INTERCUT QUESTION

[Bay418]

Okay, so once we are intercutting, if I had action during the intercut, would it be okay to do something like this? (SAMPLE)
I
NT. JOHN DOE'S APARTMENT - DAY
John paces on the phone.
JOHN DOE
So, what exactly were you saying?

Intercut as necessary...

INT. PHONE BOOTH - DAY
JANE DOE
I was justing saying is that it's idiotic to even think of doing that.

John puts his coat on. - would this be okay?

JOHN DOE
It's not idiotic Jane; it's strategic.

JANE DOE
You're pathetic.

She looks outside at a man waiting impatiently for the phone. - like this?

JOHN DOE
Thanks.

JANE DOE
Listen, I gotta go. I'll talk to you soon.

INT. JOHN DOE'S APARTMENT - DAY
JOHN DOE
Fine.

He hangs up the phone.

I would appreciate any help. Thanks ! :b

[TwoBrad Bradley]

Yes, it's fine.

You can intercut:
- dialogue only
- action only, or
- a combination of both

It may just be me, but I:
- use a simple "INTERCUT:", right justified like normal TRANSITIONS.
- would put the "INTERCUT:" after Jane's first line.
- would not use the last SLUG at the bottom.

[Bay418]

Thanks- but if I wanted to continue on with Joe wouldn't the last slug be ok?

[TwoBrad Bradley]

Technically, you already established John's location with the first SLUG.

So you don't really need a second one. Since Jane doesn't have any more dialogue (or action) the intercutting just stops.

I was just thinking maybe a second SLUG may not hurt ... but then there's that silly rule about a new SLUG means a new location. And ... it may confuse a reader - it made be go back to read the first SLUG.

[Bridgette a la Mode]

Two slugs, then INTERCUT.

Establish the first location with description/action and at least one line of dialogue, establish the second location the same way, then write INTERCUT /, where is the first speaker or location, and is the second.

From that point you can write as if they're both visible, describing actions for each. The director will be sure to get enough coverage so the editor can show all the necessary actions.

When the next slug appears, the intercut is over. That next slug CAN be one of the two locations covered in the intercut.