Dynamic Dialogue, Part II (Dialogue Tags)

Last week, Erynn shared about the importance of natural sounding dialogue. Think like a screenwriter. Every minute of screen time, every word counts. Don’t add fluff.

Here’s something else you shouldn’t add: director commentary.

Sure, people buy DVDs with bonus footage, but I don’t know many people who actually watch the version with the director chatting the whole time–explaining, telling what he wanted from the scene, making himself sound generally witty. (Peter Jackson doesn’t count. Of course you watch those.)

Seriously, though. Audiences want the end product. They want to be entertained. They want the scene to play out in their mind. And they don’t want to think for one second about the writer behind the scenes–at least the first time.

Here are a few ways to accomplish that. To find out what those are, visit A Little Red Ink.
Thanks to Vancouver Film School for use of the image.

4 comments on “Dynamic Dialogue, Part II (Dialogue Tags)”

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October 3, 2013 at 8:14 am
Lynn Huggins Blackburn

Because she misspelled a word and couldn’t leave it…

Reply

So is it a sign of extra-geekiness if you watch with the director commentary? Or sad fan-girliness? Hmmm…
But, of course, you’re right about this. No one watches with the director commentary the FIRST time. It’s not until they’ve been so sucked into the drama – due to exceptional storytelling! – that they might want all the behind the scenes info. Great thoughts. You guys are blowing me away with your mad skilz!

Lynn, it may be either of those, and I fully admit to both on occasion. If a story has the power to pull me in to the degree that it stays and stays with me, then–as an artist–I appreciate the artistRY. And then I shift into full on geekery. Yes, I watched ALL of the extras on the LOTR trilogy set. And I’ve been known to underline writing that sings to me (but not the first time I read a book). It’s definitely okay to be a fan girl.

You are right on all counts, friend. But wouldn’t it stink if you couldn’t turn the director commentary OFF? If–before you had a chance to love the artist’s work–you got tired of their voice? Bleh. Let’s avoid that! RUWithMe?