Hi everyone. Random question, but what is the correct way to format a thought bubble in a script? should I just write it as an action, as its own location or as a shot?
Screenwriting : Formatting a thought bubble by William Smith
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Hi, William Smith. I've never written a thought bubble in a script, but I'd probably write it on an action line like this:
THOUGHT BUBBLE: "Whatever the character is thinking."
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So you’re showing a thought bubble appear over someone’s head? I suppose it contains text, like “WOW!”
I’d treat it like a super. It’s not spoken out loud, so put it in action lines.
INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
Mark sees the woman in red walk into view.
A thought bubble appears over his head.
THOUGHT BUBBLE: WOW!
He drops his coffee.
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I agree with Mike and you could also add a bit more if there's a stylistic choice you want to convey -
ANIMATED THOUGHT BUBBLE: WOW! - That at least indicates to production you want some fun with it and will discuss, otherwise they could assume it will just pop on screen.
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As an Action,
SUPER, THOUGHT BUBBLE: "I know he was trying to shut me up with kindness but it's a double schreck 'cause I shut down his bloviation too."