Spec Scripts and Music

[SkepticalMetal]

I know that you aren't supposed to use musical direction in spec scripts, however I was wondering if it would be acceptable to name a song if a character puts on a musical record in the story. Quick example - Bob takes a record and puts it on the record player - it's "These Eyes" by Guess Who.

Or something to that effect. Thanks.

 

[mad_hatter]

In a spec script - it's probably best avoided. You're not making the film, so, just like camera movements, it's not up to you what song gets played. You should perhaps just describe the style of music... Bob takes a record and places it on the record player - classic rock emanates from the speakers....

If the script is for yourself, do whatever you please. Even if you can't get the song you want, the title of a song may help you remember what you were thinking at that time.

In the script for "Beavis and Butthead Do America" Mike Judge wrote that the hallucination scene should be set to "Fire" by The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. In the end he went with White Zombie's "Ratfinks, Suicide Tanks and Cannibal Girls", probably due to the fact that Rob Zombie animated the scene!

 

[directorik]

It’s acceptable. Is it essential?

If that song is unavailable will your story change? If your story
won’t change if a different song is used why do you need to
mention a specific song?

Just something to think about. mad hatter is correct.