5 ms·

Why are some words in the script written IN ALL CAPS?

antiquark 6y ago
That's a standard script format: https://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/ https://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-gui...
goto11 6y ago
Movie scripts follow a very strict format. Always courier 12pt, no bold or italic. Every scene have a standardized header. Characters names and certain other keywords are ALL CAPS. It probably originated in the age of mechanical typewriters, but the format has become completely entrenched and everyone in the industry knows how to read it. Lots of script guidelines like ("1 page is one minute of screen time", "the first turning point should happen before page 20") assumes a standard script format. So you cannot just change to Times New Roman if you think it is more legible.
- kyberias 6y ago
  I know the script format, I just wasn't aware that there is a freedom to excessively capitalize random words. :)
- SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago
  He's got somewhat of a point though, in the first extract, what's capitalised is "SCREAM", "STUMBLES UPON", "GATHER", "CORPSE", "BROKEN", "FROZEN", "STARE", "WHISPER" These certainly are "certain keywords" but so are many collections of words. That doesn't help one understand what should or should not be on the list. As outsiders we don't really have to know the rules, but are they key words, not just "random words"? Is it something to do with how they're either actions that a character takes, a thing that they see, a reaction, etc. i.e. a rough guide to where to point the camera?
  - goto11 6y ago
    Ah OK. Yes you can also capitalize words you want to reader to pay special attention to, but there is not really a standard for that AFAIK. It is just emphasis. You are not really supposed to say where to point the camera in a screenplay, but you can suggest it indirectly by focusing the readers attention on certain things.
    - SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago
      > Movie scripts follow a very strict format > there is not really a standard for that These statements do do not coincide, in the geek's mind. If it's strict, then there is a standard for that. Maybe movies is different.
      - goto11 6y ago
        Sorry I was unclear. There is a strict standardized format for scripts, for typography and layout, and certain words and character names are always capitalized. E.g. every scene starts with a capitalized header like: INT. TYRELL CORPORATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DUSK or EXT. OVERHEAD VIEW CITY - NIGHT The header indicate (1) interior or exterior (2) setting (3) time of day. (The movie Mank actually display these headers on the screen to introduce the flashback scenes. It is an inside joke since it is a movie about a screenwriter.) Dialogue lines are always indented, and with the character name in capitals: Leon's upper lip is quivering. LEON Whatya mean, I'm not helping? HOLDEN I mean you're not helping! Why is that, Leon? Now in addition to such capitalization rules, the author can capitalize words the reader should pay special attention to, typically visual or sound cues. A blimp is drifting silently over the city reflect- ed in an eyeball while we hear the SOUNDS OF THE STREET. But there are no hard and fast rules about which words to capitalize here. The scriptwriter in the article do seem to like to emphasize many words.
- greendestiny_re 6y ago
  That's absolutely fascinating. Do you have any more information or sources on this?

That's a standard script format: https://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-guide-to-scriptwriting/ https://www.writersstore.com/how-to-write-a-screenplay-a-gui...

goto11 6y ago

Movie scripts follow a very strict format. Always courier 12pt, no bold or italic. Every scene have a standardized header. Characters names and certain other keywords are ALL CAPS. It probably originated in the age of mechanical typewriters, but the format has become completely entrenched and everyone in the industry knows how to read it. Lots of script guidelines like ("1 page is one minute of screen time", "the first turning point should happen before page 20") assumes a standard script format. So you cannot just change to Times New Roman if you think it is more legible.

kyberias 6y ago
I know the script format, I just wasn't aware that there is a freedom to excessively capitalize random words. :)
SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago
He's got somewhat of a point though, in the first extract, what's capitalised is "SCREAM", "STUMBLES UPON", "GATHER", "CORPSE", "BROKEN", "FROZEN", "STARE", "WHISPER" These certainly are "certain keywords" but so are many collections of words. That doesn't help one understand what should or should not be on the list. As outsiders we don't really have to know the rules, but are they key words, not just "random words"? Is it something to do with how they're either actions that a character takes, a thing that they see, a reaction, etc. i.e. a rough guide to where to point the camera?
- goto11 6y ago
  Ah OK. Yes you can also capitalize words you want to reader to pay special attention to, but there is not really a standard for that AFAIK. It is just emphasis. You are not really supposed to say where to point the camera in a screenplay, but you can suggest it indirectly by focusing the readers attention on certain things.
  - SideburnsOfDoom 6y ago
    > Movie scripts follow a very strict format > there is not really a standard for that These statements do do not coincide, in the geek's mind. If it's strict, then there is a standard for that. Maybe movies is different.
    - goto11 6y ago
      Sorry I was unclear. There is a strict standardized format for scripts, for typography and layout, and certain words and character names are always capitalized. E.g. every scene starts with a capitalized header like: INT. TYRELL CORPORATION INTERROGATION ROOM - DUSK or EXT. OVERHEAD VIEW CITY - NIGHT The header indicate (1) interior or exterior (2) setting (3) time of day. (The movie Mank actually display these headers on the screen to introduce the flashback scenes. It is an inside joke since it is a movie about a screenwriter.) Dialogue lines are always indented, and with the character name in capitals: Leon's upper lip is quivering. LEON Whatya mean, I'm not helping? HOLDEN I mean you're not helping! Why is that, Leon? Now in addition to such capitalization rules, the author can capitalize words the reader should pay special attention to, typically visual or sound cues. A blimp is drifting silently over the city reflect- ed in an eyeball while we hear the SOUNDS OF THE STREET. But there are no hard and fast rules about which words to capitalize here. The scriptwriter in the article do seem to like to emphasize many words.
greendestiny_re 6y ago
That's absolutely fascinating. Do you have any more information or sources on this?