Screenwriting : Is any indictation needed in order to continue a scene following a character's death in the form of a BLACKOUT? by Bill Brock

Bill Brock

Is any indictation needed in order to continue a scene following a character's death in the form of a BLACKOUT?

Hello, Fellow Script Kids. I've recently polished up my latest work, a horror script called HORROR-FEST, and am now on the verge of submitting it to tons of competitions.

Logline: The lines of reality and cinema become blurred when an unhinged, horror star seeks revenge against targeted enemies, setting off a killing spree that rivals his most iconic film.

The finale entails the serial killer and the Final Girl in a fight to the death. Both kill each other. The killer dies first as we watch his final moments via his POV. We hear the slowing of his heartbeat, due to the Final Girl's mighty swing of an ax into his chest. He drops, but not before slicing a valley into her abdomen with a switchblade. Once his heart stops, I introduce a BLACKOUT, indicating his death.

Action then continues involving film fans, a body guard, and three cops. So? Do I need a QUICK FADE IN following the BLACKOUT? It's not my intention to have one. I just envision BLACKOUT, then immediately cutting to the continuing action that unfolds.

I've attached a portion of the scene.

Maurice Vaughan

I'd do it like you did it, Bill Brock. BLACK OUT without FADE IN following it. You could also put BLACK OUT beside "His heartbeat stops" to make it clearer that BLACK OUT represents him dying.

Bill Brock

Maurice Vaughan Thanks, Maurice. I guess what I'm asking is-- Did you get the impression that the BLACKOUT is connected to him dying?

Bill Brock

Matthew Kelcourse Thanks, Matt. Yes. Perhaps it's not needed. And then again, I may be getting into "Shooting Script" territory.

Maurice Vaughan

You're welcome, Bill Brock. Yeah, I got the impression.

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