Sound FX ques in spec scripts?

[jthabel]

When submitting a feature length spec script to a competition, agent, whatever, does it really matter if you capitalize every single SFX que?

Example: The SCHOOL BELL RINGS and the kids run to class.

I've read some scripts that do, some that don't. How important is it to go "by the book" in these matters? By the way, "by the book" seems pretty relative. I have a script doctor who discourages it, I own a book ("The Hollywood Standard") that encourages it, and I've read professional screenplays that both accept it and ignore it completely. Personally, I hate reading SFX ques in scripts. I've always been told that a spec script is supposed to be a quick, sticky read, and muddling through copious SFX ques just pulls you out of the story, IMO.

 

[Chris Adler]

Depends on the purpose of the script.

 

[wcmartell]

I only cap a sound if it's supposed to be really loud.

- Bill

 

[vcassel]

It's an older thing meant for production. Writer's who've been around a while still do. A lot of new writer's don't. It only really matters if you use it to your advantage to drum up

ACTION

and

TENSION

in your script.

Otherwise? No one cares.