“The Zen of Spec Script Versus Shooting Script”

A shooting script, written from the
spec script by a screenwriter with
the director, puts everything in the
screenplay that needs to be there
for shooting. Therefore, the lines
spoken in a foreign language are
written out in its native language
for the actors.

The first time a character in your
spec script speaks in a foreign
language, simply put under the
character’s name in parenthesis,
(Spanish). Then proceed to write
the dialogue in English throughout
the rest of the script.

Remember, a spec script is written
to get doors to open. So, the
screenwriter must make the screenplay
easy to read, fast to read, and cut-to-the-
chase so that the reader can move on to
the next script he or she has to read.
They don’t want to stumble upon some
foreign language. They’ll toss the script
in the slush pile.

Donald L. Vasicek
Writer/Filmmaker/Consultant
http://michaelc.nextmp.net/wordpress
dvasicek@earthlink.net