I am a bit confused. Writing my first feature spec script with a mentor's help. I thought that sounds were supposed to be in CAPS, like "...a crow CAWS" or "A crash of THUNDER" or "a GUNSHOT" and so on. She says not to use any CAPS for sound. Is is just on shooting scripts where such sounds are in caps?
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When to use CAPS for a spec script?
- Thread starter Joe999
- Start date
She is correct. That usage has gone out of favor in the
last few years.
There still are major arguments about the use of caps in
a spec script, but I can tell you from a professional readers
point of view, I'm glad fewer writers are using them. I
find it a much more pleasant read when my eye isn't
constantly being drawn to specific words the writer thinks
need to be emphasized.
I prefer the writing to stand out. I've found that if the
story is compelling "A crash of thunder" is just as effective
as "A crash of THUNDER." And if it isn't, emphasizing
the word doesn't really help.
last few years.
There still are major arguments about the use of caps in
a spec script, but I can tell you from a professional readers
point of view, I'm glad fewer writers are using them. I
find it a much more pleasant read when my eye isn't
constantly being drawn to specific words the writer thinks
need to be emphasized.
I prefer the writing to stand out. I've found that if the
story is compelling "A crash of thunder" is just as effective
as "A crash of THUNDER." And if it isn't, emphasizing
the word doesn't really help.
You pretty much said what my mentor did. Chalk one up for the mentor versus my screenwriting books; but then books are usually several years out of date by the time they are printed. She also echoed what you said about writing-- she wants it lean and mean, let the reader experience the story rather than watch it. So I am taking that o mean active verb usage, incomplete sentences will abound.
I never thought it was such an issue as to when to use caps or not.
I've been using them whenever I feel something specific needs pointing out. Like, exactly where a character needs to be looking at, or for props and such.
EG (off the top of my head):- "JOHN pulls a GUN from the drawer."
or
"JOHN hits TRIXIE in the FACE"
Mainly so that when I personally glance over the script, nothing important is missed out.
Is this very noobish of me, or is this fine?
I've been using them whenever I feel something specific needs pointing out. Like, exactly where a character needs to be looking at, or for props and such.
EG (off the top of my head):- "JOHN pulls a GUN from the drawer."
or
"JOHN hits TRIXIE in the FACE"
Mainly so that when I personally glance over the script, nothing important is missed out.
Is this very noobish of me, or is this fine?
Coming from a noob-- I think it is a matter of the script being a spec script -- destined for the pile on a producer's desk, potentially to be sold. If the script was just for oneself, or a shooting script, CAPS are likely useful. But for a spec script, the reader will not be you, but a producer-- I suspect using lowercase lets the producer decide in their head while reading what feels should be emphasized or not, based on the story not the use of CAPS. Just my thought. My scripts are for me, but I still want to learn proper technique to potentially write spec scripts to sell someday.
And even in a production script, this violates the common practice of only putting a character's name in all caps when they first appear.
But, then again, someone told me in a round about sort of way that if you're shooting it yourself you could write it on paper napkins in red ink with stick figure thumbnails in the corner if it gets the job done.
Yes. It's the sign of a newbie who isn't keeping up with the current trends.
As Joe pointed out, your spec script is written for the reader, not for the writer.
Capitalizing FACE and HITS and GUN is just annoying. In your example, why
not capitalize DRAWER? My rhetorical question is: when you glance over the
script will you really miss something if you write, "John hits Trixie in the face?"
What might you miss? That it's John doing the hitting? That Trixie is getting
hit? That a hit happens?
If you are writing the script for your own production - a production you will
make entirely on your own - then you can write the way you feel works best.
At the moment I am just writing for myself for when I shoot, so yeah i haven't kept up with the current trends.
Thanks for the reply to my question though.
Thanks for the reply to my question though.
The problem with this issue is you'll find a different answer from every producer you talk to.
My first producer wanted characters in CAPS every time they appeared, because it made it easier for him to figure out a rough budget as he read.
My current script mentor tells me his producers want caps for: introducing a new character, sounds and significant props.
Personally, as a reader, I like caps for sounds and introducing characters.
The bottom line is producers only notice minor script formatting issues if you haven't captured them with your story.
My first producer wanted characters in CAPS every time they appeared, because it made it easier for him to figure out a rough budget as he read.
My current script mentor tells me his producers want caps for: introducing a new character, sounds and significant props.
Personally, as a reader, I like caps for sounds and introducing characters.
The bottom line is producers only notice minor script formatting issues if you haven't captured them with your story.
On the professional level - once the script has been sold - then the
writer should do exactly what his boss wants. Because you're getting paid.
My advice is limited to a spec script. That script is what the reader
will look at and either pass on it or send it further into the development
process. That script won't be the one a producer uses to rough out a
budget and it won't be used by the sound department.
Readers don't want to be distracted by elements that are part of a
breakdown or shooting script. I don't think you'll find too many readers
who have different answers. In my own experience, I have never known
a reader to complain that they missed something or couldn't understand
what was going on because there weren't enough CAPS in the script. But
I have spoken to many (and I feel this way) who feel the writer is compensating
for something by using them.
Bottom line, it's the writers choice. I have never heard of an excellent script
being turned down because of excessive capitalization.
writer should do exactly what his boss wants. Because you're getting paid.
My advice is limited to a spec script. That script is what the reader
will look at and either pass on it or send it further into the development
process. That script won't be the one a producer uses to rough out a
budget and it won't be used by the sound department.
Readers don't want to be distracted by elements that are part of a
breakdown or shooting script. I don't think you'll find too many readers
who have different answers. In my own experience, I have never known
a reader to complain that they missed something or couldn't understand
what was going on because there weren't enough CAPS in the script. But
I have spoken to many (and I feel this way) who feel the writer is compensating
for something by using them.
Bottom line, it's the writers choice. I have never heard of an excellent script
being turned down because of excessive capitalization.