writing multiple camera shots happening simultaneouly?!

[mattyrenner]

I was wondering how you write a split screen sequence...for example, i have four characters that meet in a town square...it's an overhead shot, once i've identified the four central characters in the overhead, i want the screen to then split into four smaller frames--following each characters respective action...how do I write this?

[Deus Ex Machine]

First off I'd strongly recommend not doing it.

If you must, use SPLIT SCREEN as you would INTERCUT.

[mattyrenner]

why wouldn't you do it?

[ComicBent]

You can certainly do it if you are the director of the film ... but otherwise it will not be your decision.

[RatWriter]

I also agree to avoid it as you described it but I had a similar scene where the POV was 4 surveillance monitors.

In your case...

POV - Overhead - In the crowd we see four men clad in overcoats, wearing sunglasses. They are thirty yards apart.

SPLIT SCREEN - Each of the four men are obviously armed secret service agents.