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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, too! Nothing can change that.

Joe removes a convincing mask, revealing his alien face beneath. Off her confusion...

CUT TO:

It can also motivate another character’s response to the noted character’s reaction.

JOE

Lucy, please say something.

She hesitates.

JOE (CONT’D)

(off her silence)

I thought you’d understand.

Lucy removes her own mask, revealing her own alien face.

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