Introduction
Pacing is often one of the most overlooked aspects of writing a screenplay but is one of the most important. It serves as the invisible hand that guides audiences through a narrative.
From heart-pounding thrillers to slow-burn dramas, pacing dictates the rhythm of a story, determining how an audience engages with it.
A well-paced screenplay keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, their emotions in sync with the narrative. But when it comes to our own screenplays, how do we ensure we’re setting the right pace and maintaining it?
In today’s blog post, we’ll explore what exactly pacing is, the different types of pacing, why it matters and how you can master it yourself!
So, let’s pick up the pace (no pun intended!) and discuss all things pacing.
What Is Pacing?
At its core, pacing refers to the speed and rhythm at which a story unfolds. It’s how the flow of events, scenes, and dialogue are controlled to maintain an audience’s interest.
It’s not just about speed, as balance is just as important. Too slow, and your audience will lose interest – and fast! Too fast, and they may feel overwhelmed. Strike the right rhythm, and you’ll create an experience that deeply resonates with viewers.
Pacing is also a tool to build tension in suspenseful moments. By slowing things down in these crucial points in the story, we can heighten anticipation. On the flip side, faster pacing can amplify emotions. Overall, a mix of fast and slow pacing can help develop your characters and themes.
Smooth production starts with clear communication. Learn how call sheets keep your pacing on point with our guide: What is a Call Sheet? [with Examples & Templates]
The Three Types of Pacing
Let’s look a little closer at the different types of pacing. Understanding each of these will help you intentionally shape your screenplay’s rhythm.
Fast Pacing
Fast pacing is recognized through its quick scene transitions, minimal exposition, and rapid dialogue. It’s most commonly found in action sequences, comedies, and thrillers.
Fast pacing keeps our adrenaline pumping and the stakes high. Think back to the relentless chase scene in Mad Max: Fury Road, or the rapid-fire dialogue in The Social Network.
Take a look at the start of the chase scene in Mad Max: Fury Road and how we quickly dart between the different characters taking part.
Slow Pacing
On the opposite end of the pacing spectrum, we have slow pacing. This allows for introspection, deep character development, and building atmosphere. You’ll often find slow pacing in dramas and arthouse films.
For instance, in The Irishman, the deliberate pacing gives the audience to delve into the complexities of loyalty, guilt, and aging.
While Al Pacino’s character, Jimmy speaks at a slow pace. There’s no outburst, but he makes things very clear in a calm and deliberate manner: never be late and never wear shorts to a meeting. We as the audience and the other characters get the point, and his calm manner makes him even more threatening.
Here is this exact moment of the film in screenplay format so you can see how the words translate onto the screen:
Pacing relies on structure. Learn how to format your screenplay like a pro here.
Erratic Pacing
This mixes fast and slow moments to keep audiences on their toes. You’ll most often see erratic pacing in psychological thrillers or dark comedies.
Take Parasite, where the tonal and pacing shifts mirror the unpredictability of the story. One of the biggest shifts is during one of the most stressful scenes in the movie to watch. The Park family are returning home early with the Kims still in their house.
The tension is at its highest as the Kims frantically try to organize the house. Then just as we as the audience think the tension has been released, the pacing slowing down again, we’re hit with the extremely creepy basement scene, kickstarting the pace once again.Video creator Raody does a fantastic job at explaining the ins and outs of the scene below:
Here is the accompanying script that matches the scene:
Why Pacing Matters
Pacing isn’t just a stylistic choice but is integral to the storytelling process for three main reasons: Firstly, it affects tension. A thriller with poor pacing fails to maintain suspense. On the other hand, masterful pacing can turn a simple scene into a nail-biter, just like in the iconic ‘dining room’ scene in Inglourious Basterds.
A well-paced screenplay also keeps the audience emotionally invested. The last thing you want is for their attention and buy-in to fizzle out halfway through your movie. The pacing in The Shawshank Redemption is spot on, balanced to ensure every victory and setback within the plot resonates deeply.
A notable example of pacing in the film is the sequences leading up to Andy Dufresne’s escape from Shawshank prison. Before his escape, we spend time with Andy and his routine in prison, his relationships with fellow inmates and his secret project of carving through the wall. These are the slower paced moments, with breadcrumbs being laid throughout the movie.
As Andy’s escape is revealed, the pacing accelerates, and we shift to the night of his escape. The rapid succession of events with Andy crawling through the tunnel, breaking into the sewage pipe and finally emerging into freedom in the pouring rain contrasts with the slow build up.
Thirdly, pacing directly influences how character arcs and plot developments are perceived. Fast pacing may highlight a character’s impulsive nature, while slow pacing can underscore their introspection or struggle.
Tips for Managing Pacing in Your Script
Now we’ve covered the significance of pacing, and its varying characteristics, it’s now time to explore how you can master it for your next screenplay.
Read on for all our practical tips for pacing and how to successfully implement it.
Balance Scenes
Use a mixture of fast and slow scenes. Use action or humor to break up heavy exposition or emotional moments. For example, Marvel films balance high-stakes battles with witty banter. Take the final battle in Avengers: Endgame, for example.
Use Transitions Wisely
Scene transitions can significantly impact pacing. Hard cuts create urgency, while fades or dissolves signal a slower, more reflective pace.Breaking Bad frequently uses time-lapse montages to compress time while maintaining tension and audience engagement, just like this one:
Control Dialogue Flow
Fast dialogue suits intense or comedic moments, while pauses and silence can build tension or drama. No Country for Old Men demonstrates how sparse dialogue, and long silences create an ominous atmosphere.
Carefully Structure Your Acts
Each act should have its own rhythm. The first act sets the tone, the second builds tension and the third accelerates towards the climax.
Films like Get Out follow this structure to the letter, with each act contributing to the overall rhythm.
Related Reading: The Three Act Structure in Screenwriting
Use Visuals
One for the writer/directors to bear in mind when planning the shots of your movie. Quick cuts and kinetic camera movements quicken the pace while static shots slow it down. Directors like Edgar Wright (Baby Driver) use visual techniques to align pacing with music and action. Just check out the opening scene to see exactly what we mean:
Experiment with Scene Length
While short scenes create urgency, longer ones allow for deeper engagement. In The Godfather, the slow pacing of the wedding scene immerses viewers in the Corleone family’s world, setting the stage for all the drama to unfold.
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Examples of Pacing Done Right
We’ve already explored some of cinema’s best examples of pacing, but let’s look at some more honorable mentions that you should get to know!
Slow Pacing | Blade Runner 2049
The deliberate pacing of this sci-fi epic creates an immersive atmosphere, allowing the audience to ponder existential questions while soaking up the stunning visuals.
The ‘memory maker’ scene is one that showcases strong pacing, with its slow and quiet atmosphere creating tension between K and Dr. Stelline. The absence of sound and the deliberate silences add to this.
Read along with the script:
Balanced Pacing | The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan’s film balances intense action sequences with slower character-driven moments. This balance ensures that the stakes feel real the characters remain compelling throughout the movie.
In this scene, as Bruce Wayne contemplates the fast-paced madness displayed on the monitors around him, we are granted a deep dive into his character as Alfred advises him and sees the Joker for who he really is.
Conclusion
Pacing is an essential yet often overlooked element of screenwriting. By understanding its nuances and mastering its application, you can transform a good screenplay into a great one.
Remember, pacing isn’t about rushing your story or dragging it out; it’s about finding the rhythm that best serves your narrative and keeps your audience engaged. Experiment with pacing, study examples from successful films, and always consider how it aligns with your story’s goals.
With practice, you’ll wield pacing as a powerful tool to captivate and move your audience.
Great pacing keeps your audience hooked.
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