CREDITS
- Thread starter avid-dreamer
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I admit that, after writing an opening sequence that I imagined would be much more effective as a cold start teaser, I've inserted IDEAL PLACE FOR CREDITS or similar suggestion rather than leave matters entirely to chance. If nothing else this clearly marked the end of the opening sequence. No complaints... tho' they didn't option the script, either. 
-Derek
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I did something like that on my very first script.
Never done it since. Wouldn't recommend it either.
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I do it all the time: I use the phrases "FADE IN" and "FADE OUT"....
Sorry; I figured someone should say it...
FR
Sorry; I figured someone should say it...
FR
Joe270
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I would think in most cases the credits position is a director's choice, and the placement of them can be artistic.
In "Raising Arizona" the 'begining' credits didn't roll until something like 18 minutes into the movie.
In "Raising Arizona" the 'begining' credits didn't roll until something like 18 minutes into the movie.
Never done it, never will. I'm not the cinematographer, I'm not the director, it has nothing to do with my job as a writer.
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Depends on what the OP is asking. The question has shown up in a few FAQs, with FADE IN/OUT being the usual response (so I wasn't being as facetious as it seems). The issue is that the director should be the one to determine where the credits go, not the writer. Keep in mind that this applies somewhat to tags, those bits of the movie that need to happen in the credits (such as the final bit of Ferris Bueller).
There is, of course, one exception, and it's for comedies, where making fun of the credits is de rigeur. For example, the knobby buns and other jokes of the various Pat Profit comedies, such as Airplane and Hot Shots, as well as certain movies that make fun of the credits at the beginning. This requires the director and writer working hand-in-hand, and so doesn't work too well as a spec script.
Better?
FR
Joe270
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I like Fin's answer. There is some give here, although it is normally a novice error to put 'insert credits here', which most of us would laugh at, he/she opens that door.
If you can use it, use it.
If it is an attempt at directing, hell, your screenplay won't ever get made anyway. Makes perfect sense to me.
If you can use it, use it.
If it is an attempt at directing, hell, your screenplay won't ever get made anyway. Makes perfect sense to me.
In my understanding of things, "FADE IN" is the screenplay equivalent of "Once upon a time." Which means it's a somewhat pat, obligatory, and traditional "given" that you will indeed open your screenplay with that.
So I still see zero comparison between "FADE IN" and "INSERT CREDITS HERE."
So I still see zero comparison between "FADE IN" and "INSERT CREDITS HERE."
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In a basic way, PD, we're not disagreeing; I'm just suggesting that the OP let "FADE IN" do double duty (as both "Insert Credits here" and "Once upon a time") so as to better forget about using either...
I guess what I'm trying to say then is to not worry about it and let the director place them as he will. And that if you are thinking about doing something weird with the credits either wait until you are actually working with the director (and subtly suggest the idea if possible) or forget it until you are more established.
FR
I guess what I'm trying to say then is to not worry about it and let the director place them as he will. And that if you are thinking about doing something weird with the credits either wait until you are actually working with the director (and subtly suggest the idea if possible) or forget it until you are more established.
FR
so it would be ungood to attempt being clever, like a character walking by a deli and on the window is 'starring X,' ending with someone getting a paper at a newstand and the headline reads, 'directed by X.' gotcha. not that i would presume to include something like that anyway....
i agree with FADE IN not being the same as INSERT CREDITS. it perhaps USED to be, but there are growing numbers of films that have pre-credit set-ups or no opening credits at all (or perhaps just the bar minimum over the opening scene(s)). i wanted to do this in my forst script. i had an opening sequence that set up the murder, than a sequence/montage that would happen under the credits showing the effect on other characters, then the story would pick up after the end of the sequence/credits. i thought it the best/slickest way of doing it as the montage covered a fair amount of time and events, but after reading a few comments like the about, suggesting it's perhaps a bit of a newb's trick, i left the imagery as is and took out the references to where the credits go.
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it seems that ANY attempt(s) to be clever (in pitching, one-sheets, business cards are a no-no, etc...) makes you stand out as a newbie. seems a bit silly but that's how it is. hollyweird doesn't really want change*. they want the same old stuff over and over and over again.
*unless you can create sliced bread, that is.