phone rings

Proper format. Capitalize the "object" making the sound and the "sound".

e.g. The PHONE RINGS. The PHONE in the bedroom RINGS. Bob picks up the RINGING PHONE.
 
conlanforever said:
Proper format. Capitalize the "object" making the sound and the "sound".

e.g. The PHONE RINGS. The PHONE in the bedroom RINGS. Bob picks up the RINGING PHONE.
Click to expand...

Technically you don't have to capitalize it. Depends on your style.

Either way can work, however, if it is a feature spec script then I'd not capitalize sounds and actions too much. From what I've heard, it is one of those things that the industry doesn't like to see in spec scripts, unless you're an already firmly established writer in the biz.
 
I respectfully have to disagree with part of Nektonic's comments. (though I have enjoyed his scripts in scriptfest:laugh:)

Capitalizing objects and the sounds they make is not about your style and it is expected in spec scripts and is still considered professional.

I do agree that most/or no actions should be capitalized.

Some cases that may be excluded from capitalization... if a character makes a personal noise.

e.g. John rolls over and yawns.

Yawns does not have to be capitalized even though it may make a noise. However objects and their noise should be.

The CAR stalled and then BACKFIRED.

The BOMB rolls across the floor and EXPLODES.

The DOOR SQUEAKS when he closes it.
 
Nektonic said:
Technically you don't have to capitalize it.... , if it is a feature spec script then I'd not capitalize sounds and actions too much. From what I've heard, it is one of those things that the industry doesn't like to see in spec scripts, unless you're an already firmly established writer in the biz.
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That is also what I was told by a mentor (sold writer, former agent) who helped me through my first feature spec screenplay.
 
Another quick question:

Character names within parenthesis:


John
(Turns to Pat)

or

John
(turns to pat)

Capitals or no?
 
(turns to Pat)

Seems there is always some controversy around certain formatting issues. lol
But this one should be unanimous ;)
 
conlanforever said:
Proper format. Capitalize the "object" making the sound and the "sound".

e.g. The PHONE RINGS. The PHONE in the bedroom RINGS. Bob picks up the RINGING PHONE.
Click to expand...
Respectfully (in this case), just the object (PHONE), not the sound (rings), is the modern capitalization tradition.

So to make a long story short (too late), I would highly suggest:



The PHONE rings.




:beer:

(turns to Pat)

Seems there is always some controversy around certain formatting issues. lol
But this one should be unanimous ;)
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unanimous it is.
 
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conlanforever said:
Capitalizing objects and the sounds they make is not about your style and it is expected in spec scripts and is still considered professional.

I do agree that most/or no actions should be capitalized.
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I guess the safest thing to do with a spec script is to not overdo the CAPITALIZATIONS. Otherwise, Mr. Slick Producer might FREAK OUT and THROW your SCRIPT across the room.

conlanforever said:
lol Now you have three different opinions.
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This is part of the reason I don't like to capitalize stuff, unless I absolutely have to (character intros, scene headings, and transitions). The less confusion and complication the better IMO.

--------------------------------
You guys might already be familiar with the blog Script Shadow, but if you're not it is a good resource for finding reviews and downloadable spec scripts that have made the rounds in Hollywood. A lot of them are recent sales, options, or hot scripts that are being passed around.

http://scriptshadow.blogspot.com/

The site is a good source for not only scripts to read and learn from, but to see what types of formatting styles and techniques are acceptable these days.
 
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CallaghanFilms said:
Respectfully (in this case), just the object (PHONE), not the sound (rings), is the modern capitalization tradition...
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Maybe the current standard has changed, but here is what I found from page 7, The Hollywood Standard -- The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style, 2nd Edition, by Christopher Riley:

"Sound effects and offscreen sounds. Capitalize the thing making the sound and the sound it makes:
The MOTORIZED CONTRAPTION GROWLS as Martin tries to start it. After a promising SPUTTER, the ENGINE WHEEZES and DIES. Delighted for some reason by this turn of events, Martin produces a STARTER'S PISTOL, raises it over his head and FIRES TWICE.

From somewhere unseen, a CHILD CRIES, a COYOTED HOWLS, and a PHONE RINGS."
​
 
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Randall_Oelerich said:
Maybe the current standard has changed, but here is what I found from page 7, The Hollywood Standard -- The Complete and Authoritative Guide to Script Format and Style, 2nd Edition, by Christopher Riley:

"Sound effects and offscreen sounds. Capitalize the thing making the sound and the sound it makes:
The MOTORIZED CONTRAPTION GROWLS as Martin tries to start it. After a promising SPUTTER, the ENGINE WHEEZES and DIES. Delighted for some reason by this turn of events, Martin produces a STARTER'S PISTOL, raises it over his head and FIRES TWICE.

From somewhere unseen, a CHILD CRIES, a COYOTED HOWLS, and a PHONE RINGS."
​
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Never even heard of this Christopher Riley cat.

A brief history: Traditionally, the reason Capitalization is used (in relation to sound) is as a "flag" for those involved with sound and sound editing (be it in production itself, or in post). It is not normally suggested to leave it out entirely, so as it is not missed with future rewrites/revisions.
:beer:

I stand by my previous humble suggestion of:
The PHONE rings.
But let the OP do what his CREATIVE MIND rings him to do...
 
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It's certainly handy when breaking a script down for production or for doing a budget analysis.
 
CallaghanFilms said:
Never even heard of this Christopher Riley cat. ...
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A good point. Not much on him on imdb, except for a German low budget feature, a short, and a video. But then again those are produced films. Apparently he has written a number of scripts for Touchtone, Paramount, and Mandalay. The testimonials on the back of his book are good, praising his book-- testimonials from Antwone Fisher, Brian Davidson writer-producer for CSI Miami, Elizabeth Stephen President of Motion Picture Production for Mandalay; they all tout his book as a must read and guide for proper formatting. Looks like Riley does lots of screen reading in Hollywood. I suspect his book is not the bible and end all for what is correct, but probably does serve as a pretty useful guide for small fish like me floundering in a sea of sharks, LOL.
:) Randall
 
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