Some believe it shouldn't be use because it will appear the writer is trying to play director by using CUT TO or PAN OUT. In a spec script I know the only two that is okay to use are FADE IN and FADE OUT. When is it most important to use transition in a spec script?
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"some believe" It makes you crazy, doesn't it? You read so many things in books and message boards and on line and many of the ideas and beliefs are contradictory. I have spend some time covering scri...
Expand comment"some believe" It makes you crazy, doesn't it? You read so many things in books and message boards and on line and many of the ideas and beliefs are contradictory. I have spend some time covering scripts - as a producer looking for a project, as a story editor, as a "reader" for agents and studios and prodCo's. The only time I am put off is when a new writers uses transitions or camera moves incorrectly. That jumps out at me. Just as an example; "PAN OUT" - a pan is a side to side camera movement. Not an "in" or "out" movement. so it jars me as I'm reading. In general I prefer a new, unproduced writer to keep it simple. A script will go through many changes along the development process - often at the hands of other writers - so more often than not that transition or camera move or sound effect in uppercase will be changed before the script goes into production. In general that script you are sending out will not be purchased and put into production - it will be used as a writing sample to get you paid jobs. So what I believe is a writer should keep it simple. No transitions, no camera direction, no uppercase to emphasize sounds or props. show off your ability to tell a story and create iconic characters. when you get hired to write you can put in all the transitions and camera moves and emphasis you want.
You can use them if you want to.
Yes, the rumor that you can't use transitions has somehow taken over this town. And, it's completely false. If your script calls for a transition, put it in there. If you need a SMASH CUT TO, you need...
Expand commentYes, the rumor that you can't use transitions has somehow taken over this town. And, it's completely false. If your script calls for a transition, put it in there. If you need a SMASH CUT TO, you need it. What better way is there to convey a comedic smash cut? Bottom line is, this is a terribly bad rumor that has somehow swept the screenwriting community. Overuse I can see as an issue, but transitions are just fine and dandy.
i do my best to convey the movie as I see it in my minds eye. if i'm able to do that i'm happy. so far i've only written movies I plan to make - i've never written with the intent to sell.
to be honest if the script is good enough I don't think readers or producers will really care that much. I guess if you are an unknown entity in the writing world then probably avoid using them at all...
Expand commentto be honest if the script is good enough I don't think readers or producers will really care that much. I guess if you are an unknown entity in the writing world then probably avoid using them at all unless it is absolutely necessary. I never use camera angles except for CLOSE ON and PULL BACK or something similar and again only if it is completely necessary for the scene to work. I would make sure only ever to use a camera angle or transition once or twice in a feature