How would you write...

If you have two characters speaking at the same time but you want the last word to be different how would you write it? For example:

BEN and KIRK
Wasn't that...

and then I want Ben to say 'Clare' and Kirk to say 'Sam'.

Any ideas?

https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/9417

Thanks for the link but it's kinda different what I'm asking.

You write it side by side. So:

BEN and KIRK:
Wasn't that...

BEN:--------------------------KIRK:
...Claire?-----------------------...Sam?

Though obviously without the hyphens.

Quote: David Bussell @ September 29 2008, 11:05 AM BST

You write it side by side. So:

BEN and KIRK:
Wasn't that...

BEN:--------------------------KIRK:
...Claire?--------------------...Sam?

Though obviously without the hyphens.

View original

What if the writing software you are using, say ScriptSmart, doesn't allow you to put things side by side?

Def.

Quote: Deferenz @ September 29 2008, 11:10 AM BST

What if the writing software you are using, say ScriptSmart, doesn't allow you to put things side by side?

Def.

View original

Then use a different program. Or else come up with your own way of doing things - as long as what you're trying to convey comes across in a concise, comprehensible fashion, no-one much cares.

I just put something like:

BEN/KIRK:
Claire?/Sam?

As long as it's clear from context, ie.

DAVE:
It's cos I have this big crush on...

BEN/KIRK:
Claire?/Sam?

It's cheaper than Bussell's 'buy a new pc, new operating system, new software' idea. Though that has its merits...

Dan

Quote: swerytd @ September 29 2008, 11:30 AM BST

I just put something like:

BEN/KIRK:
Claire?/Sam?

As long as it's clear from context, ie.

DAVE:
It's cos I have this big crush on...

BEN/KIRK:
Claire?/Sam?

Dan

View original

See, that works fine too.

I would rather not use a program and format it myself. Then you can do what you like. It's also cheaper and being a Yorkshireman, 'owt that saves brass..

I'd do it in directions if you can't put them side by side....

The following two characters speak the next two lines simultaneously...

BEN
Wasn't that Claire?

KIRK
Wasn't that Sam?

Quote: Frankie Rage @ September 29 2008, 11:34 AM BST

I would rather not use a program and format it myself. Then you can do what you like. It's also cheaper and being a Yorkshireman, 'owt that saves brass..

View original

I'm wi' you cocker.

Don't assume I'm an expert or anything but I would write it like this:

BEN
Wasn't that Claire?

KIRK
(AT THE SAME TIME) Wasn't that Sam?

I'd trust the director/actors to know their craft well enough to see what was happening. If it was a whole long conversation then I'd probably have to think of something different.

Thanks for the help guys. I've written it as:

BEN/KIRK [Simultaneously]
Wasn't that Claire? Wasn't that Sam?

It's clear enough I think.

Quote: Zuhaib @ October 2 2008, 9:46 AM BST

Thanks for the help guys. I've written it as:

BEN/KIRK [Simultaneously]
Wasn't that Claire? Wasn't that Sam?

It's clear enough I think.

View original

As long as it's clear, then it's fine. Do it how you like as long as it's concise and obvious what you mean.

Quote: Seefacts @ October 2 2008, 4:12 PM BST

As long as it's clear, then it's fine. Do it how you like as long as it's concise and obvious what you mean.

View original

Yeah that's what I thought.