Official Pause Syntax
Use the official PlaiWrite pause format:
[Pause 0.5]
The value represents the approximate pause length in seconds.
Pause Cheat Sheet
- [Pause 0.5] — normal conversational pause
- [Pause 1.0] — thinking or processing pause
- [Pause 1.5] — emotional beat
- [Pause 2.0] — major realization
- [Pause 2.5] — flashback or major scene transition
- [Pause 3.0] — cliffhanger or dramatic silence
Shootdown Example: Hugh's Phone Call
HUGH Staff Sergeant Lynch. [Pause 0.75] Yes, sir. [Pause 1.0] Today? [Pause 1.25] Isn't there anyone else? [Pause 1.5] My wife is due any day with twins. [Pause 2.5] I understand.
Shootdown Example: Flashback Transition
NARRATOR Hugh grabs the family photograph taped to his console. [Pause 1.0] CUT TO BLACK. [Pause 1.5] A missile screams closer. [Pause 2.0] Six hours earlier. [Pause 1.0] It's pre-dawn.
Shootdown Example: Emotional Dialogue
KIERAN Promise me. [Pause 1.5] HUGH I promise.
Producer Tip: Do not think of pauses as empty space. Think of them as
part of the performance.