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Writing in Songs

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Wolverine237

I am writing a feature length screenplay and can't help but insert specific songs I feel would fit into the picture. Now I know that the professionals would tell me to leave it out and let the Director make those choices, but I can't help it!


I was wondering what other screenwriters think about this.
 
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I think that as long as you understand "why" professionals would
tell you to not include songs in a script but you still choose to do
it, then you should write in all the songs you want.
 
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As a screenwriter who is also a producer, I'd point out that many (all?) of the songs you're likely to include would be very expensive to license. So even if a director agrees with your choices, they may be prohibitively expensive.
 
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If it has to do with the scene and the music is playing in the scene, you can write it in. Example, dude breaks up with a girl named Sarah, walks into bar to forget troubles, and Sarah by Toto is playing. I would only play that card once, if at all. If it is soundtrack, and the characters do not hear, no! Leave it out.
 
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I haven't read your example but as rik says, if you have a reason for breaking a rule, go for it. The important thing is, you know why you are breaking it, like the 180 degree rule for cinematographers.
 
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I don't know what the appropriate response is, but if you look at a movie like the Big Short, the writers put in music all the way through.

They used this format: "MUSIC: Some great 70’s ballad like KISS YOU ALL OVER by EXILE".
 
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Wolverine237 said:
Here is the context so I can justify my screenplay wrongdoings. :)
Click to expand...
I haven't seen a screenplay in that Syd Filed 1970's style since the mid 90's.
It is difficult to read.

This is a great example of why you shouldn't write songs into a screenplay.
It doesn't matter to the story what song is playing in the night club.

But as I said, if it is that important to you to mention the Chris Brown
song then it's your choice. You know why you shouldn't.
 
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