Screenwriting : Using parentheticals in a script. by Chinelo Amadi

Chinelo Amadi

Using parentheticals in a script.

Hi guys, is there such a thing as using too many parentheticals in a script? Example: (pause), (long pause), (beat) and others?

Also, what does '(beat)' really mean and when is the best time to use it?

Thanks.

Chinelo Amadi

Thanks! Kay Luke

Pierre Langenegger

Perhaps it's just the way I'm reading this but your question reads like you think it's great to use them and you can't use enough. It's extremely rare to read a script from a novice writer that doesn't have too many, so yes, there most definitely is such a thing as too many. A handful in a feature length script is okay but any more and I'm really starting to cringe. Don't aim to use any and only include them when absolutely necessary.

Brian Shell

Back in 1997, I was told If you want to direct your script, then direct it on the page. Boy did that ever backfire with readers... giving them my shooting script. Whoops.

Chinelo Amadi

Thanks a lot Pierre Langenegger

Craig D Griffiths

Yes and No. You know when you read it. I use them for things that need to be done in that moment. Such as (whispers).

I tend not to put in (beat) or (pause). Actors find there own rhythms. I’ll put the (shocked) if it is needed.

They are a tool. Use them and you’ll get better at using them.

Just remember they break the reader’s flow of dialogue. Just out to ACTION if you want to direct the readers experience.

Chinelo Amadi

This cracked me up. Thank you Brian Shell

Chinelo Amadi

Thanks a lot Craig D Griffiths

Imo Wimana Chadband

Hi Chinelo Amadi I think the comments here have answered your question, but I'll also like to add a link by Dan Guardino that I actually always have open for quick reference when I'm writing. Think it's good information to have, it speaks on some things you're asking and has some extra advice and guidelines.

Link: https://www.stage32.com/blog/How-an-Amateur-Screenwriter-Can-Improve-Wit...

Jim Boston

Hi, Chinelo!

I used to use "pause" a lot in my screenplays...but now, after reading Dan Guardino's blog, I replace the "pauses" with three dots each.

After erasing the "pauses" out of each of my scripts, I was able to reduce the length of each script by a page. (Okay...one page isn't much, but any reduction helps tighten up a screenplay and make it more professional.)

Chinelo, all the very best to you!

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