Couple of General Questions

[ScriptNurse]

However, if the sequence is only a page or two, I'd consider establishing a primary scene and INTERCUT the corresponding scene into it so it will read smoother. I would try it both ways and see if it works better for you one way or the other.

[uncle_al]

Pretty slow, in fact I have more than 1/2 a page for each place...so I'm guessing I should use separate scene-headings?

That'd be my opinion. 

Cheers!

Al B.

[HighwayMan]

It depends on whether the primary action is at one end and you are jump-cutting to the bow and back in quick order ... or something more leisurely where you've got an 1/2 page at the stern and another 1/2 page at the bow. What is the pacing you're after?

Pretty slow, in fact I have more than 1/2 a page for each place...so I'm guessing I should use separate scene-headings?

[ScriptNurse]

It depends on whether the primary action is at one end and you are jump-cutting to the bow and back in quick order ... or something more leisurely where you've got an 1/2 page at the stern and another 1/2 page at the bow. What is the pacing you're after?

[HighwayMan]

2) All dialog must be written in dialog-format, right? For example I can't just write "and they go on talking about the specifics of the deal while Patty listens outside".

This question is one I'll chip in my opinion for...

If the dialog is not important to the plot, you can focus on Patty listening outside, and the reactions she has to what she hears, with the actual exchange being an inaudible (to the audience) mumble.

Free opinion... worth every brass farthing it cost yer.

Cheers!

Al B.

yeah, that makes sense. thanks.

I just thought of another important question though: how do you know exactly when to start a new scene-heading? For example if your scene is taking place on the open deck of a ship, and two different things - one at the back of the deck and another at the front are happening, do you write them under two different headings or just one? So basically if it's the same location but with two somewhat different settings.

[uncle_al]

2) All dialog must be written in dialog-format, right? For example I can't just write "and they go on talking about the specifics of the deal while Patty listens outside".

This question is one I'll chip in my opinion for...

If the dialog is not important to the plot, you can focus on Patty listening outside, and the reactions she has to what she hears, with the actual exchange being an inaudible (to the audience) mumble.

Free opinion... worth every brass farthing it cost yer.

Cheers!

Al B.

[HighwayMan]

Hi,

I just about finished my first draft for my first screenplay, but there are a few things I'm uncertain of that I haven't found the answer to:

1) What is the best way to "space out" your action? Like I can write 4-5 lines in which a lot of things happen but the amount of space that it takes up on the page seems short. Would making every sentence its own paragraph be acceptable? Similarly, how do I stretch out parts that don't need lengthy description but would take more time to show on screen?

2) All dialog must be written in dialog-format, right? For example I can't just write "and they go on talking about the specifics of the deal while Patty listens outside".

many thanks for any help on these.