JT Velikovsky
High ROI Film/Story/Screenplay Consultant
https://storyality.wordpress.com/

I concur and agree with all your points.

“middle aged man” is lame – but unfortunately I have seen “gurus” in LA spout this stuff for the sake of selling a script.

i look forward to your next article.

HI David,

You are correct that descriptions should only focus on what the camera sees, which is essentially what I was trying to say without saying it. But don’t think that the empty room is okay either. Even if the camera focuses entirely on your characters, scenes never take place in a setting that doesn’t have atmosphere or feeling to it. You don’t have to describe sets and props to be using your scenic description properly. Always always always give your readers a sense of place.

What you are a referring to re: character description is also true. I would never describe a character in such specific detail that he can only be cast in one set way. Always leave the door open for your directors and producers and casting directors. But, don’t you think you can do better than “middle aged man”? How about “middle aged man who appears worn around the edges but still has a youthful glow in his eyes”. Yes, it’s more words, but that is a character. Middle aged man is nothing more than a police report.

I shall elaborate on this point in future articles. Stay tuned! :-)

Some scenes are visually brief in a script and even though there is an entire world behind them, there is no need to describe what the viewer doesn’t see. In the case of the empty room syndrome, if the image is of two people talking and there is no need to focus on the room – why bother describe it if the camera ain’t gonna show it?

It seems you are implying this in your article without ever stating it.

On a side note – a catalyst for the increase in description-less scripts stems from the fact that many screen writing gurus in LA profess this is the way to make the script easier to sell. For example, when describing a character if you state “32y.o. Asian male with dark, almost black skin” – the reader has to imagine that character. On the other hand you write “a middle-aged man” for example only, then the reader might imagine the new young actors their producer want to give a chance to. Of course this then affects the entire story in keeping it as generic as possible.

Which guru to listen to? :)