Format question

[Presence]

Hey guys, just a quick format question.

If I have a character who is picking up a screenplay in the scene and we see what she is reading...How do I write what is on the screenplay in my screenplay.

Gosh that does not sound like it makes sense trying to explain it, lol.

Thanks in advance!!

[dpaterso]

I don't think there's any special rule, just write it clearly enough for the reader to understand, e.g.

Miranda breathlessly turns to the first page.

THE SCREENPLAY

FADE IN:

EXT. COUNTRY VILLA - DAY

HARRY, 30s, handsome and lean, dismounts from his white stallion.

ROSIE, 20s, breathtakingly beautiful, throws her arms around him.

ROSIE
Oh Harry, my love, you have returned!

HARRY
I could not stay away from you.

END SCREENPLAY

Miranda wipes a tear from her eye.

...Not the world's best example but note the short, easy-to-read sentences.

However, my personal opinion... forcing your audience to read sections of a screenplay is wanton cruelty. (Of course I may be misreading your intentions completely... and who knows, you may only do this once... and it may be mercifully short...) But you've reminded me of the screen test scene in MULHOLLAND DRIVE (http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Mulholland-Drive.html) in which the characters act out the roles in the script for our viewing pleasure, and it's very effective. Maybe it could be to your advantage to do things the same way, i.e. show (the acting) don't tell (the script). Shrug, I'm just saying.

Edited to add:
If you happen to look at the script, and it's a big if, search for strings "You're still here?" and "Inside Wally's" to go right to the reading examples. I read it again today, that Lynch has great writing style, tho' I'll never forgive him for what he did to DUNE.

-Derek
Derek's Web Page - stories, screenplays, novels, insanity. (http://hometown.aol.co.uk/DPaterson57)


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[Green Chair]

I like Derek's example using the SUBSLUG SCREENPLAY.

You can also utilize Point of View:

MIRANDA'S POV - THE SCREENPLAY

(and write it as Derek did in his example above)

or use Insert:

INSERT - SCREENPLAY

(use Derek's example again)

BACK TO SCENE

Any could work, but I would either go with Insert or Derek's elegant and refined style of handling it.

[scripter1]

answered the question.
Write it the way you see it and so that it is clear what is happening.

Just for example and experience you might want to take a look at the script for Romancing the Stone. That one starts out with a clip from the novel and then jumps to the editor reading it but the point is clear.

Your usage of a screenplay would be similar.

I would say avoid just having someone reading the script, or a close up of the script so that we the audience end up reading it.
That seems a little weak to me.

[Joe Calabrese]

I would add that unless the whole page (of the screenplay) is important, I wouldn't show the whole page. I would just focus on the important line(s)

For example:

Miranda breathlessly turns to the first page and reads until something catches her breath.

CLOSE ON: THE SCREENPLAY

HARRY
I could not stay away from you.

Miranda sighs and wipes a tear from her eye.




No need for back to scene from a CLOSE ON since once you show an action that is obvious to not be part of it.