Format Question

[GI_Jeep]

I'm writing a short about the last ten minutes of a death row inmates life. How do I write in a countdown clock? It's purpose is to start at 10:00 and tick down throughout until it reaches zero coinciding with the end of his life and the script. Or does this seem gimmicky?

[Paul Striver]

Originally Posted by GI_Jeep

I'm writing a short about the last ten minutes of a death row inmates life. How do I write in a countdown clock? It's purpose is to start at 10:00 and tick down throughout until it reaches zero coinciding with the end of his life and the script. Or does this seem gimmicky?

I'd just like to say that I think all short films should include a countdown clock, because in my experience the vast majority of short films seem interminable and I'm always wondering, "How much f*cking longer is this going to last?" A mandatory countdown clock would be awesome. Let's start a petition.

As for the formatting, do it however you want. E.g., if the clock is always on screen, just say that ("A countdown clock will be shown on screen throughout.") and then reference the time whenever you feel like it. Or if the clock is a physical object that the film cuts to at times, just describe the clock and then insert a reference whenever you like (I'd probably format it like a shot, on its own line -- COUNTDOWN CLOCK reads 7:32).

.

[JimVines]

I'm not sure why a countdown is even necessary. I mean, if this is the demise of a death row inmate, I'm assuming that last ten minutes will show him on a gurney, being injected with a needle, etc. We know death is right around the corner for the guy, we know he's got a matter of minutes, so why have a clock telling us?

Don't let the "device" of a ticking clock get in the way of the drama.

[ChadStrohl]

How about a subtle clock? Things around the inmate reference to the time left (ie: an actual clock, a Bible verse, lottery numbers, etc). Then you get all the artsy accolades.

[JimVines]

One of the most memorable, gut-wrenching death row scenes...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaEGK1bbxCQ

[GI_Jeep]

Originally Posted by Paul Striver

I'd just like to say that I think all short films should include a countdown clock, because in my experience the vast majority of short films seem interminable and I'm always wondering, "How much f*cking longer is this going to last?" A mandatory countdown clock would be awesome. Let's start a petition.

As for the formatting, do it however you want. E.g., if the clock is always on screen, just say that ("A countdown clock will be shown on screen throughout.") and then reference the time whenever you feel like it. Or if the clock is a physical object that the film cuts to at times, just describe the clock and then insert a reference whenever you like (I'd probably format it like a shot, on its own line -- COUNTDOWN CLOCK reads 7:32).

.

Sometimes I wish I could put a countdown clock on my boss.

Thanks for the input.

[christopher jon]

How about a subtle clock? Things around the inmate reference to the time left (ie: an actual clock, a Bible verse, lottery numbers, etc). Then you get all the artsy accolades.

That's not a bad idea.

I suppose you could just add at the beginning of the script,

SUPER: COUNTDOWN CLOCK. Starts at 10:00, reaching 00:00 at the end of the movie.

Probably a better way to write that line.

I can't think of a screenplay that uses an onscreen countdown but I know I've seen it used in movies.