How Do You Quote Lyrics in a Script?
Quoting lyrics in a script requires careful consideration of formatting and context to ensure clarity and legal compliance. The best approach depends on the type of script (film, play, musical, etc.) and the intended use of the song. Here's a comprehensive guide covering various scenarios and best practices.
What are the different ways to quote lyrics in a script?
This is a key question, and the answer hinges on the context of the quote within your script. There are several options, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
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Diegetic use (song is playing in the scene): If the song is playing within the scene, you don't usually need to quote the lyrics directly in the script. Instead, you'd indicate the song title and artist in the scene description (action line) or character's action. For example:
[SCENE START] INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY ANNA sits at a small table, sipping coffee. "Heartbreak Hotel" by Elvis Presley plays softly on the radio in the background. ANNA (to herself, softly) This coffee is strong... just like my feelings. [SCENE END] -
Non-diegetic use (song is not heard by characters): If the song is playing only as underscoring, or if a character is thinking or remembering lyrics, consider this option: You can put the lyrics within parentheses, optionally italicized and potentially with an attribution to show where the lyrics come from:
INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT MARK sits alone, staring out the window. A melancholic melody plays softly in the background. MARK (to himself, quietly) *"(...) I'll never let you go..."* (from "Let it Go," by Idina Menzel) [SCENE END] -
Character sings the lyrics: If a character sings the lyrics, simply write the lyrics as dialogue, usually centered and potentially italicized depending on your script's style guide. You might also include stage directions within parentheses:
[SCENE START] INT. STAGE - NIGHT SARAH stands center stage. She begins to sing. SARAH (singing) *"(...) Reach for the stars, they're waiting there for you..."* [SCENE END] -
Dialogue that references lyrics: If a character merely mentions a lyric, integrate it as regular dialogue. You would use quotation marks and proper attribution as you normally would when quoting anything else:
[SCENE START] INT. LIVING ROOM - DAY JOHN I was listening to that new song by Taylor Swift. She says, "Long live all the mountains we moved." It's such a powerful line! [SCENE END]
Copyright Considerations:
It's crucial to understand copyright law concerning the use of lyrics. Using song lyrics in a script, particularly for commercial purposes (film, television, theatre), typically requires obtaining permission from the copyright holder (usually the publisher or songwriter). Using lyrics without permission can lead to legal issues and potential copyright infringement lawsuits.
How to properly cite lyrics in a screenplay (specifically):
In a screenplay, you'd generally follow the guidelines above, but you want to maintain a clean and consistent format. Avoid cluttering your screenplay with extensive lyric annotations unless absolutely necessary for the scene's understanding. If a song is playing diegetically, a simple mention in the scene description is sufficient. If a character sings, present the lyrics clearly and concisely. Remember that brevity is paramount in screenwriting.
This comprehensive guide clarifies the various ways to appropriately quote lyrics within a script, catering to different situations and acknowledging the importance of adhering to copyright regulations. Remember to always consult legal professionals when dealing with copyrighted material for commercial projects.
