A couple of little questions...

S

Shauno

Active member
Hey gang,

I have a couple of indignant questions that have been plaguing me for most of the day. This is for a script that is for TV and predominantly British English (BBC).

-However, any points of view are welcomed.-

With regards to direct to camera dialogue, how is the best way to work this into a screenplay? I've seen different ways of doing it, such as Alfie (2004) and House of Cards.

However, how is best to work it in?

Secondly...

Double Dashes; I know this is an age old thing to bring up, but I really need to clarify how it is used within the action of this script and to what purpose.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/luther-s1-ep1.pdf

My understanding is that it shows a sense of frenetic action, short cuts and quick jumps, would that be an accurate translation? Or could someone please explain it in a more rudimentary fashion?
 
Is it for an existing show? Everything you need to know should be in the scripts already written for that show, because they will have their own way of handling it. See about getting copies of those.

If it's original, just make your intent clear and understandable. There is no rules governing board.
 
What is that from? It may be just how they write that particular show. Every show has its own quirks and styles developed by its writing staff. As I said, the important thing is that you be easily understandable.
 
Shauno said:
Hey gang,

I have a couple of indignant questions that have been plaguing me for most of the day. This is for a script that is for TV and predominantly British English (BBC).

-However, any points of view are welcomed.-

With regards to direct to camera dialogue, how is the best way to work this into a screenplay? I've seen different ways of doing it, such as Alfie (2004) and House of Cards.

However, how is best to work it in?

Secondly...

Double Dashes; I know this is an age old thing to bring up, but I really need to clarify how it is used within the action of this script and to what purpose.

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/scripts/luther-s1-ep1.pdf

My understanding is that it shows a sense of frenetic action, short cuts and quick jumps, would that be an accurate translation? Or could someone please explain it in a more rudimentary fashion?
Click to expand...

David's right. You should go by how the show your spec-ing does it, but...

Camera dialogue? Like when a character breaks the 4th wall and talks directly to camera? I'd put it in a parenthetical between the character name and dialogue: (directly to camera) or (to camera).

I break a line of action when something interrupts the shot or draws our attention. Like:

Mike glances in the rearview. No cops. He lost th--

CRASH!!! A police cruiser rams into the side of his car. The world spins.

That's a playful way to engage and surprise a reader through the action. I wouldn't use it too often or it tends to lose its effect.
 
vcassel said:
David's right. You should go by how the show your spec-ing does it, but...

Camera dialogue? Like when a character breaks the 4th wall and talks directly to camera? I'd put it in a parenthetical between the character name and dialogue: (directly to camera) or (to camera).

I break a line of action when something interrupts the shot or draws our attention. Like:

Mike glances in the rearview. No cops. He lost th--

CRASH!!! A police cruiser rams into the side of his car. The world spins.

That's a playful way to engage and surprise a reader through the action. I wouldn't use it too often or it tends to lose its effect.
Click to expand...

Cheers Broheim, good advice right there and thanks for explanation. Yes, it does seem a visual way to transmit a sense of urgency, surprise and/or suspense.
 
If this fourth wall breakage happens even quasi often, I would work out a system.

Sumpin' like:

[scrippet]

BEGIN FOURTH WALL BREAK

FERRIS "MIKE MYERS" SPACEY-DURDEN
(beat)
What would you do in this scenario?... Damn skippy.

End fourth wall break.
[/scrippet]

Otherwise, if it's a one time bit, do what vcassel said.
:beer:


Edit:
scrippet didn't pick it up...
But "End fourth wall break" should be bold.
 
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