I've heard it both ways, but I would love to hear what my fellow 32ers hold of. When introducing a character, he must be capitalized. What about when it's random extras that are introduced for the sake of the story, but do not play a role. I was told not to, but then got corrected by a proffessional that told me to ALWAYS caputalize someone shown on screen for the first time (maybe he's a bit old-fashioned...) So, what do I do?.....
Screenwriting : Capitalizing CHARACTER names when introduced by Meir Sabbah
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This is just my opinion Mike, but I would capitalise any person, or group that is worth mentioning by name,so MIKE or ANGRY CROWD, but if you were describing a scene in a busy shopping centre, with lots of random extras, I don't think you have to name or capitalise them, unless, perhaps, that crowd is going to impact on the scene in a meaningful way. I could be wrong of course......but the main thing is to make sure you are clear when writing.
I agree with Mark. I would capitalize anyone who's named individually or a significant part of the scene. If it's a bunch of random people walking by on the sidewalk, no need for capitalization. But when in doubt, capitalize.
And just to add to Dan's comment, you wouldn't capitalise their name if the first mention was in speech.
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Cap if he acts
If the characters act, or interact, in anyway in the scene your writing.. Then you write them into the scene as per usual.. INTRODUCTION = FULL CAPS.. If no interaction?.. Lower case..
What if the person has only a walk on part? Someone who is a bystander....
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Hi Janet.. Most walk on's are full caps.. They're interacting in the scene with the main characters.. Bystanders can be lower case, if they are just viewing the events, not speaking.. (i.e) EXT. STREET - DAY All hell has broken loose along this busy street. People SCREAM and RUN in all directions. No time for the niceties of life now. Getting away, and living through this, the only option for them. NEW ANGLE: An attractive young WOMAN, wearing a pink dress and heels to match, STAGGERS from the door of the bank, through the massed MAYHEM, onto the road. WOMAN (screaming) What the hell is going on?... CUT TO:
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If it's a person - even an extra - who has to be cast (i.e. not come through an extra agency), then you should introduce them e in all caps, when we first meet them. When an AD breaks down the script leading out to scheduling, this is how they determine their character count for casting...
Thank you kindly guys for responding. The help goes a long way in benefiting the writer.
Interesting Lee....do you give them a name... Or...Just describe the person?
it's basic
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either a name SALLY (30) and then a brief description, or a "descriptor" name WAITOR, etc.
Thank you....