How to include an object?

[0000man0000]

Hi,
How can I write it so that the viewers will see the Notepad on the entier screen?

INT. MYNAMEIS'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Mynameis looks at a notepad sitting on the wooden table.

The NOTEPAD reads:
City Hall at 24:24, bring a flashlight!!!

MYNAMEIS
Oh @#%$!

[scripter1]

The item is really, really, REALLY important.

Then you can either:
1) write the action well enough that the director knows this item is really, really, REALLY important and will think to focus on it.

2) You can ALL CAP it so that the director will see that this item is really, really, REALLY important and think to focus in on it.

3) You can use camera directions such as ANGLE ON or CLOSE UP or INSERT [a space], then the object, [space], and BACK TO SCENE.
This will tell the director that the object is really (ha! gotcha!) important and will think to focus on it.

However, the director will do what ever the heck he/she wants and could possibly ignore all of that anyway.
SO, if it's a spec script then just write the story clearly, pick a format that works the best for you and the script and then don't worry about it until they pay you to rewrite it the way they want it.

Some people don't like all caps or camera directions, but it's really a matter of personal choice.
Make your story strong enough, interesting enough, cool enough and nobody will notice what format you use.

The example you've used works for me.

Happy Writing

[Deus Ex Machine]

What you have is fine. You don't need to use caps but you won't go to screenwriter's hell if you do use them. If you really want to get across what is in the note, have the character read it outloud rather than asking the audience to read it.

[DUCPHO]

Ditto Dues... if you feel compelled to show the viewer the note then you can include in narrative or as a last resort include as INSERT, if you opt for the later, don't forget your BACK TO SCENE unless transitioning to another scene!

[dk23]

Why is BACK TO SCENE needed after an INSERT, unless there's narrative about what the INSERT is showing? Most INSERTs I've seen are one-liners, much like a SUPER. It would seem like a given that the next item is either back to the scene or a new scene...

Argentini also recommends using the BACK TO SCENE in 'Elements of Style for Screenwriters,' but I don't understand the logic behind it.

Dan

[nuartjazz]

Here's an example from one of my scripts.

FLASHBACK - HUBBARD'S HOUSE

Wally, 11, sits on bed holding an envelope. An alto
saxophone lays besides him. He opens the envelope, pulls
out a letter, and reads aloud --

INSERT - THE LETTER

"To my son,
Music is the bridge to peace on
this Mother Earth. This horn, I
give to you. Play it, learn it, and
find your dreams.
I love you,
Dad"

BACK TO SCENE

Wally crumbles and slings the letter against the wall.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY

I hope this helps.

Jazz

[dk23]

With that method, it makes perfect sense. I was thinking more along the lines of the one-line example in this thread, or something like a name tag on a door.

INSERT - DR. SMITH

Throwing a BACK TO SCENE in after that seems frivolous and annoying more than anything. Or would you go a step further in an attempt to make the reader rip out his/her hair :) and do:

INSERT - NAME TAG ON DOOR

"Dr. Smith"

BACK TO SCENE

Dan

[scripter1]

This is actually why I avoid the INSERT method.

I can't stand all those extra spaces.

I am willing to put something on a line all by itself for emphasis though.

I figure I can give up one line.

I wonder if the BACK TO SCENE
will go out of style soon just like the (cont'd) (more) and CUT TO: