So, this second script I am working on is based around the entertainment industry and the protagonist does associate with other industry professionals often. So my question is, is it advisable for a spec script to have actual celebrity names or the more appropriate approach would be to use fake names with some description of sorts.
On the same topic, as she goes to several interviews as well is it advisable to name specific studios like
INT. WARNER BROS. STUDIOS - MORNING
What I am trying to do is ground my screenplay into reality and hence why I want to use real places and names but then again, I still want it to be eligible and not discredited outright because it name drops so many people.
I have read many scripts but they usually name the person or place but then again, they are not spec scripts.
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In my opinion (so take it with a grain of salt) it depends on what it adds to the script. There is benefit in using named items that exist in pop culture/mainstream culture because familiarity invites the viewer/reader in more. Like a certain celebrity who makes a brief appearance brings with him/her things we recognize. However in regards to Warner Bros. as a place I guess the question would be what are the benefits of having it be at Warner Brothers vs "INT. CALIFORNIA MOVIE STUDIO LOT - MORNING" or wherever. Like is the WB watertower part of the scene (not active but referenced in the action, etc.).
Some other examples:
EXT. DONUT SHOP - DAY
EXT. DUNKIN' DONUTS - DAY
EXT. RANDY'S DONUTS - DAY
INT. LUXURY HOTEL - DAY
INT. PLAZA HOTEL - DAY
Sorry I'm not much help but I guess it depends on what you benefit with the specificity vs. being more generic.
That said, my secondary recommendation is be consistent in whatever you do. Like don't label a location "JIM'S HOUSE" and then later reference the home of one of his friend's or another named character in the script as just "HOUSE".
I have to check my scene headings to make sure I keep the same level or absence of detail from scene heading to scene heading.
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My advice is just don't. That'll save you a lot of grief.
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In our position, outside the business, i would not drop any name I didn't have permission to use. And even then I wouldn't. Complications I don't need. This sh@@ is hard enough. Don't make it harder!
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That’s a great question! I have several scenes in my script where I out things like “on the other side of the glass is a FAMOUS MUSICIAN (maybe Amy Macdonald)” or “next to her a FAMOUS ACTOR (maybe Tom Cruise) pulls up to the traffic light on a dual-purpose motorcycle”...
I thought it would make a nice compromise, but now I’m not so sure...
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don't do it. Save your preferences like that for any pitches you do
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Thanks everyone for your sound advice.
Chad Stroman I am fairly new but I try to go over every scene once done just to check for inconsistencies because it will be easier for myself during the edits phase. About the studio lot, it was for a interview with a specific interviewer in mind but yeah, I might just do California Studio Lot thing instead.
Shawn Speake Hahaha, it is hard and chances of actually getting anything read seems more dire the more I read about the industry but hey, still gotta try. But yeah, I totally understand your point.
Lukas Flemming I try not to write anything in parenthesis, in the action part specifically, and be as concise as possible.