want to be a little more "imaginative", you can put something between the two pieces of dialogue to paint more of a picture.
I don't know what the context of the dialogue is, but if he's changing the subject because he wants to move past an awkward moment, you could try:
John:
Yeah, she said it was cool.
Peter looks a little dubious. John searches for a way to breeze through the awkward silence.
John (CONT):
I'm taking a cab.
Or, if it's not awkward and just a natural changing of the subject it could be:
John:
Yeah, she said it was cool.
John looks up the street at the approaching traffic.
John (CONT):
I'm taking a cab.
It all depends on the context to the changing of the subject
Again, is this the right or the wrong way to do it? Probably wrong. But it's how I would (for what that's worth lol)
TheGodling
Los Ingobernables de Sala de Cine
Having read a couple of screenplays, a lot of writers have their own style so you got more leeway than you think, but you should probably stick as closely to the "proposed" format as possible.
In my first screenplay I overused A BEAT so many times I thought it read retarded, but I never got any comment on it by people who've read it. Makes sense too because it makes a big deal whether the reader can see if you know how to pace a story or not.
In my first screenplay I overused A BEAT so many times I thought it read retarded, but I never got any comment on it by people who've read it. Makes sense too because it makes a big deal whether the reader can see if you know how to pace a story or not.
Spaceman Piff
Superstar
anybody use scrivener?
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
So the way I had it is fine?
What's the "proper" way of using (then)?
TheGodling
Los Ingobernables de Sala de Cine
You don't. You use "A BEAT" or (a beat) instead.
Here's a basic overview of terms that you should stick to when writing screenplays, also suggesting which terms to use sparingly and which ones are common:
A Glossary Of Screenwriting Terms & Filmmaking Definitions
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
I've seen it used it a lot of scripts I read. 30 Rock, SCrubs, etc.
Threes no pause in the dialog so I don't use a beat.
TheGodling
Los Ingobernables de Sala de Cine
A beat doesn't necessarily mean a literal pause. It implies a change of pace, like one would do in a conversation when changing the subject. If you've seen it in other screenplays, you can use it I guess, but for a non-accomplished writer I'd always suggest sticking to the rule book as much as possible.
Also, when in doubt, just break up the dialog with an ACTION.
JOHN:
Yea, she said it was cool.
Yea, she said it was cool.
JOHN finishes his drink.
JOHN (CONT'D)
I'm taking a cab.
I'm taking a cab.
A simple ACTION like that basically fills up the BEAT for you while also giving your scene a bit more life. But in the end it all depends on the pace you're going for and the best way to evoke that pace on paper.
Finally preparing to start working on my first screenplay. If there are any serious cats on here about that craft, dap so I can submit drafts for feedback on my work. Open to writing partners as well.
MenacingMonk
Tranquilo
I finished my script. 
Just gotta continue to go over it until I feel it's good enough. After that it''s on to the bible and ep 2.
Just gotta continue to go over it until I feel it's good enough. After that it''s on to the bible and ep 2.
iFightSeagullsForBread
The Working Class Hero
Finally finished the fifth episode of the second season. Took me damn near a week to finish 10 pages.Bouts with depression and increasing THC seems to help out through.
specially when I'm coming down.
StraxStrax
I'm selling these fine leather jackets
Star Wars: Episode VIII will film in my backyard this spring and they are looking for crewmembers.
Gimme the job Rian
Gimme the job Rian