“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.
### More from johnaugust.com
* [Formatting an interview montage](https://johnaugust.com/2011/formatting-an-interview-montage)
* [Formatting the faux-documentary](https://johnaugust.com/2010/formatting-the-faux-documentary)
* [Formatting the one-sided phone conversation](https://johnaugust.com/2005/formatting-the-one-sided-phone-conversation)