Nice Surprise - What Now? Page 3

Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 7:33 PM BST

Give each character a different beat/rhythm to their voice. Do they speak fast or slow? Is there pain in there voice or are they a happy soul? Make one more angry or reactionary, whilst others timid and quite. Are they from different parts of the country, give one of em a slight ascent.

I was reading 'how to be a sitcom writer' last night, so this is on my mind atm, as well.

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All good thoughts. - Allthough I wouldn't have a clue how to give someone a different rhythm. Can you give an example.

The accent thing is a good idea - One character is Spanish, but needs to speak good english. So a Manuel type speech is no good - Any ideas on this one?

The use of syllables. If you can get an average or constant rhythm with each character, their voices would stand out.

MAN
Hello, how are you?

MAN 2
Alright?

MAN 3
Good afternoon.

MAN
Nice to meet you, goodbye.

MAN 2
Bye.

MAN 3
Goodnight.

Quote: bigfella @ August 4 2009, 7:46 PM BST

The accent thing is a good idea - One character is Spanish, but needs to speak good english. So a Manuel type speech is no good - Any ideas on this one?

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Know any common Spanish phrases? Listen to some Spanish people talking. Have they got strange habits in their English translation?

Every time they say something, they could finish it with, "sí" to reaffirm their statements. Although, this might be quite cartoon-ish.

I've been thinking about writing a blog or even an complaining letter, in the voice of my character. Seeing what comes out, and how they deal with being able to spill onto the page with full passion or not, depends on the character.

I imagine how they'd react to being put on hold for the millionth time or being in a never ending post office queue. You;ll see their voice come to live, and they'll be no restrictions like there might be in your sitcom. You can then pick and chose the best bits of the dialogue and get any idea of their voice.

Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 8:40 PM BST

The use of syllables. If you can get an average or constant rhythm with each character, their voices would stand out.

MAN
Hello, how are you?

MAN 2
Alright?

MAN 3
Good afternoon.

MAN
Nice to meet you, goodbye.

MAN 2
Bye.

MAN 3
Goodnight.

Know any common Spanish phrases? Listen to some Spanish people talking. Have they got strange habits in their English translation?

Every time they say something, they could finish it with, "sí" to reaffirm their statements. Although, this might be quite cartoon-ish.

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Right -that's going to confuse me.

I thought about the Si thing. And maybe a big "Olla" when they enter a scene.
(I need to learn how to spell spanish as well!)

Quote: Griff @ August 4 2009, 8:42 PM BST

Take each of your characters and write some monologues or sample scenes for them. Really try to visualise them and get inside their heads. The more you know about your characters, the more you will be able to write them as unique individuals.

Also Marc P will scoff at this. But I don't care. Go and read

It will answer a lot of your questions.

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Cheers Griff.

That looks good.

I should probably just shut up. I'm not the best person to give advice.

Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 9:47 PM BST

I should probably just shut up. I'm not the best person to give advice.

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No the advice is good. It's just I'm shit at understanding stuff like that!

I sort of get it - but then I don't.

Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 7:33 PM BST

Are they from different parts of the country, give one of em a slight ascent.

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This usually works well at the point where the story escalates.

Well done BF, and good luck with the rewrite. Try to give the same-y characters more distinction, e.g. if one is recognisably sarcastic etc. Anything that makes them distinct is fine. It might be the way they talk, the language they use (flowery, etc), how short/terse their speech is. Anything you like.

Man 1 speaks with lots of syllables. He could be a chatty person and outgoing.

MAN 1
Hello, how are you?

MAN 1
Nice to meet you, goodbye.

Man 2 speaks in one or one or 2 syllables, he's quieter. Doesn't give much away.

MAN 2
Alright?

MAN 2
Bye.

Man 3 is a mix of the both. He says more than one thing to you, but keeps it short. He's busy, but polite?

MAN 3
Good afternoon.

MAN 3
Goodnight.

Weird way of explaining it, but I think there's something in it.

Apart from the fact that most of what MAN 1 is saying is only one syllable anyway?

Quote: bigfella @ August 4 2009, 7:03 PM BST

The major comment was that a lot of the characters sounded the same. And I know that is very true - I read it and I can see it.

How do I give characters a different voice? Any ideas clever people.

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Just an idea:

When you're writing dialogue, imagine each of your characters being played by a specific actor. If it sounds wrong coming out of that actor's mouth, re-write until it sounds right.

I dunno if it works or not, but I thought I'd chuck it out there.

Yes, good idea, Kevin. I've caught myself doing that somtimes. It does work.

Quote: Leevil @ August 4 2009, 10:28 PM BST

Yes, good idea, Kevin. I've caught myself doing that somtimes. It does work.

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Well, it works for me when I'm writing. I don't know whether it works for getting a script produced, is what I meant.

I never scoff unless it's a free feed.

Work out who your characters are and then you should know how they speak. It all comes down to attitude. It's not really how they speak it's why!

I find it helps to imagine them wearing unusual clothes, e.g. those of a country gent.

This might sound a bit 'arse about face' but I think it'll just come from redrafting. I'm in a similar position to you with having written a script (not with interest from a producer like you though - big thumbs up) and the characters seeming to have similar 'voices'. Coming back to the script and realising the similarities is a step in the right direction and it'll force you to add extra layers to your characters, which in turn will get them in to different situations and therefore call for different reactions. Just one little thing: picture a scenario completely unrelated to your script, like them watching someone fall off their bike, and imagine how each character would react. Best of luck with your redrafting and congrats for even getting someone to sit up and notice your work.