How does one format this sequence?

HerzogisGod

HerzogisGod

Well-known member
A sentence, say "Mary had a little lamb". The sequence is spread over five locations with each word mouthed by a different person in a different location.

Do I treat each location as a new "scene"? and take up a full page of writing? - Each new person must be described - or can I combine everything into one shorter description

I'm looking to save page space, basically


SCENE

MAN (early 30's)

MAN
Mary

SCENE - DIFFERENT

WOMAN (30'S)

WOMAN
had


Etc etc...
 
If you have already introduced the characters speaking and locations I would just do:

Scene heading

Man
dialogue

Scence - new

woman
dialogue

But if this is an intro to all the characters then unfortunately you may have to describe all the scenes and characters
 
They are all random characters... people on the street type thing. If the sequence must take up a page or so of space then it's cool... so long as it's correct
 
I don't think there's any one right way to do that. The important thing is that you describe the scene understandably.
 
If it takes up an entire page just for a sequence that will take up a few seconds of screen time (unless i'm not understanding you), the flow of reading will be severely screwed up. Yes clarity is important, but so is the flow of your script. I would seriously consider doing it as a Series of Shots just so you can get it done quickly and not break up the rhythm of the script.
 
A "series of shots" might be a good way to go about it. But "flow of the script" is less of a concern if you're writing it to be shot, and more of one if you're writing it as spec.

If you're writing it to be shot, the imperative thing is that it be understood. If you're writing spec, then making it a better read is more important than it would be if it's a shooting script.

But, as I said, there are no real rules here, only methods of achieving your purpose effectively.
 
Yes... this is a spec script. And yes... the way it is structured severely ruins the flow

I may just write an overview type heading such as:

The following sequence takes place in multiple settings amongst different people
 
I would suggest you watch some films that have an important countdown and multiple locations. A specific movie doesn't come to mind, but that scene with several characters each counting down the final seconds to a bomb, crash, etc, seems familiar.
Good luck!

HerzogisGod said:
I'm trying to think of a film that does this so I can use the structure
Click to expand...
 
"do the right thing" might have a scene like this... where multiple characters are interviewed or something... I'll check it out
 
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