Screenwriting Tips
Expert screenwriting tips by working screenwriters
Actors do not like to be told when to nod, smile, laugh etc.
You can include such directions but do so sparingly.
Many non-pro screenwriters excessively include such direction - we have many non-pro scripts that include it on virtually every page.
The rule is straightforward:
Only include character direction when the meaning would otherwise not be clear.
Excess character direction unnecessarily slows the read and worst case, can spoil it.
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