Richard Paul Skinner's Lounge Discussions

Alan B. Cox
BEATing my screenplay up.

Would like to hear comments on using (beat) in dialogue. I seem to have quite a few in one of my scripts. I've learned not to give directions about camera views to directors, so what about giving actors directions with beats in their dialogue. Any comments?

Niki Lambropoulos

Thank you Beth Excellent discussion indeed Other than the beat sheet which is not visible I add (beat) in places to help the actor and director it is important - at least for me and the way I see it I guess in an action script everything is a beat according to Beth's definitions

Mark W Budke Jr.

I am not sure of the beat discussion, however one thing I have been told is never tell an Actor how to act. If , you do, they will beat you up in the parking lot.

Richard Paul Skinner

You can use pause, beat and Oxford comma :sparingly.

Pierre Langenegger

Don't bash the Oxford comma.

Niki Lambropoulos

Beating on the beat then Mark :-)

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