Prior to buying The Screenwriter's Bible by David Trottier, I used Screenplay Format Guide by Story Sense, which I found to be particularly good. However, there are differences between the two and I feel the need to know which of the two is correct regarding my query. Story Sense says - "The text in each shot should wrap beneath the text, not beneath the letter of the outline. This is essentially a hanging indent." Whereas, David Trottier does not show this in his example. I don't want to break eggs with a big stick, but I do want to get it right. Which is correct? BTW, Happy New Year to all. Chris.
Screenwriting : Montage and Series of Shots query. by Christopher Chance
www.chrischance.co.uk at chrischance.co.uk ♦ Author, Screenwriter
10 years ago
Montage and Series of Shots query.
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There's no official rulebook for these things, so 'correct' doesn't really apply. Both sources of advice you mention are well respected (I use Trottier), so I'd just use whichever looks better to you personally...
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I like trottier as well. I think ita cleaner and easier on the eyes. Bravo to you for using his book!
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Trottier is easier but Story Sense looks better though more time consuming.
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Hail Eisenstein! For some deeper understanding in the different reasons for montages, read the five types of film montage, by the great filmmaker, teacher and theorist Sergei Eisenstein. Some of my favorite film montages include: 1. Cinema Paridiso - Kissing Montage. Oh my goodness...Alfredo saved the censored kissing scenes! No single montage clears my sinuses as well as this one. 2. Battleship Potemkin - wow...90 years later...dozens of homages later...would you have eaten the meat? 3. 25th Hour - F You and What You'll Do Montages - Spike Lee is such a gifted filmmaker and artist. 4. The Godfather Baptism/Death Montage - Leave the church, take the devil. What brilliant juxtaposition! 5. Rocky - Training Montage - Some of you might laugh...but it is one of my top faves. I think I'll start another post to see some of your faves. I don't want to hijack this one. Thanks for the inspiration, Mr. C.
Do whatever you like, Bill. I am delighted I caused a spark.
BTW, many thanks for the 5 examples - I'll check them out later. We never stop learning and examples of proven skill adds more tools to the toolbox.