I’ve come across some scripts that have assumed a lot more of me than I’m comfortable. Hey, I like to stoke my mind-reading and thought-control reputation whenever I can but I have my limits.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET – DAY
The BOY steps off his FRONT LAWN and onto the FOOTPATH. He hitches his BACKPACK. Looks up and down the street.
He starts walking.
He falters as, up ahead, a BULLY steps out from behind a TREE and leans against the trunk, smirking.
If by the third page I still have no idea what the boy looks like, I’m pretty annoyed. I’m not giving the script the attention it might deserve.
Little things like names and ages go a long way to helping your reader know – or make an educated guess at – who their guide is in your story. This isn’t prose where we can wait a few pages until all is revealed. The script may only be Courier 12pt on paper, but the finished product is visual, and you want your reader to see what your intended audience is going to see in as few carefully chosen words as possible.
EXT. SUBURBAN STREET – DAY
KEVIN (9) steps off his FRONT LAWN and onto the FOOTPATH. He hitches his BACKPACK – the chest strap cuts into his girth. He is alone.
He starts walking.
He falters as, a couple of houses ahead, RANDY (15) steps out from behind a TREE and leans against the trunk, his eyes on Kevin.
It’s the little things that count.
