What do you capitalize in a screenplay?

6 Things to Capitalize in Your Screenplay

1. 1.) The first time that a character is introduced.
2. 2.) Character names above their dialogue.
3. 3.) Scene headings and slug lines.
4. 4.) Character extensions for “voice-over” and “off-screen.”
5. 5.) Transitions, including FADE IN, CUT TO, INTERCUT, FADE OUT.
6. 6.)

Do you always capitalize names in a screenplay?

In stage plays, the characters’ names are generally capitalized throughout. In screenplays, characters’ names in the scene description are capitalized only when a character first appears in the script. Subsequent mentions of Bobby, in this scene or later, would not be capitalized.

Do you capitalize sounds in screenplays?

Most screenplay formatting books will advise you to capitalize all sounds and the objects that created the sounds. The exception being onscreen sounds made by human actors. He also relaxes the rules of capitalization if it’s not a new sound.

How do you format dialogue in a screenplay?

When writing a teleplay, any time a character speaks, whether out loud or in voiceover, the screenwriter must format the dialogue the same way: dialogue is centered on the page, one inch from the left margin. The name of the character who is speaking should always appear in all caps above the line of dialogue.

How do you intercut a screenplay?

Intercut Definition Instead of writing scene headings over and over, you can write one scene heading for each location and then indicate that the scenes are INTERCUT together by placing that INTERCUT atop the page to the right.

How do you write a slug line?

No matter what type of subheader it is, they should be formatted the same. Each subheader slug line should be written on their own line in the screenplay in all uppercase letters. This is frequently used when characters move room to room within a house.

What is the proper place to put the character name on the page of a screenplay?

Character names are referenced in the screenplay in all capital letters when they are first introduced, and capitals are always used in dialogue headings. Further descriptions of what the character looks like or is doing use title case. Character cues are placed 4.2″ from the left edge of the page.

How do you write names in a script?

How to write names in a screenplay? You write names in a script in all caps in the script description the first time they appear; then, you always write names in all caps 4-inches from the left side when they speak dialogue located under the description.

What does OC mean in a script?

off camera
means “off camera” — it is an archaic term that means the same thing as O.S. Don’t worry about O.C. and don’t use it. V.O. means “voice over” — a voice originates from outside the scene location.

Can you use all caps in dialogue?

All-caps isn’t just used for shouting, though. Many authors use capitals to call attention to a word or phrase in the text that they want readers to pay attention to. For instance, something that’s REALLY important to note. Instead of using all-caps to emphasize a critical word, try using italics instead.

What does Sotto mean in a script?

Phrases like “beat” (a short pause), “re:” (“regarding”) and “sotto” (softly spoken) are particular culprits. But all actor directions should be used sparingly in film dialogue format.

Which words need to be capitalized in a script?

The words that need to be capitalized are: 1.) Character names before dialogue 2.) The first time a character is introduced 3.) Slug lines 4.) Scene Heading 5.) Transitions 6.) Sounds 7.) Voice overs 8.)

Do you capitalize sounds in your screenplays?

I capitalize SOUNDS but not props or costumes. When tagging, I use colored highlights. Insert what is essential to the screenwriter telling the story. (E.g. It’s always tempting to suggest music – only do it if essential and really works). CAPS can draw attention to things.

When to use all caps in text in a screenplay?

Generally, text in a screenplay’s actions or stage directions will be in ALL CAPS when something deserves special attention. The first time a character is introduced, his or her name should be in all caps. This is the one steadfast all caps rule.

Should character names be capitalized in spec scripts?

It’s embarrassing to be shooting on the library set and nobody remembered to bring the lead pipe (costly too.) As an appreciated practical matter in spec scripts – capitalize sounds, props and unique/significant costumes, of course you all know about character names. It makes life so much easier.