Screenwriting : Do You Capitalize SOUND? Why or why not? by Joleene DesRosiers

I capitalize some sounds. Usually, I only do it if it's a specific effect that does something in the scene that, if missed, will change how the scene reads. I do it because back in the 90s I got a lot of mixed feedback on what I was doing right vs wrong from producers. Some people don't like WE SEE or WE HEAR, which I also use. Anything prop or sound or vehicle that's coming up for the first time that really needs to be seen in the scene to keep things moving can be capitalized. Not underlined though. Or bolded. Here's an example of what I mean https://johnaugust.com/2009/writing-better-action although I can't say I follow through on all of these things either.

I absolutely do and this is my thinking - as a producer and director, as well as a writer: Anything that helps a reader, executive, producer, investor, visualize and imagine the action on screen is good. To me, a GREAT SCRIPT should read like a MOVIE. ;) GOD BLESS and STAY FRESH! ;) ;)

It's not necessary, but I absolutely do capitalize sound when doing something specifically for effect. I don't capitalize that often though, overall. I prefer to keep it simple and to a minimum. ;)

I was up until recently. Now I'm not capitalizing sounds anymore. Either way should be acceptable formatting for most readers.

I still do. I don't capitalize props, and some still do that, too. I don't write "We see" or "We hear", and some still do that, too. Those I think are "The Big Three" of formatting options that still exist, and that people accept either way.

Best fortunes in your creative endeavors, Joleene!

If love punctuating action with sound, and capping really helps that effect. I wouldn't write "He SHUFFLES his feet", but absolutely would cap it "She drags the axe behind her SCRAPING against the deck".

I do myself, if its a key moment that is supposed to garner attention. Something like a sudden BANG! but I don't overuse as in Batman old school style lol. I also do WE SEE and WE HEAR from time to time, particularly WE HEAR if the sound is off camera and has alerted a character to something.

Joleen, capitalizing sounds has no meaning to the Reader - the reason SOUNDS are capitalized becomes important during the script break down process. It's primarily use is for the Audio Dept/Sound Engineer so that they know what equipment to pack in the Grip truck.

Typically during the break down, things like SOUNDS, wardrobe, props, weapons and other unique stuff will be color coded in the Production Report/Daley Shooting Schedule so that the Wardrobe & Prop Master know that to load for each day's shoot.

Do I? It depends on what's producing the "sound"--usually I'll just write the description. Does it help? It can help me with audio/visualization of a scene in head--sometimes yes, sometimes no. In later drafts, if it still works I'll leave it in if not "BANG!" I kill it. Does it really help? Maybe not--depends on the poor reader at some agency (more likely my gf, sister or homeboys). With me at my final draft I try and cut away as much "fat" as possible. By my eye in later drafts sometimes it can look a little silly.

As an author, I do occasionally, but only if there is a reason for it, like a violent leg break or an explosion, etc. For film, I'd probably not worry about as much as the dialogue and action...the sounds naturally follow, BUT I DO think music and scoring is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT for effect!! Can’t put that in the script though. Boo hoo...

Nope, not unless the sound is vital to the scene. I once read a script that had way too many sound effects written in and all in caps. ("Jim SLAMS the door: BANG! The waitress drops her platter: CRASH!!) annoying and distracting.

I capitalise certain sounds. Used effectively I think it adds an extra dynamic which can only be a good thing, right?