Language in scripts

[DeVon72176]

Everybody’s answers to the threads I started have been very helpful (I place the thank you here so I don’t unnecessarily bump my other threads). I have a few more issues to post about.

The spec script I wrote (which sits pretty at 43 pages and that is driving me crazy, as I the script is meant to be an hour long) has some questionable language in it. I wanted to target certain studios/channels (like HBO or Showtime) for the script.

I understand that cursing in a script can be avoided with smart writing (in fact, among one of my rewrites, I eliminated a lot of it). I also understand that people can’t go around saying “gosh darn,” so I guess there must be a balance. However, a few of the words/phrases are important to the characters (as far as I can see) and the others are important to the plot of the storyline.

My question is, how much am I shorting myself with such language in the script? Am I making this more difficult for myself by keeping the language in the script?

Thanks for any input into this.