(beat) or elipses (...) for a pause in dialogue??

[camp munich]

does it matter? see the second to last line.

NATALIA
(whispering)
It’s just me, Natalia.
ADAMS
I can see that.
NATALIA
I am sorry for sneaking up on you.
ADAMS
That’s alright. What’s going on?
NATALIA
I remembered what I wanted to ask you.
ADAMS
You did? What is it?
NATALIA
I wanted to ask you ... if I could join you in there?
ADAMS
Hmm, I think so. I think there is room.


THANKS I AM LEARNING A LOT ON THIS BOARD!!!!!!!

-CM (working on first script)

[scripter1]

(beat) is outdated and interupts the flow.
The way you've got it is just fine.

[camp munich]

do you still say "(beat)" or simply say that the character pauses for a moment... :)

-Cm

[Deus Ex Machine]

Not far down the page is the same topic.

b3.ezboard.com/fdonedealfrm23.showMessage?topicID=1722.topic (http://b3.ezboard.com/fdonedealfrm23.showMessage?topicID=1722.topic)

[scripter1]

you don't need to include anything else to indicate a pause in speech.

NOW, if there is a big pause in the scene, like an awkward silence then you would write,

Awkward silence.
Or give your characters something to do like fidget or look around nervous or embarrassed, etc.

[RatWriter]

Reading recently produced scripts, obviously by established writers, I find both are still in use. And, many times, within the same script.

My take is: An ellipse is used as a hesitation in dialog. A beat is an intentional silent pause in dialog or action.

So, I use both. Go figure.

[ThunderChikin]

NATALIA
(whispering)
It’s just me.

ADAMS
I can see that.

NATALIA
Sorry for sneaking up on you.

ADAMS
What’s going on?

NATALIA
I remembered what I wanted to ask you.

ADAMS
Yeah?

NATALIA
I wanted to ask...could I join you in there?

ADAMS
Hmm, I think there's room.

I kept looking at your dialog and played with it a bit.