• Wondering which camera, gear, computer, or software to buy? Ask in our Gear Guide.

Paragraph Length

So I know you shouldn't have large paragraphs because it makes reading more difficult. I know you don't want super small paragraphs because it looks like you are cheating on page count. So how long should a paragraph be? Should it be 3-5 sentences or should it be one character's action then break into another paragraph for another character's action or put both actions together? Below is something I have written. Tell me if you think the paragraphs are too spaced out. Thanks to all.

FADE IN:

EXT. DEEP FOREST – NIGHT

It’s dark, and ominous. Silence listens to the TRICKLING of
a SHALLOW STREAM flowing down a rocky slope.

SPLASH! A LEATHER BOOT with a gold buckle SMASHES into the
STREAM.

FOLLOWING UP the pants leg, revealing each piece of a U.S.
SOLDIER’S uniform until a scruffy face can be seen. This is
Captain JOHN T. HOLLAND, mid forties, tough and rugged.

Holland stares out into the distance. A yellowish-orange
twinkle reflects off his gloomy eyes.

Between the shadows of giant trees a large flickering glow
burns bright.

Holland moves through a cluster of trees. Following behind
him are FIFTY U.S. SOLDIERS moving through the forest’s
growth.

The U.S. soldiers weave in and out of the shadows, sneaking
towards the burning light. A FAINT SOUND of WAR DRUMS
STRENGHTEN as they get closer to it.

SUPERIMPOSE:

“Oregon, 1849”

EXT. NATIVE AMERICAN VILLAGE – NIGHT

A large fire violently whips back and forth as it
illuminates the surroundings. Six Native Americans dance in
a circular pattern around the blazing fire, performing a
native ritual.

Others are gathered around sitting and watching. Some are
BEATING on their DRUMS at a SLOW PACE.

EXT. DEEP FOREST – NIGHT

Holland reaches the edge of the tree line, ducking behind a
large tree he throws up a fist signaling his men to halt.

The soldiers crouch down behind the brush waiting for
Holland’s next command.

Their stone faces watch intently as members of the tribe
dance fiercely around the fire. The TEMPO of the DRUMS has
increased, FAST AND STEADY.
 
Looks fine to me.

My only issue as a reader is your overuse (in my opinion) of
upper case. I don't like the style. But everything else is good.
 
Now that you mention it, I can see how I over use caps. Thank you for the feed back. So when you have a sound or a particular item to focus on. What do you do? Do you just lower case it and leave it up to the director?
 
Last edited:
Now that you mention it, I can see how I over use caps. Thank you for the feed back. So when you have a sound or a particular item to focus on. What do you do? Do you just lower case it and leave it up to the director?
I have found (as a writer, a director and a studio reader) that there is
no need to draw attention to a sound or a particular item. I assume
everything the writer has written down is important; none more important
than another. If you were to not use upper case when you write about the
FAINT SOUND of WAR DRUMS as a reader (or director) I would still think
those sounds were something to focus on.

But it's a personal choice. If you feel ALL CAPS is important then use them.
I don't like them because it doesn't draw my attention to something to focus
on it pulls me away from anything not in ALL CAPS. Try a draft without them.
See if readers don't quite understand what is important and what isn't.
 
Back
Top