You can use ON SCREEN and BACK TO SCENE as ways to move from the scene to the screen. So for example: INT. LIVING ROOM – DAY Shirley watches the news. ON SCREEN An ANCHORWOMAN interviews an OLDER MAN. ANCHORWOMAN How long have you planned to wait out the storm? OLDER MAN We’ve got enough […]
What does “Off him…” mean in a screenplay?
“Off him” indicates that the camera is on a character who is reacting to something nonverbally. It can also be noted as “Off her expression…” or “Off his [emotion].” This term is often used to motivate a scene transition. JOE I love you, but I have to tell you the truth. LUCY I love you, […]
What does OOV mean?
OOV stands for “Out of View,” and is used much like (O.C.) or (O.S.). It is a term primarily used in U.K. screenwriting, and rarely seen in American scripts.
Do I need to register or copyright my screenplay?
Copyright automatically exists when you write something. Proof that you completed the work and the date by which you completed it is valuable, but stealing scripts is fairly rare. That said, there may be comfort in registering your IP. These are the two common ways of doing so: 1) Register it with the WGA — […]
How do you indicate voiceover from a different point in time?
There may be an instance in which voiceover from another point in time can be employed over a visual scene or montage. Often, using (V.O.) beside the speaking character name will communicate what is needed, but if it is confusing, you may add what clarifying words you need in the parentheses. For example: EXT. BOARDWALK […]
Should I use real locations in my spec?
There is no reason to avoid using real locations in a spec pilot, particularly if it is set in a generally recognizable city. Keep in mind the possibility that a reader may not recognize that specific location, so include details that will give a sense of the place as well. If that kind of specificity […]