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Each block of
dialogue must be
preceded by a cue line, identifying the character who is speaking. This
character cue is always written in ALL CAPS.
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Don’t center the character
cues. It may look cool, but it actually makes the script harder to
read. Each character cue should begin at the same column on the page
(4.2 inches from the left edge being standard). |
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Don’t place a colon after a
character cue. While some published playscripts may have colons after
their cues, this is incorrect in screenplays. |
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It’s not necessary to use both the first and last names.
Leads generally go by their first names. |
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When a character’s name
changes, it’s customary to remind the reader of the original name by placing
it in parentheses the very next time a speech is cued using the new name.
In other words, if we’ve been referring to a character as DOMINATRIX, but
discover her real name is MIRANDA, then the next cue for her would read: |
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MIRANDA (DOMINATRIX)
It's just something I do to get
tuition for college.
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All subsequent speeches for
Miranda would be cued with just her name alone.
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Never use an anonymous character cue such
as “MAN’S VOICE.” Instead, identify the character by name, even if the
speech originates off-screen from a character who has not yet appeared.
In some situations this may spoil the surprise, but all speeches must be
assigned to an actor. |
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Any speech from a character
who is not visible should be designated as either off-screen or voice-over.
Such designation is abbreviated as “O.S.” or “V.O.” written in ALL CAPS as
an extension to the character cue. In other words, it should be
enclosed in parentheses one space after the cue and on the same line as the cue: |
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MRS. KIMBEL (O.S.)
Hello! Over here! In the trees!
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When the speech comes from
a character in the same setting (such as inside a closet), then “O.S.” would
be used. When the character is located elsewhere (such as being heard
over a telephone receiver), then “V.O.” would be used. The term off-camera
(“O.C.”) is not used in screenplays, but
only in three-camera television shows.
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Character cues with multiples
names should have a slash (/) separating each name. Keep the cue as
short as possible, and don’t allow it to wrap. Each cue must be
limited to just one line. |
 
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