screenwriting question

[smoovebd]

Reading scripts I come across the words, a beat or beat.  I know it's a pause of some sort.  Could some give me an exact definition of what this means and how it's used?  Thanks.

[Sponsored Links]

Watch Luke 11:17 and let us know what you think!

[yeyeman9]

As I understand it, and someone correct me if I am wrong, it is a simple pause. Instead of saying pause they say "beat". Although it is no longer used, at least not that much, it is still used by some people because it sometimes defines how long the "pause" has to be. Basically, as long as a "beat" of the heart takes.

Hope that helps.