How's that sitcom coming along, Ben?
Scratchyr, there's really no hard and fast way to format this sort if stuff so just go with what feels right. Personally I'd be inclined to add 'dream sequence' or something similar just to let the reader know this isn't a regular scene but it depends what you're going for - maybe you want the fact that it's a dream to be a surprise.
Quote: Godot Taxis @ August 22 2007, 8:54 AM BSTPardon me all over the place.
...as used by Robert Mitchum to Nick Nolte in the re-make of Cape Fear.
Nice. 
And, to return to the original question, both Hotzappa11's & Godot's suggestions are acceptable.
Thanks, David, Tim. I have gone for the 'dream sequence'. Thanks again.
Quote: scratchyr @ October 19 2010, 4:30 PM BSTDo I need to put a DREAM SEQUENCE similar to Ben's scenes above?
Sorry for being a little slow. Just want to make sure. Thanks
You don't need to say dream sequence if a bedroom in a dream sequence looks exactly the same as a normal bedroom. If not, you could say:
CUT TO
INT. DREAM BEDROOM. NIGHT.
...or whatever.
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 19 2010, 10:18 PM BSTYou don't need to say dream sequence
If it's a dream sequence, why not write 'dream sequence'? Makes things clear, doesn't it. You need to lay out the information clearly.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 19 2010, 10:35 PM BSTIf it's a dream sequence, why not write 'dream sequence'? Makes things clear, doesn't it. You need to lay out the information clearly.
If it's a later reveal that its a dream sequence putting the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' may lead the director to think it needs smoke etc. to make it work, which it doesn't. Also there may be dream sequences inside dream sequences-you dream that you're dreaming. How would do you work that one out, stylistically? I think you should just leave out the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' in those circumstances, and let the actors tell the audience it's a dream (or a dream in a dream).
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 20 2010, 4:17 PM BSTIf it's a later reveal that its a dream sequence putting the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' may lead the director to think it needs smoke etc. to make it work, which it doesn't.
Eh? Unless the dream is about being trapped in a burning building...
I'm as happy as the next writer to underestimate the intelligence of a reader of my scripts, but I think that a director (or producer, whatever) would be able to see the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' without immediately assuming it meant the character asleep/stroking his chin thoughtfully - as the screen went wavy and dissolved into soft focus.
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 20 2010, 4:17 PM BSTIf it's a later reveal that its a dream sequence putting the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' may lead the director to think it needs smoke etc. to make it work, which it doesn't. Also there may be dream sequences inside dream sequences-you dream that you're dreaming. How would do you work that one out, stylistically? I think you should just leave out the words 'DREAM SEQUENCE' in those circumstances, and let the actors tell the audience it's a dream (or a dream in a dream).
There is no adequate response to this.
Not sure how relevant this is to you, but with a cut (especially to a day dream sequence.)
I do like a bit of a match cut of an object/motion/speech. For example.
They are talking about the lottery, intercut the whole scene with the bar maids actions
Dave talks
Bar maid taking order of random customer
More lottery talk
Cut back to Bar made getting drink.
When the day dream is about to start she is putting money into cash register. Close up of hand stuffing notes under clip in till.
MATCH CUT TO.
DAVE pulling notes from a money clip. then stuffing down charities G string as he climbs into bed with the girls
Don't Know if that's your style, but the way I picture it makes cuts flow.
Hope the writings going ok.
oh
And then when you come out of the dream sequence, do the opposite, match something in the dream with something in the real world- The linking of the real world with the dream could be seen as Dave's mind triggering ideas from the environment around him.
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 20 2010, 4:59 PM BSTThere is no adequate response to this.
No need to respond, it's just advice you either take or leave...
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 20 2010, 7:12 PM BSTNo need to respond, it's just advice you either take or leave...
It's bad advice, you're writing a script, it has to be clear what's supposed to be happening; in which case, if you want a dream sequence, you should indicate that. If you're confsing the reader, if they have to stop repeatedly and re-read to work out what's supposed to be happening, then your script is not going to get very far.
MEANWHILE...
Quote: Matthew Stott @ October 20 2010, 7:15 PM BSTIt's bad advice, you're writing a script, it has to be clear what's supposed to be happening; in which case, if you want a dream sequence, you should indicate that. If you're confsing the reader, if they have to stop repeatedly and re-read to work out what's supposed to be happening, then your script is not going to get very far.
I think I've said enough to prove that saying DREAM SEQUENCE can be confusing in some circumstances. I'm sorry you don't agree.
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 21 2010, 6:51 PM BSTI think I've said enough to prove that saying DREAM SEQUENCE can be confusing in some circumstances. I'm sorry you don't agree.
I don't agree because you're wrong. If it's a dream sequence, tell the reader that, then they'll know; d'you see??
Quote: Tim Azure @ October 21 2010, 6:51 PM BSTI think I've said enough to prove that saying DREAM SEQUENCE can be confusing in some circumstances. I'm sorry you don't agree.
Well, you certainly make it sound confusing.
And as advice, it has to be said this is downright misleading.
You would have to think of a bloody good reason not to use the words DREAM SEQUENCE to indicate a dream sequence.
Just as the best way to indicate a flashback is FLASHBACK.
And for a montage, why noy try MONTAGE?