I was reading the topic of 5 things not to include in your screenplay, and you talked about how not to capitalize sound because it creates micro description. I was told and thought that you only capitalize sound when its off screen? how do you inform that there is sound off screen?

As mentioned, I’ve heard the method of capping sounds from off-screen, but I don’t see the point … in fact, it might actually seem to the reader that you’re inconsistent with your capitalizations. However, if you’re shooting your own script and think it might save time during the pre-production time or help during post, consider including an adjective just before your sound.

As Jude creeps along a house gate, a distant YELP explodes from the upstairs window of the house.

Or, you could always use description to point out where the sound came from:

Wendy suddenly awakes to the sound of STUMBLING and WRESTLING. She subtly rolls in bed, and looks over her shoulder to see a young boy with pointed ears attempting to soap his runaway shadow back on to his foot.

What I mean by micro-description is simply that you should be mindful of your reader at all times. You’re writing for someone who is going to read your story for the story … not the sound direction. If it helps to cap your sounds, and you feel it’s your style, by all means, cap ‘em! But remember that the style can grow old if you’re capitalizing every little sound in your story. Cap the important ones that strike emotion in the reader — such as humor, suspense, horror.

Post your comments, questions, or ideas about sound below in the comment section if you’d like to discuss capitalizing sounds further.

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