SLOW-MO

[emsash]

So... can you write in slow motion scenes into your script? Or is that a no-no?

If so, how would you format it? Along the lines of Montage or Flashback? Just announce it and then type what you see?

Thanks!

Cheers~

[OkeyDokey]

You can imply this sort of thing without coming out and directing in your script.

If you say:


John reaches for

THE GUN

as it falls through the air

HIS FINGERS

just miss it...


You're basically describing slow-mo without using the term.

Just write what you see, and let the director interpret it.

[PipeWriter]

EXT. VIADUCT - DAY

Barnie strolls along the walkway, exhaust fumes from the cars
heavy in his nose. He drops his schoolbooks, hops up on the
hand rail overlooking the ravine. He wavers in the wind.

SLOW MOTION SEQUENCE - EXT. VIADUCT

Barnie pushes off, manages to clear the metal work. His arms
spread wide. HIS POV: lots of trees below.

BARNIE (V.O.)
I'm looking forward to graduation. I'm
looking forward to the prom. I don't have
a date, but I'll probably get one.
There's 1.035 girls for every guy in
school.

The trees come right at us. They're more defined now.

BARNIE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I'll never eat another donut. I guess I
won't get any fatter. I'll never make the
NHL. I dunno why that bothers me so much.
I wonder if it's too late to turn back.

The trees break way and we can see bits of ground. A bicycle
path.

BARNIE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Mom says I should ride my bike more. Good
exercise. I wonder if my helmet still
fits.

The bicycle path grows large in our view.

BARNIE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
I'll miss my mom. I think she means well.
I won't miss my step-father. He doesn't.
I wonder when my life will start flashing
before my eyes. All I can see is that
biker. He better get out of the way.

The bicycle path comes at us like a fly swatter.

BARNIE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
Wow. I see cracks in the pavement.

FADE OUT:

A loud thud hits us.

Do you need slow-mo? Depends on your story. Depends on your voice. Depends on the mood you want to create. If you think you need it, put it in.

[Dr Hemmingstone]

Write what tranlates the story the best to paper, only you know what is needed, it's all about transportation, and you are the driver, it just has to make sense and not run-on. Some things just fit better than others, stay ahead of the reader and you'll always be alright, don't be clumsy, and re-write, and work it out, don't be lazy, make it work.

[pantalone]

If awards were given out for spec scripts, the winner of the use of SLOW-MO would be from some spec I read several years ago where he use it to high-light a comedy martial arts scene. Pretty funny.