Beat

Submitted by fivesprockets on Mon, 09/29/2008 - 09:18
in

 

In screenwriting, a Beat is an indication within the parenthetical position that denotes a "pause" in the dialogue.

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Table of contents 
    1.  
  1. Usage
  2. Format
  3. Example

Usage

Beat should be used as either a change of emotion tool for a character or a change of thought. Although the word "pause" has been used in the past, to look more professional, Beat should be used.

Format

The term Beat should be placed in parentheses on the line directly below the dialog. Below Beat the dialog should continue without reiterating the character name.

Example

STAN

Where's my rubber ducky?

(beat)

Well, where its?!

 

 

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