Happy New Year, everyone! I'm writing a screenplay where two characters are in separate locations talking to each other on walkie talkie radios. Question – what is the most common method for dealing with this in a screenplay in Los Angeles? I've read that INTERCUT is a good way to do it, but I've also read people do a separate scene # each time it jumps between the two characters. I know that with software like Movie Magic Scheduling, it's easier to schedule if each one is a separate scene # but my priority is how it's received by people reading the script in L.A. Thank you so much for any tips and advice you have. Here's to health, happiness, and prosperity in 2017! Scot
Screenwriting : Radio/Phone Conversations – Intercut versus Separate Scenes? by Scot Michael Walker
Other topics in Screenwriting:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
1 person likes this
This is such a minor thing, follow your heart. Always ask yourself "is this important to the story?" Intercut vs separate scenes is more of a stylistic choice and something easily changed on set by the director depending on what serves the story better. I use Intercut because it makes the script a bit tighter visually (less typed lines describing setting/etc.) without hindering the flow of information. If it's a long scene it could mean the difference between 1 page and 4 to express the same information. If you need to slow down the pacing, it might be better to go with separate scenes.
1 person likes this
That's a great point that I didn't even think about. THANK YOU! :) Yes, I want a smaller page count so Intercut makes more sense. Thanks, Amber! Have a great day.
1 person likes this
Personally I just put "INTERCUT as necessary". The only time I would focus on a particular person would be if there is something physically pertinent to the sequence. (Example: A husband and wife are holding a casual phone conversation ... while he is in the process of getting a lapdance at a strip club.)
1 person likes this
Thanks, Angel. Thank you, Dan. I just downloaded the Sully script and they just put "INTERCUT:" or "INTERCUT WITH:" in the Lorrie sequences. Your comment got me to download that script and it's a great education. Thanks!
1 person likes this
Big MaxXX in the buildin'!
1 person likes this
Look it up in The Hollywood Standard.
2 people like this
I am halfway through a script which is full to the back teeth with INTERCUT. It is a series of phone calls between people in cars. It is the easiest to read. Plus such a small thing will not impact your script as long as whatever you do doesn't make the reading experience bad.