What to CAPITALIZE and what not to.

[Rolkus]

Hio,

I'm just curious if there is a rule that I should be following in regards to CAPITALIZING words in a screenplay.

I'm just about to finish my third screenplay, and I thought 'What better time to ask, than now?'

Thanks.

[Mac H.]

There aren't hard & fast 'rules' as to what should be capitalized - It depends on a bit of style preferences. Generally these days people just:
1. Capitalize the name of a character in action description - but only when the person is first introduced.
2. A significant prop the first time its mentioned.
3. A significant sound or action

In the old days almost any sound would get capitalized as well, but you don't see it as often now.

It really does depend on style - compare a few screenplays that hit the screens this year. (With apologies for formatting)

Avatar:

We find Jake near the pool table, BALANCING his chair, front
wheels off the ground, while holding a tequila shot on his
forehead. ONLOOKERS, including some other disabled vets,
CLAP and WHOOP.

Jake grabs the glass, SLAMS down the shot as they cheer.


Kick-Ass:

We pull back to see that the car is inside a CRUSHER. Mindy
smiles and hits a BUTTON. The crusher grinds into action.
Momentarily, a small metal CUBE lands at her feet.


Toy Story 3:
Gladiola pulls an old WALKMAN tape player from a shoebox, puts
on the huge headphones and presses PLAY. "Let's Get Physical"
blares out --

She HUMS off-key and starts dancing like a SPAZ.

Any of those examples could have been capitized slightly differently.

Just pick something reasonable and don't get too stressed about it !

Good luck,

Mac

[clockwork]

Mac's said it all but for further reading...

Capitalization (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173450)
When to capitalize character names (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=105923)
Capitalization and Sound Effects - Format Fun (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=57780)
Capitalization in Actions (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37204)
when should i use capital letters? (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27065)
Capitalized words in descriptions (http://absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13230)

[dpaterso]

I'm just about to finish my third screenplay, and I thought 'What better time to ask, than now?
When you were about to start your first screenplay?

Sorry, couldn't resist! <hangs head in shame>

:D

-Derek

[mostlylegit]

I was getting confused on this too and kept switching back and forth between styles (I've seen some underlined too). Remember to keep it consistent whichever style it is.