Screenwriting : Screenwriting elements by George Pierson

I would use Action (never general for anything).

SUPER: Newspaper, headline reading: "Local Writer Wows Hollywood."

INSERT: Second hand on watch ticks. 55... 56...

i would disagree. i tell my clients to use a scene heading. SUPER: CHICAGO, 1958. etc. if you are using INSERT, then you could go either way.. but no one is gonna pass on a script for doing it either way.

I say you are both correct ;)

Actually, both my examples should be Inserts. Danny's example for Super is correct. That's what I get for posting during a major computer scan. Sorry for any confusion.

Back to George's original question, I use Action to do Supers or Inserts.

General is a script element that FD has in it that if you use the Format Assistant will give you a heap of errors. I avoid using it.

Have to back Danny up. SUPER: WHich is short for superimpose. I like super because of the word is positive. Insert to me sounds like insert your thing in here. Awesome! Just finished my rewrite for my script. I got it down to 118 freaking pages. Trimmed 6 pages. I'm sure it may need more. I am happy as a baby seal in a sharks gullet. Wait! I'm dyslexic. Great information you guys. Warm Regards, Ray.

However you do it, it eats-up that page count! :D

From "The Hollywood Standard"

"A superimposition occurs when words such as "One Year Later" appear on the screen. The word "superimpose" or just "super"is typed in all capital letters, followed by a colon and the words to be supered in all caps and quotation marks. The words can be set on a line by themselves and centered:

SUPERIMPOSE:

"SOUTH CHINA SEA, 1938"

Or they can be embedded within a paragraph of direction (=Action):

A street car passes. SUPER: "30 YEARS LATER."

......................................................................................................

EXT. BEACH - DAY

Hundreds of young, perfect bodies of college age kids frolic on the sand and in

the warm water.

SUPERIMPOSE: "DAYTONA BEACH, SPRING BREAK, 1966" (here I use option 'TEXT(= YOUR GENERAL?) for formatting in my screenwriting program so I can put my words where I want them)

Blablabla.....

JOHN

rips the envelope and pulls out a birthday card. He opens it.

INSERT - CARD

Words scrawled in burgundy lipstick: "ENJOY YOUR BIRTHDAY. IT'S YOUR LAST."

BACK TO SCENE

Blablabla...

Also concluding: a "SUPER" and an "INSERT" are two DIFFERENT formattng tools. THS--'"An insert shot is a special kind of closeup featuring a prop to show some important detail. Often an insert shot focuses on the written text of a sign, book or note: "

You've pretty much got it. SUPER: is basically a new scene but since you're not going to move the camera to the South China sea, 1938 - it has a greater impact on editing (stock footage) than on the shooting schedule. It is basically a shot inserted to the scene. INSERT: is much the same although that footage is generally shot during the same time as the master shooting. Whatever book you're reading - stick with it..

Agreed that it doesn't really matter, but "Action" is consistent with what I usually see. Example: SUPER: SAHARA DESERT, 1938

quotes are unnecessary and antiquated. youre not quoting anyone, youre making it up yourself.

I've used:

SUPER: For titles and descriptions like "NEW YORK CITY, 1869"

INSERT: For somewhat of a close-up focus (you can also use CU:) like CU: Business Card or Family Photo, etc.

ON SCREEN: for a visual happening on a TV or computer screen or display, although could use INSERT: On Screen is a Facebook post, etc. etc.

Chad is absolutely right.

I'm glad you posted that too, Chad - I've been doing INSERT TV: (I guess that's wrong?). Thanks! :)

I think using SUPER: NEW YOURK CITY. I think this is appropriate and lets us know where it's taking place. I agree with Danny that quotes are not necessary. As I could use a class on English as sometimes I don't know where commas, semi-colons(other than on the toilet) and misplace quotes go. Yes, David Trottiers Screenwriters Bible is a great accompaniment to any house library. Also, reading scripts from Simply Scripts will help. Hope that helps mi amigas/migos and any one in between the stills. Much Love RJN