A pre-lap is when the dialogue (or any sound) from the next scene starts before we cut away from the previous scene. They are a common and useful transition. Pre-laps are often inserted in editing, but they can also be written into scripts. Dialogue pre-laps are indicated with the parenthetical “(PRE-LAP)” next to the character’s […]
What is an establishing shot?
An establishing shot establishes the setting of a scene. When we see a shot of the sun setting behind the exterior of a building, and then we cut to the inside of that building for the scene, we have seen an establishing shot. Establishing shots can be written into your screenplay, but they do not […]
What is an option?
An option is an agreement that gives someone (usually a producer or a studio) the exclusive rights to buy something for a set amount of time and a pre-determined price. Options are common in the film and television industry, because they allow producers to control the rights to a piece of material without spending the […]
Can you put directing notes in your screenplay?
If you are the director as well as the writer, certainly. If not, the answer is less straightforward. Directors can get annoyed with writers inserting too many directing notes in screenplays. Directing is their job, and those choices are theirs to make. Both in addition to and because of that, too many directing notes makes […]
What is an insert?
An insert is a shot — often a close-up — that focuses on a specific detail. If necessary, these shots can be written into a screenplay, but most inserts will be called for by the director. Often, insert shots are done by the 2nd unit, or are done in pickups to patch over a hole […]
What is a beat?
The word “beat” has a few different specific uses in screenwriting. But in general, all forms are a type of single, small unit. In screenplays, a “beat” is the smallest unit of measurement. If a character sits down at a desk and picks up a pencil, that is two beats. A “beat sheet” is a […]