I'm writing a new script and I'm playing with a visual theme that will occur throughout the story to separate storylines as I jump from to another - mixing up timeframes. It will also serve as a bookend, so it will be the first thing we see and at the end, we'll reveal what the image actually is, as it ties the past story in with the current story. (Did that make any sense at all?) Hahaha!
I'd like this visual theme (which is very calm and serene) to be part of the opening title sequence and then as soon as the story actually begins, we jump into total chaos. So my question is, do you ever describe the opening sequence in your script? I never have - I leave that to the director to decide, but in this instance, since it'll be a running theme, I'd like to add it in there. I'm not even sure how to do that. Any suggestions?
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Yes. Paint color and time visually to set the scene to create the pacing you want for the opening images. The opening of Fargo is a good example. Simply tell us what we are seeing and then punch it up or down to give us the vibe.
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Yes, I do. If I'm short on pages, then I just write up a text crawl and narrate it. :)
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Check out script & movie, "Arrival". Opening scene is shot out of focus, we don't see a man's face, then the movie flashbacks/forward, and the last scene returns back to opening and now the man's face is revealed.
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Screenplays can be poetic. Try describing this element with figurative language. Your narrative made me think of the feather in Forest Gump. How might that have been described? Good luck!
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I’ve read many scripts that begin with a clear description of a visual experience, often with the writer explaining why it matters in the context of the story or cinematic experience. It can very effective and intriguing.
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Fantastic, thank you! Dan, I'll look for that script. Also, Laurie, I'll see how they describe that in the Forest Gump script.
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I think you can describe as much as you want about any part of your script throughout various drafts, it's essentially your voice. When I was first being taught about Screenwriting 11 years ago, I was told only write the visuals, don't bother with anything viewers can't see. In scripts these days, scenes are written with meanings behind them being included and in a way that matches the tone of the work itself. It makes for such a better reading experience in my opinion
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"In scripts these days, scenes are written with meanings behind them being included and in a way that matches the tone of the work itself. It makes for such a better reading experience in my opinion." I agree, Dalen Flynn. Sometimes writing unfilmables (thoughts, etc.) makes the script better and attracts producers, directors, and actors.
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Hi Maurice, didn't you grip for me on Road Dogs? Back in the day? We are rereleasing the film
Hi, Scott JT Frank. I've never done grip work, but that's great! Congratulations!
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Always.
You know when an opening shot sets up the entire film. Your screenplay, is that film on paper.
Plus, you are the director, until you are replaced by someone better. You could say, you are the director on paper, they are the director on film.
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Maureen Mahon I would also like to mention Arrival Screenplay by
Eric Heisserer. I think the opening and the ending bookend very well and the opening has a very dreamy feel to it.
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Craig said it. You are the director on paper. Indicate the visuals because you are making a blueprint for cinema, a visual medium.
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You can use visual information in your script, as it is writing for a visual medium. Good things to avoid are describing camera moves, shot types etc. as that is the job of the director and the DoP. Have a think about movies and shows that do what you're looking to achieve and see if there is a way you can look at or download the screenplay (from a reputable site) so you can see how the page translates to the screen.