Showing a television screen.

[Jason]

Thanks a lot for the help, guys!

[ScriptNurse]

I would go with INSERT mostly because it's more universal. Everyone will know what you mean.

[uncle_al]

In looking through scripts, I noticed that The Cable Guy uses FULL FRAME in the slug (e.g., FULL FRAME - WHITE NOISE). INSERT seems to be more of a standard in what I've read, do you have a preference between the two?

My personal preference is INSERT; FULL FRAME seems to me (take this cum grano salis^*) to be an attempt to overtly "direct the director", and unless you're doing it yourself, they don't much like that...

What say you, O Mighty One?

Cheers!

Al B.

* "with a grain of salt"

[Jason]

Thank you for the response.

In looking through scripts, I noticed that The Cable Guy uses FULL FRAME in the slug (e.g., FULL FRAME - WHITE NOISE). INSERT seems to be more of a standard in what I've read, do you have a preference between the two?

[ScriptNurse]

This doesn't take place at a "location" in the traditional sense in screenwriting and you want to be sure that the reader "gets it." I would do the following:

INSERT TV VIDEO

INT. SUNSET MANOR RETIREMENT HOME - DAY

CANDIDATE SMITH, all smiles as she greets and shakes the hands of the assembled elderly in the day room of a nondescript retirement home.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

Connie Smith cares about senior citizens and their future.

Smith escorted down a hallway to a room.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

She knows what it's like to leave a loved one in the care of others.

Smith greets a bedridden man and lovingly touches his brow.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

She's had to make the hard decisions just like you.

Smith in her office.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

She'll push, shove and railroad pork barrell legislation to protect those you love.

Smith greets constituents.

ANNOUNCER (V.O.)

A vote for Connie Smith is a vote for those who can't that'll can those who won't.

Smith stands before a waving flag.

BACK TO SCENE

The INSERT signals that it's out of the ordinary. Other options include getting a copy of BROADCAST NEWS or NETWORK to see how they did it.

[Jason]

Hi all, I registered just to ask this question, which has been troubling my new screenplay.

Is it possible to show an in-Universe broadcast of a program or commercial only? That is, not showing a television in a room displaying the broadcast being watched by characters, but the broadcast as it would appear on television?

I apologize if I'm not being clear. For example: my screenplay is about a presidential campaign and election (topical, huh?), I would like to open the film with a campaign ad. Additionally, throughout the film there would be intermittent use of news programs, talk shows, etc.

It's a difficult problem to articulate, I apologize again. Thanks to anyone who can lend a hand.

Jason