format Formatting Parallel Action

[cheeseandachallenge]

Hi there,

I am writing a short, which flicks between two characters in different places almost constantly. How do I format this? Because it has the capacity to get long and boring to read if I follow a slugline->action format

For example, my opening 5-10 seconds covers the two protagonists week at work, by simply showing each of their different ties and shirts. How would I write this?

Thanks

 

[IndiePaul]

I am writing a short, which flicks between two characters in different places almost constantly. How do I format this? Because it has the capacity to get long and boring to read if I follow a slugline->action format

Since you're switching rapidly from one character to another throughout the entire short, the only way to write it effectively is to slug it out, see:

Slug Lines: Advanced Usage
http://reelauthors.com/script-analysis-coverage/script-writing-slug-lines.php

For example, my opening 5-10 seconds covers the two protagonists week at work, by simply showing each of their different ties and shirts. How would I write this?

For this, the best way is to use a SERIES OF SHOTS:

SERIES OF SHOTS:
A) SERIES OF SHOTS: is a group of short shots which make up a narrative sequence, useful for advancing the story in a rapid or economical way.

B) The shots are presented in logical arrangement for the action with a beginning, middle and end point to the sequence.

For more info see the free format guides here:

http://reelauthors.com/Resources.php

Here's a quick example taken from the web and modified slightly:

SERIES OF SHOTS - A WEEK IN THE LIFE

A) Tim dodging dogs on leashes in Central Park.

B) John weaving through stopped traffic at Times Square, dodging a bicycle messenger.

C) Tim hustling into the Canal Street subway entrance.

p.s. If you're planning on shooting this yourself I would seriously consider using a split screen presentation format (you'd do this in post). Show one character on say the left side, the other on the right. The series 24 often uses split screen to good effective. Some scenes may obviously require switching to single screen.

p.p.s. I lived in Auckland, New Zealand for a few years. Wow, you have one beautiful country there.

Good luck.

 

[cheeseandachallenge]

Cheers Indiepaul!

I have considered using split screen, but the story doesn't really lend itself thematically to have that visual representation (but thanks for the suggestion) without creating conflicting ideas.

Aha, I hope you went outside Auckland! I've lived there a bit too, but it's certainly one of the least lovely parts..

 

[IndiePaul]

I have considered using split screen, but the story doesn't really lend itself thematically to have that visual representation (but thanks for the suggestion) without creating conflicting ideas.

No problem. You know what's best for your story.

Aha, I hope you went outside Auckland! I've lived there a bit too, but it's certainly one of the least lovely parts..

Toured both islands - love it...

I lived next to the beach in Auckland (in Mission Bay) so was actually very spoilt there.