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Capitalising Sounds

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insert_cliche_here

I did a search but only found one thread that didn't really answer my question, so I'm gonna go ahead and ask.
Should sounds be capitalised in a screenplay? Some people seem to say they shouldn't and others say they should.
What's the purpose of capitalising?
And if you do hit caps lock, for what sounds should you do it?

I hope that makes sense :)
 
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It was once done. It no longer needs to be done.

Some writers feel they need to emphasize certain sounds.
As a reader I find it distracting and just a little insulting. As
if I (the reader) can't imagine that "boom" is a loud noise
but "BOOM" is.

If you feel placing sounds in uppercase makes your story
stronger, or makes your point better, or makes your
screenplay look more professional, then do it. There isn't
any rule - only personal preference. I prefer not to do it and
as a reader I prefer not to read it that way.
 
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SOUNDS should always be in capital letters because they are the most important part of any film.

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Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't, but the key is consistency. It's good to decide before getting in too far. I've read some scripts where it got out of hand and started to look odd on the page. Less is more!
 
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I've seen it done two ways:

ONE:

Running through the woods, SOUNDS of footsteps through dry grass and splashes through wet marshes echo through the air.

TWO:

Sound Fx: footsteps through dry grass and splashes through wet marches echoin the air.
 
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I actually do;

John runs through the marsh.
WATER SPLASHING
He turns to look behind him.

Though a sound effect so implied by the action like that I probably wouldn't bother to put in unless it needed to be for some reason.
 
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Modern Day Myth Prod. LLC said:
I've seen it done two ways:

ONE:

Running through the woods, SOUNDS of footsteps through dry grass and splashes through wet marshes echo through the air.

TWO:

Sound Fx: footsteps through dry grass and splashes through wet marches echoin the air.
Click to expand...
Both of these examples are, in my opinion, a poor way to write
a script. For me, this pulls me from the story and emphasizes
that I am reading a script. Just my opinion, of course, but I
would be distracted reading a script that used either of these
examples.

My advice is always to keep it simple. Do not overwrite and do not
include technical terms. The job of the writer is to tell the story.
 
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Now I am confused. So, where is the direction for camera angles, lighting issues, constume, props, and sound described? Since all of these elements have an impact on schedule, budget, and crew requirements I'm sure they are described ahead of time somewhere?

Is it in the screenplay?


directorik said:
Both of these examples are, in my opinion, a poor way to write
a script. For me, this pulls me from the story and emphasizes
that I am reading a script. Just my opinion, of course, but I
would be distracted reading a script that used either of these
examples.

My advice is always to keep it simple. Do not overwrite and do not
include technical terms. The job of the writer is to tell the story.
Click to expand...
 
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gpforet said:
Now I am confused. So, where is the direction for camera angles, lighting issues, constume, props, and sound described? Since all of these elements have an impact on schedule, budget, and crew requirements I'm sure they are described ahead of time somewhere?

Is it in the screenplay?
Click to expand...

No, never.

Unless you're doing a personal shooting script.
 
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