#LyX 1.4.1 created this file. For more info see http://www.lyx.org/ \lyxformat 245 \begin_document \begin_header \textclass hollywood \language english \inputencoding auto \fontscheme default \graphics default \paperfontsize default \spacing other 0.90 \papersize default \use_geometry true \use_amsmath 0 \cite_engine basic \use_bibtopic false \paperorientation portrait \leftmargin 1.5in \topmargin 48bp \rightmargin 0.75in \bottommargin 30bp \headheight 12bp \headsep 24bp \footskip 6bp \secnumdepth 2 \tocdepth 2 \paragraph_separation indent \defskip medskip \quotes_language english \papercolumns 1 \papersides 1 \paperpagestyle fancy \tracking_changes false \output_changes true \end_header \begin_body \begin_layout General [NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS in SCREENWRITING] \end_layout \begin_layout General http://www.oscars.org/academy/nichollindex.html \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset ERT status open \begin_layout Standard \backslash thispagestyle{empty} \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout General Formatted text courtesy of Ann Garretson \end_layout \begin_layout General http://www.halcyon.com/aga \end_layout \begin_layout General Copyright 1998 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences \end_layout \begin_layout General ---------- \end_layout \begin_layout General FILE NOTES \end_layout \begin_layout General ---------- \end_layout \begin_layout General Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (A.M.P.A.S.) \end_layout \begin_layout General - The NICHOLL FELLOWSHIPS in SCREENWRITING \end_layout \begin_layout General - http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/index.html \end_layout \begin_layout General - E-mail: Greg Beal, gbeal@oscars.org \end_layout \begin_layout General File Info: April, 1998 (online) \end_layout \begin_layout General - http://www.oscars.org/nicholl/format_a.txt \end_layout \begin_layout General - View in a monospaced font -- preferably 12-point Courier. \end_layout \begin_layout General Copyright 1998 by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences \end_layout \begin_layout General ---------- \end_layout \begin_layout General Permission to use this script as a LyX example file was kindly granted by Greg Beal, gbeal@oscars.org. \end_layout \begin_layout General I added a few lines at the end of script about binding. The original script ended with the words \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset I'd never let you miss a meal. \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset There were also references to tabs, which don't exist in LyX, so I made minor changes in the text. Apologies and kudos to Ann Garretson. Be sure to thank her when you get your Oscar. \end_layout \begin_layout General Garst R. Reese \end_layout \begin_layout General reese@isn.net \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \newpage \end_layout \begin_layout Title FOR A FEW DAYS MORE \end_layout \begin_layout Author by \newline April Rider \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \begin_inset VSpace vfill \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Right Address April Rider \newline 555 George St. NNW \newline Kaplan, ND 77777 \newline 999-999-9999 \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \newpage \end_layout \begin_layout FADE IN: \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{Joe} \end_inset \begin_inset LatexCommand \label{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General Use Layout->Document \end_layout \begin_layout General Spacing Other to set the spacing between lines. A value of .85 is probably the minimum. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General To change: \end_layout \begin_layout General \backslash setlength{ \backslash dialogindent}{1in}, \end_layout \begin_layout General \backslash setlength{ \backslash parenoffset}{.5in}, \end_layout \begin_layout General \backslash setlength{ \backslash dialogLength}{4in}, \end_layout \begin_layout General \backslash setlength{ \backslash parenLength}{2in}, \end_layout \begin_layout General \backslash setlength{ \backslash speakeroffset}{1.2in} \end_layout \begin_layout General click TeX and enter new values as above. \end_layout \begin_layout General Parenoffset is the offset to the left of parentheticals from speaker names. \end_layout \begin_layout General Speakeroffset is the offset to the right of the dialog margin, so changing dialogindent will automatically change the position of parentheticals and speaker names. \end_layout \end_inset \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General You can put your Speaker names in labels, the insert cross references to the labels. The printed version will automatically be capitalized in Speaker even if the label is not capped. This way you can use them in dialogue also, and change all references to your Speaker's names just by changing the label. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset ERT status collapsed \begin_layout Standard \backslash setlength{ \backslash parenLength}{1.7in} \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \end_layout \begin_layout Standard \backslash setlength{ \backslash dialogLength}{3.2in} \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout INT. DRISKILL HOTEL SEMINAR ROOM - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description JOE and APRIL burst through the doors into a clean, well-lit seminar room \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General Use the description after INT. or EXT. to keep it on the same page. Narrative is the same, except that it allows a pagebreak before it. Notice that I did not use the labels for Joe and April here because they are upper-cased in discriptions only the first time they are used. You could make extra labels, but I think it would be error-prone. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Are we in time? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue How could they start without us? We're the main attraction. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset catches his breath as he leans against the podium at the front of the room. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical looking about the room \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue We are? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Don't be a moron. You know we've been invited to Austin to discuss script format. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue But why is the room empty? \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset and \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset both look out across the room -- rows of empty chairs and nary a person in sight. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Okay, okay, don't panic. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative She takes three deep breaths. Then she looks at her watch and smiles. \end_layout \begin_layout Continuing \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue We're an hour early. We should rehearse. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Okay, you start. Margins? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Left, 1.5 inches. Right, 0.75 inches. Top, 1.0 inch to the body, 0.5 inches to the number. Bottom, 0.5 to 1.5 inches, depending on where the page break comes. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Page break? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Right above me. Rules for breaking a page. Scene headers, like INT., remain attached to Description. If a page breaks between a Speaker and a one sentence Dialogue, move it above the Speaker. A long Dialogue passage would be split -- but I'll get to that later. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue What about fonts? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Courier, 12 point, 10 pitch. Make sure it's a non-proportional version of Courier. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset 's grimace suggests that he's deep in thought. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue What about bold-face or italics? Or a Gothic font? I love to jazz up my scripts. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue No bold, no itals, no script fonts, no Gothic, no Helvetica, no Times Roman. Stick with Courier. That's the industry standard. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Oh, we're talking about industry standards? \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative Suddenly, \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset bolts from behind the podium and runs out into: \end_layout \begin_layout INT. DRISKILL HOTEL HALLWAY - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset glances up and down the hallway, then reaches back to open the door. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical calling \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset -- come on! There's no one here. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical walking through the door \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Ah, a scene heading. Or a slug line, as I was taught in film school. Always CAPPED. What happens if we \SpecialChar \ldots{} \end_layout \begin_layout EXT. TEXAS CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset pinches himself as he stands with \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset before the seat of Texas politics. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue How'd you do that? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue There was a cut -- from the hallway to the capitol. What'd you want to do -- ride in a cab? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Dialogue margins. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Left, 3.0 inches. Right, 2.5 inches. Of course, you can cheat those a tad. \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General These are from the paper edge, but you specify them from \end_layout \begin_layout General the left margin using dialoglength and dialogIndent. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue So, you have about 3.0 inches for each line of your dialogue? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You've got it. Though you can go out another three or four spaces to the right and no one will hold it against you. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset jots down several notes on a 3 x 5 card, studies the card for a moment, then scribbles another note. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical looking up \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue And the position of the speaker's name? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue All CAPS, and about 2.7 inches from the left margin. Some writers center all the speakers' names. \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General Use More to break up a dialogue across a page boundary. It will put (MORE) at the bottom of the page, and insert the current speaker name and (CONT'D) at the top of the next page. You should not break mid-sentence. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout More \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Personally, I don't think it matters. The look of the script pages is slightly different in either case. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Hey, what happened? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue A page break appeared in the middle of my dialogue. You use (MORE) at the bottom of the page to show that the speaker's dialogue continues onto the next page. Then (CONT'D) next to the speaker to show that it has roots in the previous page. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue But not everybody uses MOREs and CONT'Ds, do they? \end_layout \begin_layout INT. CAPITOL BUILDING - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset stares up into the dome. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset examines the portraits of Texas governors on the nearby walls. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Some writers just plan their page ends so as to avoid them. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical considering \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue What about parentheticals? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Start them about a half-inch to the left of the speaker name. In our case that would be at 2.2 inches from the left margin. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue And what are they for? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue For years, parentheticals were used to express emotion, the manner in which a speaker spoke her lines. Loudly, passionately, sadly, and so on. In recent years writers have often used them for brief bits of action. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical going up a stairway \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Something like this? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical following him \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Exactly. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue How wide are parentheticals? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Not very -- about 1.5 inches. And they should wrap to the following line when they extend beyond that point. \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical pointing up to the top of the page \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue If you place a parenthetical in the middle of a dialogue passage, it should remain distinct from the dialogue. \end_layout \begin_layout EXT. MISSISSIPPI RIVERBOAT - NIGHT \end_layout \begin_layout Description A gambling boat rolls slowly along the mighty river. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset and \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset wander about its upper deck. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue I have to ask -- what happened to CUT TO:s between scenes. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Many writers still use transitions such as CUT TO: and DISSOLVE TO: between scenes. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Those would introduce a new scene header? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue And typically a different time and/or place. But many writers have dispensed with such transitions, feeling that a new scene header signifies a cut without the need of any additional indicator. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset stares out at the river. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue How did we reach the Mississippi and when did the sun set? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue If you'd like \SpecialChar \ldots{} \end_layout \begin_layout EXT. AIRPLANE - SUNSET \end_layout \begin_layout Description A jet liner cruises East across Texas. \end_layout \begin_layout INT. AIRPLANE - SUNSET \end_layout \begin_layout Description A customized interior, replete with lounge chairs and sofas. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset and \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset sip margaritas. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Is this a flashback? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Or it could be tomorrow. Or next week. \end_layout \begin_layout TITLE OVER: October 19, 1997 \end_layout \begin_layout Continuing \end_layout \begin_layout General \begin_inset Note Note status collapsed \begin_layout General Selecting \begin_inset Quotes eld \end_inset Continuing \begin_inset Quotes erd \end_inset will insert the current Speaker followed by (continuing) as a parenthetical. Don't worry, it will look right on the printed version. \end_layout \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You see, a few weeks have passed. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Okay, I didn't notice. But I thought only DAY and NIGHT were allowed on scene headers. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Production managers would certainly prefer it that way, but many writers use headers as a means of showing a particular time of day, especially SUNRISE and SUNSET. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue So that's allowed? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue On writer's drafts, without a doubt. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue A writer's draft? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Essentially, any draft that hasn't been paid for. Any draft to be sent to agents, studio execs, production companies, development people. Those are writer's drafts. And they all should be FIRST DRAFTs, no matter how many versions the writer has actually written. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You really think so? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue That's my recommendation. \end_layout \begin_layout INT. BLUE CAMARO - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset drives along Austin's Congress Avenue as \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset rides shotgun. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You speak any foreign languages? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical in French \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Why do you ask? (Pour quoi tu demandes?) \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue What about action scenes? \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative SUDDENLY, A BLACK CADILLAC whips around a corner, racing quickly towards them. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset punches the accelerator and -- THE BLUE CAMARO leaps forward, leaving a trail of rubber. The Camaro takes a left, then a quick right to accelerate into -- A DARK ALLEY The Camaro quickly reaches a dead end, just as -- THE BLACK CADILLAC pulls into the alley, sealing it shut. \end_layout \begin_layout EXT. DRISKILL HOTEL DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset leads a dazed and confused \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset to the front door. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue That's one way to do an action scene. It's a variation on the Bill Goldman style that's used by many writers. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical coming to \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue But other writers just use normal description and standard scene headers for action scenes, don't they? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Many do. \end_layout \begin_layout INT. DRISKILL HOTEL ENTRANCE HALL -- PHONE BOOTH - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description A slightly less dazed \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset speaks on the phone. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue I thought we were walking together. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset (O.S.) \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical filtered \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Well, we were, but I realized a phone call was needed. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You're filtered? \end_layout \begin_layout INTERCUT \end_layout \begin_layout EXT. STATE CAPITOL PHONE BOOTH - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description With the dome looming large behind her, \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset speaks into the phone. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Only when you hear my voice over the phone. Radio voices and phone calls often are filtered, though it's a convention that isn't used by everyone anymore. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Let's try something easy. What about page numbers? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Number each and every page, though you can start with page two. The numbers should appear in the upper right hand corner, about 0.5 inches down and 0.75 inches from the right page edge. Those dimensions are not set in stone, but page numbers should always be placed in the upper right hand corner. \end_layout \begin_layout INT. DRISKILL HOTEL HALLWAY - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset walks slowly towards the seminar room. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You know, that pronouncement almost seemed godlike. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset (V.O.) \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue If it were, I probably would have spoken in a voice over and not on the phone. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset searches the ceiling, trying to decide just where this disembodied voice is emanating from. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue What's a V.O. used for? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset (V.O.) \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Oftentimes for narration, for a narrator's voice. In film noir the protagonists often filled the audience in on their thoughts or story details. Documentary films are filled with voice over. \end_layout \begin_layout INT. DRISKILL HOTEL SEMINAR ROOM - DAY \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset races past \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset to reach the podium first. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset walks slowly past the still-empty chairs. \end_layout \begin_layout Description At the podium \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset gestures with his hands as if he were making a major political speech. \end_layout \begin_layout Description \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset sneaks up behind him and mimics his movements -- until he notices. \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset spins to confront her. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Why I ought'a \SpecialChar \ldots{} \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue I was just demonstrating the way many writers break description into shorter paragraphs. I've seen blocks of description covering an entire page. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue That makes for tough reading, doesn't it? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue I know studio readers who just skip long description and read only dialogue. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue But there are pros who write scripts with extended descriptive passages. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue When you make a half-million or so per script, you can pretty much use any format you want. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset climbs atop the podium. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue But when you're like me, you have to stick to format. Is that what you're trying to say? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue That's the story. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset jumps down from the podium and runs out the door just as conference ATTENDEES begin to enter. \end_layout \begin_layout Continuing \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue By the way, the first time you introduce a speaker in description, you CAP his name. And when you break dialogue with description, the standard is to place "continuing" within parentheses when a speaker chatters on and on. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset watches as a number of people sit down before her. \end_layout \begin_layout Continuing \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Of course, many writers have dropped "continuing" from their repertoire. I mean, it's obvious that I'm still speaking, isn't it? And that I never stopped speaking. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset (O.S.) \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical shouting from beyond the door \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Hey, \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset , c'mon. There's a buffet at the hotel and a shuttle leaving in two minutes. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Parenthetical shouting \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue We haven't mentioned master scenes. \end_layout \begin_layout Narrative A sheepish \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset enters, then glances about the room as he slowly approaches the podium. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue That one I know. No CLOSEUPS, no WIDE SHOTS, no shots of any sort. Just scene headers, description and dialogue. And no scene numbers. Those are left to shooting scripts. \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue Don't worry, I would never let you miss a meal. Do you know how to make a script sandwich? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{Joe} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue A script sandwich? \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker \begin_inset LatexCommand \ref{April} \end_inset \end_layout \begin_layout Dialogue You need your script, two sheets of plain manila binding stock, a three hole punch, and three 1.5 inch brass brads. No title or name on the binding stock. When you get it all assembled, you can hammer the brass brads down to make it good and tight. Now lets go eat. \end_layout \begin_layout FADE OUT \end_layout \begin_layout Speaker THE END \end_layout \end_body \end_document