Not enough writers discuss the necessity of pacing in a script and knowing where to plug your beats, rising action, conflict, and more. In general, high-action pacing causes us to eagerly await what unfolds next and wonder what’s to come–though if it’s too fast, it may confuse us or seem pointless.
Likewise, there’s the opposite experience–causing audiences to struggle through something tediously drawn out, yearning for resolution or clarity on its direction. These scenarios underscore the importance of narrative pacing in creating a seamless story experience.
Pacing influences the audience's reaction, viewpoint, and overall enjoyment of the narrative. So, how does one achieve optimal narrative pacing, and what are the hallmarks of effective pacing? Let's explore these intricacies further.
Still from 'Perfect Days' (2023). Photo credit: Oscars
What is Pacing in a Script?
Pacing functions as the pulse of a script, setting the rhythm that molds the emotional impact of a narrative. It encompasses the deliberate arrangement of beats—instances of tension, release, and contemplation—meticulously intertwined to create a seamless storyline.
Pacing largely depends on your script genre, style, and what you hope to accomplish. For example, the pacing of a Wim Wenders film is much different than a John Woo film. When crafted by a proficient writer, pacing blends dialogue, action, and silence into a complete story.
In general, script pacing:
● Governs the flow of the narrative.
● Influences the atmosphere of the story and shapes emotional reactions.
● Facilitates the exploration and integration of themes and concepts.
● Enables the construction of suspense and tension.
● Offers control over the timing and extent of information disclosed to the audience.
The Importance of Pacing
A successful narrative hinges on its ability to maintain a seamless flow, primarily determined by its pacing. Without proper pacing, a screenplay can feel disjointed, jeopardizing its effectiveness.
Narrative pacing is a crucial tool for keeping the story dynamic and ensuring the audience remains engaged. It regulates the audience's level of involvement and emotional response to the unfolding events.
For instance, if the narrative pace is too swift, there's a risk of rushing through pivotal moments, potentially overwhelming the audience. Conversely, if the pacing is too sluggish, it may fail to hold the audience's attention, leading to boredom.
Furthermore, excessive repetition can induce frustration and monotony. Optimal narrative pacing keeps the audience immersed without effort, fostering engagement with what’s on the screen. The audience is excited to see where the story goes and how it’ll end.
Sometimes, the film can disrupt the audience's suspension of disbelief, making the narrative seem contrived and challenging to reconnect with. Thus, it is worthwhile to know proper pacing and how it relates to dialogue, script structure, and more.
Common reasons for inadequate pacing include unnecessary scenes, excessively prolonged or abbreviated sequences, uneven progression of tension and resolution, and awkward dialogue characterized by lengthy sentences or unnatural phrasing.
Dialogue and Pacing
Dialogue can make or break any script; honing its rhythm is essential for crafting effective pacing. Dialogues' rise and fall echo the pulse of a story. Quick exchanges hurry the tempo, injecting conflict, whereas deliberate discussions slow it down, causing reflection. Striking the balance between both is the ultimate test.
A finely tuned script resembles an emotional rollercoaster, with peaks and valleys carefully mapped to elicit a visceral reaction. Grasping the subtleties of emotional trajectories is crucial for maintaining audience engagement throughout the film.
Script Structure
Establishing a solid structure is paramount in film writing, and while opinions may vary, writing structure remains prevalent among writers. A straightforward three-act framework is often a guiding principle.
Besides knowing the general structure, understand the necessity of tension. Tension acts as the propulsive energy driving a narrative forward. Whether it's the countdown of an event or the brewing conflict among characters, audience engagement deepens as tension escalates. Strategically unveiled revelations and clashes function as steps ascending toward the peak of suspense.
Yet, as tension mounts, it must eventually find release. A cathartic moment offers emotional respite, allowing viewers to exhale. Whether through a well-timed punchline, a poignant reveal, or a twist in the plot, the descent from tension creates a dynamic cadence that resonates with the audience.
Seamless transitions between scenes serve as the cohesive glue holding the narrative together. Fluid shifts contribute to the overall pacing, ensuring the story maintains momentum without abrupt breaks.
Pacing Tips
Various methods can be used to control the pace of your story, including adjusting scene lengths, managing dialogue quantity, and incorporating devices like subplots. Examples include the following:
Genre - Your film’s genre can affect your pacing. For example, horror films typically have a shock of tension transitioning into fast-paced, action-packed sequences. Given the inherently high stakes of horror, maintaining a consistently slow pace would be inconsistent with the genre's expectations.
Scene Breakdowns - It's worth creating scene breakdowns during the planning phase. These breakdowns can be detailed paragraphs or concise loglines for each scene. Additionally, it's helpful to jot down, even in bullet points, the moments of rising and falling action within each scene. This process provides a clearer understanding of each scene individually and offers an initial guide for pacing considerations.
Reading it Back - Try reading your work aloud, either alone or with others. Consider setting a timer for each scene and recording the time it takes you to read through it. This exercise will aid in developing a sense of the natural cadences within your writing, particularly concerning potential stumbling blocks such as dialogue.
How to Speed Up Your Script
With attention spans nowadays, sometimes it’s worthwhile to expedite the narrative. At times, this is precisely necessary: captivating the audience by propelling the storyline forward with an exhilarating pace. Examples include:
● Removing/Limiting Subplots
● Quick Dialogue
● Increased Action
● Cliffhangers
How to Slow Down Your Script
Frequently, a screenplay exhibits excessively rapid pacing, which can disorient the reader and hinder their ability to follow the storyline. As great as it is to have a script that’s fast-paced and reads easily, that’s not always a good thing, especially if your story requires more. A few tips to consider include:
● Reflective Moments
● Subplots
● Flashbacks and Backstories