Just in my beginning phase. The more I search for answers the more confusing it gets. So two simple questions. CAPS? in a Spec Script. Yes or no? apart form Characters dialogue. Secondly, when a character is pausing mid-sentence what is the best way to write this...? or pause? create a small action? use a parenthetical? THX!
Screenwriting : What to use when and where? by Craig Martin
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From Dan Trottier's 6th Edition "The Screenwriter's Bible":
CAPS
1) Initial appearance of a character
2) Technical Instructions, camera directions (these should be rare), SUPER
3) (May be used) Sounds, words on signs, book titles, etc., and SUPER: "TWO YEARS LATER" (note quotes around text)
Trottier suggests using a more descriptive Parenthetical action in lieu of (beat):
CRAIG
Huh?
(beat)
What's that mean?
CRAIG
Huh?
(scratches head)
What's that mean?
I've seen "Beat." placed as an action as well.
CRAIG
Huh?
Beat.
CRAIG (cont'd)
What's that mean?
Happy writing.
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JAMES, an older man, stands still.
JAMES
What do you mean that there's something--
(looks back)
--behind me?!
James takes off running.
Big thanks, guys. Clear and helpful. Just what I needed!
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My client asked about CAPS in stage direction, and told her, "It's a sign to someone in the film crew that their extra work is needed to achieve it."
Tony nailed it.
BUT (see what I did there?) some very big screenplays (The Martian) use "CONTINUED:". But most readers I've met think that's horrible clutter. Should only be used on shooting scripts and not every shooting script uses this device.
I recommend this blog post for a good conversation about the topic;
http://thebitterscriptreader.blogspot.com/2009/08/when-to-capitalize-and...
The "old rules" used to say to capitalize every sound effect, prop, action, or motion, but that's generally not done as much anymore. Except again maybe on shooting scripts.
Thanks, Kevin, but Mr. Trottier's wisdom.
It's my belief, and practice, to not include "CONTINUED" when a scene straddles pages. Final Draft allows a granularity to turn them on without adding Scene Numbers, but I agree it's clutter in a Spec, and reserved for a Shooting.
CAPS are recommended for sounds etc. in Shooting to make breakdown easier.
Funny, Brian. Reminds me of the old joke about Union crews; Jesus appeared to the Teamsters and said, "don't do anything until I return."