Morning all,
Just need to check with everyone how they take care of Character names when mentioned in an Action. Are these to be displayed in capitals or only capitals the first time I use their name in a Scene? Ifthat's the case do I then use Capitals in say Scene 2 when I first use their names?
Thanks again.
I believe there is no correct way to format a script, unless you've been specifically told to do it a certain way.
But generally most people use capitals only when first introducing the character.
Wouldn't that come under 'directions'? In which case the instructions/characters would all be in capitals
Quote: bushbaby @ March 15 2011, 11:37 AM GMTWouldn't that come under 'directions'? In which case the instructions/characters would all be in capitals
Depends wether you're talking TV or Film.
In a film script, action is always lower case and you only use CAPS for the first time you intoduce a character.
I tend to just use caps when the character first appears in a scene (for every scene).
For a sitcom, I always type all the action in capitals, and then bold a character name the first time they appear.
Obviously I'm doing it all wrong.
I capitalise all actions and characters - dialogue in lower case with initial caps.
Quote: Chappers @ March 16 2011, 12:45 AM GMTObviously I'm doing it all wrong.
I capitalise all actions and characters - dialogue in lower case with initial caps.
So long as you're writing a film that's fine. You are writing films, right?
Quote: David Bussell @ March 16 2011, 8:09 AM GMTSo long as you're writing a film that's fine. You are writing films, right?
Um - no!
I got my formatting from The Extras script book
Films are formatted in screenplay format, which is lowercase action.
You'll find most TV dramas are too. (see Writersroom scripts)
But back on topic, I capitalise CHARACTER NAMES all the time in scene action, not just on introduction of said character.
There are no set rules, no matter how many times Uni screenwriting graduates or creative writing people tell you otherwise.
Quote: Chappers @ March 16 2011, 9:43 PM GMTUm - no!
At least now you know why you're not yet a professional writer. Get your formatting right and you'll be away!
I thought the format Chappers is using was used in a lot of sitcoms (judging by the writers room archive).
I'm just teasing. Honestly, as far as British TV's concerned, if it looks like a script, it's a script. Worrying about whether action needs to be in caps or not is time wasted - save your energy for writing something funny.
Yeah, unless it's writing something intended for radio (which isn't often for myself), I just tend to use screenplay format, no matter whether it's sitcom, drama, or film.
I just really feel comfortable with that format.
Remember what the scripts are for! https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/5583/
First check with the people you intend to send it to, what format they prefer.
Then if the format has stage directions in normal lower-case sentences with caps as first letters, it is normal that the first mention of a character in a script is in CAPITALS and is followed by a brief description (to aid the casting director and the wardrobe mistress). Subsequent mentions are in normal text i.e first letter caps, remaining letters lower case.
But it isn't a hard & fast rule, just remember that the production team will probably re-type your script into their own software system, and revise it umpteen times, long before it reaches production.