Colored Script

[NoTalentAssClown]

Re: Colored Script

The reader will know what they're getting into ahead of time (assuming they've read the logline, which tells them it's a drama spanning three generatations), maybe you've even dropped an HOURS reference, so I wouldn't think they'll have trouble following it.

Unless the storytelling itself is confusing, in which case color-coding the script is like using a band aid on a bullet wound...

[NikeeGoddess]

Re: Colored Script

The reader will know what they're getting into ahead of time (assuming they've read the logline, which tells them it's a drama spanning three generatations), maybe you've even dropped an HOURS reference, so I wouldn't think they'll have trouble following it.

Unless the storytelling itself is confusing, in which case color-coding the script is like using a band aid on a bullet wound...

i hope it's not a hot mess. in any case the color-coded will help me go through the script and make sure i have named the dual characters correctly.

[Sinnycal]

Re: Colored Script

i hope it's not a hot mess. in any case the color-coded will help me go through the script and make sure i have named the dual characters correctly.

Plus, on top of everything else, I don't think "colored" is a politically correct term anymore.

[wcmartell]

Re: Colored Script

i never read the color coded version of traffic but it was evident on the screen with the cinematography tones.

Wasn't in the script (as far as I know), just the film. But that concept of color coding sequences comes from Fritz Lang's silents films - DESTINY comes to mind because it is several connected stories, but he also does this in SPIES and some of his other films with several story threads.

As in all of the other threads on stuff like this - the problem with doing anything unusual (even if it is to make the script less confusing) is that it usually comes off *weird*. And weird is not a good thing. You get lumped in with those people who wrote their script in some odd font and drew pictures on every page. You don't want to be in the same group as those people... you don't want to be in the same *room* as those people. So the best solution may not be the best solution - color within the lines so that you don't look *weird* and find "normal" ways to make it less confusing. Put the time period in the slugline, etc.

GODFATHER PART 2 just uses DISSOLVE TO: between time periods.

I know you want to "idiot proof" your script, but there are idiots out there and we just have to accept that some readers will completely miss the obvious.

And others will get it.

- Bill

[NikeeGoddess]

Re: Colored Script

Plus, on top of everything else, I don't think "colored" is a politically correct term anymore.

yeah, but i wanted people to hit on this thread b/c of the controversial sounding title methinks it worked.

[NikeeGoddess]

Re: Colored Script

Wasn't in the script (as far as I know), just the film. But that concept of color coding sequences comes from Fritz Lang's silents films - DESTINY comes to mind because it is several connected stories, but he also does this in SPIES and some of his other films with several story threads.

As in all of the other threads on stuff like this - the problem with doing anything unusual (even if it is to make the script less confusing) is that it usually comes off *weird*. And weird is not a good thing. You get lumped in with those people who wrote their script in some odd font and drew pictures on every page. You don't want to be in the same group as those people... you don't want to be in the same *room* as those people. So the best solution may not be the best solution - color within the lines so that you don't look *weird* and find "normal" ways to make it less confusing. Put the time period in the slugline, etc.

GODFATHER PART 2 just uses DISSOLVE TO: between time periods.

I know you want to "idiot proof" your script, but there are idiots out there and we just have to accept that some readers will completely miss the obvious.

And others will get it.

- Bill

you get me. idiot proofing really is hit or miss.

but - dood, using silent films as an example... <<<snicker>>> okay, i'm going to check them out.

i read the hours and they start out reminding us of the date change and then they gradually stop telling us... b/c if you get to pg 30 you should know by now which generation the scene is in.

[wcmartell]

Re: Colored Script

That makes sense - in the begining, when readers have no idea WTF is going on, make it clear even if some people get it. Later on, they should be involved in the story and know what you are doing and not need the prompts.

The reason for my mentioning silent films - which I did not see when first released - is that lots of people think that some amazing film they saw last year did something groundbreaking and amazing that breaks all of the rules... when it was done decades ago and was part of the mainstream for decades until it fell out of favor for a while. There is nothing new under the sun.

- Bill

[iggy]

Re: Colored Script

I hear you. It's kinda like those who say to me "Okay...well then how do *I* break in if *I* don't just happen to sleep some fancy agent...huh!? huh!? Explain THAT to me!"

Those types will likely never find an agent the town respects - and furthermore, a career.

Too many writer hopefuls feel that the only thing holding them back is some connection who they assume can magically force the town to love their writing.

I don't think anyone really expects you to give them a magic answer.

[wcmartell]

Re: Colored Script

I hear you. It's kinda like those who say to me "Okay...well then how do *I* break in if *I* don't just happen to sleep some fancy agent...huh!? huh!? Explain THAT to me!"

Your slip is showing. This is a thread on using different colored type for different time periods or story threads.

- Bill

[cmmora]

Re: Colored Script

This topic has just about reached it's limit. If there are any last thoughts about color coding your script, say them now... the thread clock is ticking...

[The Road Warrior]

Re: Colored Script

Apocalypse Now uses different filters/colours to show transitions of mood, philosophical states, but this isn't in the script, it's applied to the film in post-prod, it would just clutter the script up. It could be in the script, but it's not.

I know that's not what the same as what you are trying to do here Nikee, but the script isn't about effects, surely, it's about a simple clear read that the reader can *hopefully* get through quickly ... so that they can get their coverage done and leave the office a bit earlier to grab a cold beer, the one they've been thinking about all day long ... that was at least until the technicoloured monster script in pdf. turned up in the inbox! Roll Drum.

It's okay for a few sentences, but 120 ... have pity?

[sherbetbizarre]

Re: Colored Script

Is it possible to use colour coding AND 3D text in your script - or is that pushing it?

[NikeeGoddess]

Re: Colored Script

This topic has just about reached it's limit. If there are any last thoughts about color coding your script, say them now... the thread clock is ticking...

whew! i made it before dogtown got another thread locked up. okay well... all i wanted to do was <<<snicker>>> at dogtown's slip showing.

Is it possible to use colour coding AND 3D text in your script - or is that pushing it?

now that would be cool.

oh yeah - thanks for clearing that (silent movie plug) up, bill.