Montage, Intercutting, Phones, and Screens
Choose the simplest format that keeps sequence, location, and information unmistakable.
Moderate agreementCommon professional practice with meaningful variation.
The principle
Montages compress related images; intercutting moves between established locations; phone calls can be shown one-sided or across locations; on-screen text must be readable to the audience. There are several professional formats for each. Consistency and comprehension beat ceremonial correctness.
Put it to work
- Establish both sides before using INTERCUT when geography matters.
- Label montage beats so the reader can track progression rather than a random collage.
- For texts, specify only the messages and presentation details the story needs.
Common mistakes
- Using montage to skip dramatic decisions.
- Creating a new slugline for every half-second image.
- Formatting phone dialogue so the speaker’s location becomes unclear.
Sources & further reading
Pitcheroo’s guidance is original synthesis. These are the main sources used for this guide.