Writing, Shooting, and Cutting Ratios...

[Yammeryammeryammer]

Ya, see that is the thing. When you don't use the standard format, that doesn't work. If I wrote a 120 page script, it would be like a 5 part miniseries for A&E or something. As far as using film language goes, I do. Pan, tilt, track, cut, blah blah blah. And since our films are largely cast with people of improvising background, they often have ideas that are collectively better than somethings in the script, so we like to encourage that. Everything isn't always in the script, but if it is important, it is. If something needs to be descriptive it is. And since that happens in often obscure ways, things end up flowing more like writing a short story, rather than a script. I don't really think the standard script format would help you craft a story if you were uncomfortable with it. I agree however that sound is hugely important. As far as camera moves go, they are all in there. I might as well write them down while I think of them. A practice that the standard format discourages to some extent.

[ac_01]

Standard formatting is only useful when you're going to give it to a producer to read. If you're making your own movie then just use what feels best. Producers usually can't be bothered to read a script anyway, so if its not in the right format you have even less of a chance. What you need is a template that does it quickly instead of spending all that time "tabbing". I think bbc.co.uk/writersroom have a free template...

Sounds like your scripts will be directed by you so obviously its a better idea to do it in a way you feel is best.... but if someone else is going to do it then you would be advised to stay clear of using too many camera angles (no one likes to be told how to do their job). [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

[Micaso]

Another good thing about putting in the direction is if there is any significant length of time between writing and shooting, one won't forget the mood/scenario that they were going for.