How to Write Telephone Dialogue in a Script: The Definitive Guide.
Confused about how to script a phone conversation? In this article we will look at Three main methods You can use it to format script dialogue.
We’ll also discuss other considerations about phone conversations. For example, whether “beat” is used when someone is listening on the other end of the phone.
have three main ways Write a phone call in your script. Let’s start with the simplest method.
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How to write a phone call using script method 1: Only one character.
The format is very similar to a normal conversation. it is best used for Brief phone conversation:
Note that you don’t have to add parentheses under the role name to mean “on the phone.” Or “make a phone call.” This doesn’t need to be done as long as you indicate that the character has picked up the phone.
Another thing to avoid is using a “beat” Every time the character listens:
This just takes up valuable space in the script. Additionally, actors don’t like being told when to pause during a phone conversation.
brackets However, this may come in handy during a one-sided phone conversation. When the character is on the phone while dealing with other things in the scene, you can use it like this:
How to Write a Telephone Conversation Using the Script Method 2: Voice-over (VO).
This method is the same as above, except that we use Use voiceover.
Here is an example:
In spec scripts, this approach sometimes results in (OS) or (OC) being used instead of (VO):
The characters on the other end are off camera in the same scene. They are in completely different locations, so Voice Over (VO) is the correct format.
How to Write a Telephone Conversation Using the Script Method 3: Insert cut.
This is probably the most common way to format longer phone calls. But it’s also the one that seems to cause the most problems among the spec scripts.
The technology simply inserts a barge to jump from one location to another, showing both ends of the call on screen at the same time.
The simplest way to format Two-party dialogue This is simply creating a character in a location. Then build another character in another location. Then add a “Break – Telephone Conversation” and continue the conversation as if they were in the same location.
Here is an example:
Another option is Create two locations at the same time Use INTERCUT in the opening credits, like this:
Finally, there’s nothing wrong with adding a slugline before each position, but it feels cumbersome. We recommend that you stick with adding INTERCUT to the slugline, or add some variation at the beginning of the second call:
• INTERCUT — telephone conversation
• Interjecting a phone conversation
• Intercut with Emily in Central Park
• Plunge cut:
Another variation on this format of seeing and hearing two characters during a call is to use split screen. this adds a little style flair But it’s best to use sparingly.
This technique was popular in the ’80s and ’90s (and perhaps television in the early ’00s), but has always been fairly rare in movies. Here are the simplest options for formatting your phone this way:
The most important thing to remember is not to get bogged down by the smallest details. In most cases, it doesn’t matter whether you use a dash or not. Or place information in subtitles or scenes.
Just always stick to a style and make sure you understand what’s going on as clearly as possible.
Should you use the phone?
In fact, in recent years, it’s become fashionable to tell aspiring screenwriters to try and eliminate phone conversations from their scripts entirely. In theory, they should always be replaced by face-to-face interactions.
However, this should depends on the storynot what some screenwriting guru tells you. If you need a call in your script, you need a call in your script. Just make sure you’re confident you know Why It’s there.
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Any other ideas on how to write phone conversations in a script? Let us know in the comments section below. If you would like us to check the formatting, spelling and grammar of your script, be sure to check out our proofreading and formatting services.
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