I am working on a section of my script where the MC is addressing the camera, think talking head, while behind them two other characters are in the background midst some comedic action . A generic example would be Susan addresses the camera in front of the store , while behind her Victor and Paul attempt to capture a run away cart? How would this be formatted correctly in the script and lets say the action continues while Susan speaks how is that formatted in the script. Cheers
Screenwriting : Formatting Background Action in a Talking Head Scene by S R Clark
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Is this meant to 'break the fourth wall?' Talk directly to the audience, like as in Ferris Bueller's Day Off or House of Cards? I don't have any context here, but if that's the case, how about:
Susan stands in front of a grocery store. She looks directly at us.
SUSAN
(to the camera)
blah blah blah
Behind her, an empty grocery cart zooms across the screen. Victor and Paul then dash across, scrambling after it.
I would also suggest you seek out scripts that have some similar element or device that you wish to utilize and see how others handled it on the page. Good luck! ;)
You guys are awesome thank you for the replies ! Beth- yes it is , my script it set up in that mockumentary style ,lots of talking heads, off the cuff remarks etc... the script also engages more with the camera crew. Thank you for the help and Bill- love it! Thank you so much ! Dan - I didn't know what would be too much or too little format wise in letting them know, if I had to so scene heading or any funky camera direction without stepping on the directors toes of course just letting him know the action is occurring while the MC is speaking. A.S. will do I will use all the advice and format it in that manner if its not clear they will tell me.
It's called 3D blocking - action in the foreground, in the mid-ground and in the background. The Director must look at the movie one frame at a time and really understand the 'rule of thirds' . Things like where a character enters and exits a scene. From top left to bottom right is an easy slide, BL up to TR can signify a struggle, basically good guys enter from the left, bad guys from the right. (In the US we read left to right, top down - our brains are wired that way.) Learn to think cinematically when composing a scene.
S R Clark I have a few finished screenplays and a half-hour sitcom pilot with the same premise and formula. Good luck with your screenplay.