September 2004 Edition

“X-treme it is People!”
If there are no subtexts, there can be no performance! SHUT UP and READ! Actors, and god knows there are plenty of them, develop their performances from the carefully thought out clues and scripted pointers known as, you guessed it, Subtext. WHAT?
The writer is shaping performance? No Idiot. The Director will shape the performance. The writer gives clues and suggestions to guide the Actors through the characters intent. It’s in the pause, between the lines; an indicated action or feeling that can shift a scene in one direction, rather than another. Beware my children, you can, if not careful, over clue your Actors death. BEWARE!

Hey, Scooby Doo Found A Clue
If your going to place clues for Actors to find, keep it simple. Take a look at these scripted lines. David (smiling at Jennifer), You just got an ‘A’. Now you don’t have to go to summer school.” Jennifer responds, “Chang it back.” David continues “Why, they can’t possibly trace..” Jennifer (upset) responds again “ I said change it back.” David changes the ‘A’ grade back to an ‘F’. Jennifer (cool) continues, “Listen, I guess I better get going.” Did you spot the Clues Sherlock? To make it freaky and eye cracking simple, the writers place the Subtexts in prentices. In this c case the writer used words like “smiles at”, “upset”, “cool”. Did you guess the movie? Or do you need a Clue?

Get A Clue Dude
Most of the time, a writer will only need one clue or Subtext to carry a scene. If, within a scene, more guides are needed, write it in. Remember only use your super subtext powers if it’s needed. We are not writing a Novel, or Marvel Comic, we’re dealing with a film. Each line in your script is screen projector time sensitive. Too many lines of subtext will not only bring your Actor to sudden death, but can fluff your script right into the revolving file and landfill. Besides, and I wish this truth for every one, you’ll be working with a cast of intelligent talents that wont require a lot of Subtext.

Subtext Is Your Friend
Skilled Actors will expect the Director to present them with scripted material brimming with sub texts. While casting your incredible list of talent, a properly written script with subtext, can make your life a little easier. DON’T RELAX JUST YET! The Director reads the script; the Actor reads the script, the Casting Director reads the script and what do you know? Everyone with half a brain cell will see that the scene is to be played out in one way. You will be happy, everyone will be happy. Your time will be well spent. How about that. Subtexts really are your best friend and how do you repay your friendship? You cast some dumb sh-t, or the producers new dizzy girlfriend to play the role.

Go now Sisyphus, write down ye subtext. And as I wiser man than me once said: Don’t screw it up!