Title sequence in script

[stebinus]

Thanks. I will definitely consider that.

[ScriptNurse]

I would make it a quickie montage, ending with the last shot you need to move on into the story.

[stebinus]

Thanks for the heads up Don. I do feel that the sequence is very well integrated to the whole film as all the action except for the last scene(which takes place in present day SF) does indeed take place in the late 60s time period. In addition, one of the reoccurring themes is the desire of the main character to go to San Francisco, and there are many references throughout the script to San Francisco and hippies. Perhaps the sequence could be included but not specified as a title sequence, although I do feel that it would be effective in that role. Maybe it should just be the first scene, in which case do you think it would be acceptable as is but simply under the scene heading "San Francisco Travelogue?"

[ScriptNurse]

Let the director figure that out. You should NOT have references to titles in your spec script. All of the 60s stuff is irrelevant unless your story takes place or starts in the 60s.

[stebinus]

I'm not sure if it's proper to put how you want your title sequence to go but I have a specific idea of what I want and am wondering if this is the best way to present it in a finished screenplay. Basically I hope at some point to find an old travelogue/documentary from the sixties of San Francisco. If a suitable one can't be found than I would hope it could be made in that style using stock footage from the era. Here's how I have written it. Any comments appreciated.

title sequence - San francisco travelogue

Under titles runs an old travelogue in faded color of San Francisco in the 60s. A narrator, characteristic of that era's style of mass-audience documentary, points out the sights of the city interspersed with the distinctively corny type of commentary and tired jokes. Annoyingly upbeat music accompanies. Included are some shots of hippies along with mildly insulting, stereotypical comments about them.