by Trevor Mayes | Aug 20, 2014 | Formatting, Scene Headings, Screenwriting Basics, Style
Comma Chameleon Commas are great. I’m a fan. Without them, misunderstandings abound… But why are so many commas turning up in scene headings these days? Did I miss the memo? Let’s clarify what I’m talking about. It’s the use of commas in...
by Trevor Mayes | Jan 10, 2011 | Formatting, Style
What the heck is Pre-lap? I had a good discussion with some of my screenwriting friends last week about using “PRE-LAP” in a script. Since many hadn’t heard the term before, I thought I’d cover it on my blog for those who may be unfamiliar with...
by Trevor Mayes | Apr 13, 2010 | Scenes, Style, Writing
Short And Sweet I’m fortunate enough to have two friends named Donna. Curiously, they both share a trait: they get straight to the point — no padded sentences or beating around the bush. I love it. You always know where you stand and it saves a ton of...
by Trevor Mayes | Dec 28, 2009 | Style
Sunday Pop Quiz There are at least seven ways to improve the following short script excerpt. Can you find them all? INT. PATRICIA’S HOUSE – UPSTAIRS – BEDROOM – DAY Patricia is sitting at her computer. She looks at her monitor, then angrily...
by Trevor Mayes | Dec 23, 2009 | Style
What’s a slug line? It’s another way of saying “shot heading” or “scene heading.” What’s a naked slug line? A naked slug line is a scene heading that has no direction below it — only dialogue. It’s considered bad...
by Trevor Mayes | Dec 12, 2009 | Formatting, Style
The Continuing Use of CONT’D I’m still seeing a ton of people using “(CONT’D)” unnecessarily in their scripts, so it’s time for a quick rant post. In years past, it was common to use “(CONT’D)” whenever a...
