Who Says You Can't Tell the Director What to Do?

Writing a script? Someone spread a rumor that you shouldn't tell directors and actors what to do.

Don't hesitate to use the very tool that can help make or break your script, (i.e. the stage directions). What are they?Physical actions/gestures/attitudes/reactions etc. described in narrative or parentheses that enhance subtext and cinematic action are called stage directions

Examples: "They lock eyes;" "He begins to sweat;" "They both blush;" "Their hands accidentally touch."It's amazing how many well meaning and skilled screenwriters forego this key device, bypassing a crucial opportunity to build drama and mood into their scenes. The writer's creative vision must be conveyed on the page and it is naive to think that this can be achieved through dialogue alone.

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