It's not going to be shot that way

by Dave Trottier

"But Dave, that's the way I want the scene shot!"

I hear this from many students and clients. In this case, the scene was loaded with technical directions. The truth is you'll make a better impression on readers and producers if you avoid camera directions and special shots. Only use them if you have an overriding dramatic or comedic purpose for them. But there is another reason:

It's not going to be shot that way anyway.

At least, that's the odds. Why? Here are the reasons:

  • After your spec script is converted into a shooting script, the production manager or others will try to find locations that fit their budget. The location or set they choose will not likely match exactly what you had in mind, which could result in some changes to the scene
  • The budget may not allow for certain shots or for many "set-ups" that involve changing camera position and lighting.
  • The director will need to block the scene in accordance with the location or sound stage (and set decoration) he or she is using.
  • Actors may add their two cents.
  • Finally, some dialogue may need to be cut or changed; some lines may need to be added to fill out the scene.
  • Sometimes what is written on paper doesn't translate to the silver screen. May I give you an example?

The thematic pier scene in Little Miss Sunshine was originally written for Dwayne and Frank to float on the ocean to add the symbolism of a baptism (new birth) when a wave crashes over them, but it didn't work when they tried to shoot it that way. In fact, with the waves crashing over them became humorous. Thus, in the movie, the scene takes place on a pier overlooking the ocean. The essence of the scene remains unchanged; it still achieves the purpose the writer intended, but not in the way the writer envisioned.

So...what do you do?
Your goal is to make sure the narrative description and dialogue are written wonderfully so that the scene's purpose, emotion, and thrust are not lost. After all, movie-making is a collaborative effort.

It's true that many movie scenes are shot the way they are written, but in reality, the spec script is not a blueprint for the eventual movie, but a guide to it. Its main purpose is to emotionally involve a reader who can recommend it.

Present enough specific detail in your scene that the reader can "see" the action, "feel" the emotion, and "get" the scene, but don't try to direct the scene with camera directions or through other means which are not acceptable anyway. And keep writing!