Chess?

Gynn · Mar 7, 2010

In the draft I am working on, two of the characters play a game of Chess. I imply earlier in the script that they are both very good players. Is it necessary that I document some/many of the moves they make, or can I just give a basic idea of how the game transpires in the action and let the director worry about how much is shown onscreen? I'd prefer not to list the moves, as I imagine it would be boring to read a huge paragraph listing annotated Chess maneuvers! Thanks for any advice.

alleycat · Mar 7, 2010

I wouldn't. Most of the time in movies the board is not shown enough to tell what's going on anyway. I suppose at some point you could put in a line saying that the two are expert players intent on the game they're playing.

Exir · Mar 10, 2010

If they are expert chess players -- NEVER, EVER have one of them be instantly checkmated in one move without also saying "that's the most $&$#*ing ridiculous brain burp I've ever made." I'm getting sick and tired of that happening in movies.

Otherwise, carry on.

Mac H. · Mar 11, 2010

Look at some football movies for examples. Listing football moves is also boring!

I've used this example before, but Cameron Crowe's script 'Jerry Macguire' had a nice example of writing a football game.

Basically instead of following the moves he cuts between different people's reactions and POV .. which also speeds things up without having a montage.

I'd do something similar for the Chess game.

Good luck !

Mac

FinbarReilly · Mar 11, 2010

Unless the game is ABSOLUTELY important, don't show it. Invariably somewhere down the line something will happen and the game will get filmed wrong, usually because the director needs a more dramatic shot or the actor fumbles.

Mac H has the right idea; POV and crowd shots are the way to go....

FR

Chess?

Gynn

Wandering worlds

alleycat

Still around

Exir

Out of the cradle endlessly rocking

Mac H.

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FinbarReilly