• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Screenwriting.io

Screenwriting.io

Answering basic questions about screenwriting.

  • Answers
  • About
  • Ask
  • Index
Generic filters
Exact matches only

What is an insert?

Tagged: screenplay, screenwriting, script, scriptwriting, terms

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 in editing.

Some examples of details that may be inserts: a newspaper headline, a hand subtly reaching into a pocket, a sign on a shop door.

Patton smiles as he flips slowly through the stack.

He stops on one in particular.

INSERT – PHOTO

of a 12-year-old Patton and his father in upper deck seats at the 1997 World Series, hot dogs in hand.

PATTON

Go Marlins.

He fights back the single tear that’s trying its damnedest to fall.

More from johnaugust.com

  • Formatting text shown on screen
  • How to format an on-screen note
  • Camera angles and edits
  • Avoid CUT TOs in a busy sequence

Answer Index

script scriptwriting screenwriting screenplay formatting terms film structure presentation writing business software TV WGA Final Draft length characters guild credits union FDR FDX scene headings dramatic theory outlines adaptations arbitration producers highland pdf fountain guru Celtx managers Movie Magic awards agents rights pitching directors iPad iPhone festival short film prelap

Primary Sidebar

Switching from Final Draft to Highland 2

Switching from Final Draft
to Highland 2 – Get the PDF

© 2023 Screenwriting.io — All Rights Reserved.

  • Answers
  • About
  • Ask
  • Index