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I'm not asking generally, but more individually because some people seem to and others don't. Is it becoming a thing of the past?

Think it's falling out of favor.

But be consistent. That's the main rule.

Yeah I am always consistent. I just seem to read more and more these days that don't do it so was just curious.

Thanks Stephen

I do.

I've been dogged out about doing so lately. Saying it's "Passe'" And that was from Script Saavy. So I eliminated all my caps except first intros of chars.

Michael,

I find that interesting. I've always used CAPS for sounds and it's never been commented on by Script Savvy. I guess it goes to show that it depends on the reader you get. However, even if I did get comment, I wouldn't change it.

I did. But actually I cap. too much for things I want to point out. Maybe that had something to do w/it, but I can send you my last report card from S.S. if it helps.

According to the "Spec Format Guide" you should UPPERCASE any words or phrases that contain strong audio components (BELL, HORN, GUNFIRE, etc.) and strong action verbs (SMASHES, PLUNGES, EXPLODES, etc.) UPPERCASING gives these words special emphasis and allows impatient readers to skim through your description and still get a good feel for what's going on.

Do not uppercase common nouns like GUN, CAR, PRINTOUT, etc.

Ya know. I'm bustin' ass to write and re-write my s.p. Everyone who reads it says this and that. And I make the changes. I hear "I don't like all caps," it makes me believe I'm stupid." So I change. I then hear too subtle, give me a "BOOM!" Just f'n read it, like it or pass. Can a sound make that much of a difference? I believe so, but who am I? I'll tell you who. I'M A WRITER, WHAT'S YOUR EXCUSE!

I do, but just be consistant.

I read somewhere (I'm pretty sure it was "The Hollywood Standard") that you should CAPS both the sound, and the thing that makes it--except sounds made by actors (coughs, et al). Supposedly everyone is used to reading it this way, but the functional reason is because it let's sound editors know what to focus on.

Michael,

I get what you're saying, which is why I wouldn't change it if it were commented on. You have to decide your writing style and stick with it. If a producer likes your script and wants changes for an option/sale, you make them then. Until then, remember what they say about opinions and a$$holes.

I have also recently heard that Caps on sound is now passe for spec scripts which is what we are writing. Shooting scripts, I would think, would still have caps for the sound editor. Books etc may not be up on this trend. Michael S. have you asked Script Savvy?

I capitalize sounds, but honestly, it don't think it matters. Like it was said - as long as it's consistent. No reader is going to pass on a script because sounds are capitalized or not. I wouldn't worry about it.

I agree.

Cheers for everyone's input. Seems lots of people do different things. So it really isn't a problem to capitalize words in action for emphasis (SMASH, CRASH, etc) even if you don't cap words such as PUNCH...

Yes, from what I understand this is one of those things that can go either way in a spec script. Don't worry. No industry reader is going to pass on your script either way. Like everyone else says, just be consistent.

Also, just FYI, I talked to an industry reader yesterday who says that it's now becoming acceptable to bold face and underscore slug lines! Apparently a lot of producers really love it because it makes the script much easier to read and the story easier to track.

Not sure I'd personally do that yet, though, as some industry readers and contest judges would probably mark you down for it if they're not up on the latest trends. And nobody's going to mark you down if you do it the standard way.

I capitalize every word in a script BUT sound effects.

Capitalizing sounds definitely was in all of the rule books written ten-fifteen years ago but is not the norm at all in today's market. In fact, as a reader I can't even remember the last time I got assigned a script that still did that. I personally wouldn't.

There's a lot of old formatting things that have slowly gotten phased out over time for spec writers because they're really only useful for shooting scripts. I suspect this is one of them. Regardless, as mentioned a million times already, consistency is the main thing.

I take that back, being good is the main thing.

In case you want more input, here's a thread about the same topic:

http://messageboard.donedealpro.com/boards/showthread.php?t=55308

I'm pretty sure we can safely file this in the "doesn't matter so long as you don't hinder the reader's experience" category.

My experience, it's out of favor. Tends to slow the read on a spec script. Maybe do it once or twice in a script to bring real emphasis, otherwise, a director can pretty well figure out what a bang! sounds like.

Once or twice would make its use inconsistent. Myself and a majority of the pros I know feel it does not slow down the read.