So I'm working on writing a script and had a question about a slug line. I start off the scene on a floating ship, then move to the ocean floor, where the action stays. (Think of a swordfight between two skeletons that starts on a ship and continues underwater.) Would I just use: EXT. OCEAN - DAY ...and keep that heading all the way through or would I change the scene to something like: EXT. OCEAN FLOOR - DAY Thanks. ~ J. J.
hi JJ, i would probably start with the first header and then as the next scene shifts underwater, add CONTINUOUS EXT. OCEAN - DAY ...and keep that heading all the way through or would I change the scene to something like: EXT. OCEAN FLOOR - CONTINUOUS
Change scenes. It's a new shooting location/ environment. At the location transition point, use either an em dash or an ellipsis (em dash is recommended) to suggest a continuation, and then put in the new scene heading and continue the action, Such as They roll off the deck-- EXT. SCENE --and plunge deep into the sea. This would go for almost all location changes within action, unless the location change is repeated in quick succession.
Ah crud! Selbbin you genius! The Abyss is ALL surface/floor scenes! Reading it now... Helps a lot, thanks! Looks like... EXT. OCEAN and EXT. OCEAN BOTTOM ...are used most.
It's also one of the best scripts ever written, not just the structure but the prose. EDIT: but PLEEEEASE remember that Cameron wrote The Abyss to shoot it himself, so ignore any camera directions and scene transitions. It is not a spec script!
I know, I know! Daniel should make us a Screenwriting Discussion/Help forum... Or subforum maybe! Wish we had a bigger screenwriter base here. :redface: ~ JJ
+1. Screenwriting is often done poorly, especially by newer writers. I think the main problem is that it's quite a small market, and requires a team of people to bring to life... All of which is very hard for up-and-coming writers.
I have trouble knowing when to change scenes and when to leave it. --------------------------------------- EXT. H.M.S ANABEL DECK - DAY SKELETOR and SKELETAR duel with swords. They lock blades and fall overboard sinking down— EXT. OCEAN FLOOR - CONTINUOUS —to the bottom of the ocean. Unphased by the water, they jab and parry as Skeletor forces Skeletar onto a coral reef. --------------------------------------- Coral reef? Hmmmm... ~ J. J.
you don't need em dashes [which should not be used in action/description element anyway] or the repetitive 'to the bottom of the ocean'... only need mention they 'fall overboard and sink' [no 'ing' verbs] and stop there... EXT. OCEAN FLOOR and CONTINUOUS in next slug line tells director et al. that the two are followed all the way down on camera...
This would be great! I don't do or know anything about screenwriting, it would be a great way to expand my horizons.
Oh Mamma, Once again you are a wellspring of knowledge! I will do that! Yes, I have already sent a PM to Daniel to see if there's a place for more screenwriting discussion around here! ~ J. J.
there IS a screenwriting section... it's down in the workshop area... i don't see why another section would be needed... especially since that one gets very little traffic... https://www.writingforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=22
The screenwriting section in the Workshop is for critique only, not discussion. But I agree with Maia. I don't see enough script and screenwriting activity to justify a dedicated discussion section, in my opinion. But we'll see. Daniel may see it differently.
since all other writing stuff is 'discussed' in the 'general writing' section, why isn't that a fitting enough place for screenwriting, as well?... it is, after all, also 'creative writing'...
Screenwriting and playwriting may fall under the same broad category, but in academia they are taught separately for a reason. The rules of screenwriting are not the same as any other kind of prose. Sentence structure can be broken and formatting is crucial. I appreciate your input, but there is desire for a discussion forum, so I will follow it up. ~ J.J.
