John Bejko's Lounge Discussions

I wouldn't put actions in caps too often, only for serious emphasis. Character names are capped the first time they appear in the narrativer. A lot of people cap sounds, but IMO it's not required. The key thing is to produce an easy to read script. There is a fair amount of leeway format-wise.

I would suggest obtaining and studying a copy of The Screenwriters Bible which is the most definitive guide to the script formatting rules. Otherwise, I'd start using screen-writing software (some are free) which would mostly take care formatting so that you can concentrate on your writing.

I just had a look. Yeah, you're capping too much. Also you should proof your work before posting. I know it's only a sample three pages but your typos and editing mistakes make a real impact and avoid repetition in your work, one of your action lines tells us the same thing that the preceding parenthetical tells us.

The simple rule is caps only for CHARACTER intro and non-human SOUNDS, the latter as cues for foley and SFX artists.

Hi John. You may post script PDFs on your profile page under "loglines." ;)

Thank You Beth, I uploaded several pages of the script. (tlp.pdf)

John, there's no script attached to your logline. This site does have ongoing issues since late last year so maybe that's the cause.

You're capitalizing too much.

Here's a list.

Generally, text in a screenplay’s actions or stage directions will be in ALL CAPS when something deserves special attention.

Some common all caps examples:

The first time a character is introduced, his or her name should be in all caps. This is the one steadfast all caps rule.

Visual or special effects will often be in all caps.

Specific, important sounds that either have to be captured during filming or added in during post.

Any integral or specifically important props, wardrobe, or other details the first time it is mentioned.

Mid-scene slugs.

Anything else the writer wants the reader or audience to pay particular attention to, or the writer wants to be certain the director, effects artist, editor, or any other crew member notes.

Other non-stage direction instances worth mentioning:

Scene headings.

All stage direction in multi camera teleplays

Transitions like FADE IN:, CUT TO:, etc.

Act/scene numbers in teleplays or other formats that demand these.

The speaker’s name above his or her dialogue.

Abbreviations such as V.O., O.S., etc.

.

Yeah, you're capping way too much. In fact, I don't even cap half as much as what Grady suggests. Overuse of capping pulls the reader out of the story, the reader is your friend, don't upset them. Make the read as easy and as smooth as possible, allow the reader to take a journey in your story. Too many caps and elements that are difficult to understand will make the journey unpleasant for the reader which is only bad news for you.

I don't cap everything I suggest either. HAHAHAHA!

Read a few scripts and find what works best for you. Tony Gilroy hardly ever uses sluglines he does clever transition. I can't write like him. I used sluglines to indicate hard cuts without saying CUT TO. There are format rules and accepted formats. It's up to you how you implement them.