I posted a bit of a sitcom script up in Critique last week and the most common feedback was that my Directions were too long. I've been studying scripts of produced shows since and they all seem to have directions as long, if not longer (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/insight/downloads/scripts/pantball.pdf)
Advice?
Quote: al_gernon @ September 16 2008, 12:17 PM BSTI posted a bit of a sitcom script up in Critique last week and the most common feedback was that my Directions were too long. I've been studying scripts of produced shows since and they all seem to have directions as long, if not longer (e.g. http://www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom/insight/downloads/scripts/pantball.pdf)
Advice?
As I've said before, rules only seem to apply to rejected scripts
You're comparing a 'Post production script' with a speculative script.
Quote: JohnnyD @ September 16 2008, 12:39 PM BSTYou're comparing a 'Post production script' with a speculative script.
That's what I thought. But how do you get across similar directions if it's what you envisage from the outset? Do production companies not want directions or any non-verbal descriptions at all?
Always try to keep the 'big print' to the bare minimum. Not only does it make your script easier to read, it also will keep your page count down.
It's best to keep directions to a bare minimum. Producers and directors etc. know what they are doing and will put their own directions in when they know exactly how they're going to film something.
You only need to write what happens, not every single shot, when to cut, pull back etc. unless absolutely necessary.
The directions aren't that abundant. Sure, the opening description of the room is very detailed but then the episode is set (if memory serves) entirely in that space. See how the description is also relevant and parenthesis is used only when necessary. For the most part it's a vertical read broken up by a lot of one line descriptions - a great many of which were likely added for the sake of the production script.
Personally, I wouldn't pay much attention to the writersroom scripts other to denote the usual format for writing a script. My pilot scripts don't follow any precise "rules".
Don't recall reading your script, but having looked at The Smoking Room example it does not seem that heavy on the directions to me.
A chunck of stage direction to set up a script or scene is acceptable, but it should only be as long as it needs to be and try and make it visually orientated. Use prose skills, in the cut and thrust of the scene only use directions when necessary and avoid camera angles and etc. Make it read like a story.
Just tracked down your script. The directions could be snappier, but they were pretty much essential to what you were trying to achieve, so I don't see a problem with that.
Quote: Timbo @ September 16 2008, 1:08 PM BSTJust tracked down your script. The directions could be snappier, but they were pretty much essential to what you were trying to achieve, so I don't see a problem with that.
That's what I thought. Like "The Smoking Room" mine's mainly set in one room so I wanted to describe it thoroughly at the start.
I would describe the conceit of it as well.
Quote: bushbaby @ September 16 2008, 12:26 PM BSTAs I've said before, rules only seem to apply to rejected scripts
Very true.
Quote: Perry Nium @ September 16 2008, 1:57 PM BSTVery true.
But there are rules for why they were rejected.